Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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An increasing proportion of the major trauma population are older persons. The pattern of injury is different in this age group and serious chest injuries represent a significant subgroup, with implications for trauma system design. The aim of this study was to examine trends in thoracic injuries among major trauma patients in an inclusive trauma system. ⋯ Admissions for thoracic injuries in the major trauma population are increasing. Older patients are contributing to an increase in major thoracic trauma. This is likely to have important implications for trauma system design, as well as morbidity, mortality and use of healthcare resources.
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Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is prevalent in the UK. Reported survival is lower than in countries with comparable healthcare systems; a better understanding of outcome determinants may identify areas for improvement. ⋯ NTCA and TCA are clinically distinct entities with different predictors for outcome-future OHCA reports should aim to separate arrest aetiologies. Determinants of survival to hospital admission and discharge differ in a way that likely reflects the determinants of neurological injury. Bystander CPR public engagement may be best focused in more deprived areas.
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Editorial
Anatomy of resuscitative care unit: expanding the borders of traditional intensive care units.
Resuscitation lacks a place in the hospital to call its own. Specialised intensive care units, though excellent at providing longitudinal critical care, often lack the flexibility to adapt to fluctuating critical care needs. We offer the resuscitative care unit as a potential solution to ensure that patients receive appropriate care during the most critical hours of their illnesses. These units offer an infrastructure for resuscitation and can meet the changing needs of their institutions.