Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Cluster cross-over randomised trial of paediatric airway management devices in the simulation lab and operating room among paramedic students.
The objective of this study was to compare paediatric emergency airway management strategies in the simulation lab and operating room environments. ⋯ We found that paramedic students were able to place supraglottic devices rapidly with high success rates in simulation lab and operating room environments. Supraglottic devices, particularly the i-gel, were rated as easy to use. The i-gel may be easiest to use since it lacks an inflable cuff and requires fewer steps to place.
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A shortcut review was carried out to investigate whether avulsion fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal were best treated with tubular bandage, a walking boot or a short leg plaster cast. One paper presented the only evidence to answer one of the clinical questions (plaster cast or walking boot) but no evidence was found comparing tubular bandage and a walking boot. ⋯ It is concluded that while the only evidence available shows marginal benefit of walking boot over short plaster cast during recovery, there is no benefit to final outcome. Further research comparing tubular bandage and walking boot is required.
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Multicenter Study
Diagnostic accuracy of the magnetocardiograph for patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome.
We aimed to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of the VitalScan magnetocardiograph (MCG) for suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ⋯ The VitalScan MCG is currently unable to accurately rule out ACS and is not yet ready for use in clinical practice. Further developmental research is required.
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A shortcut review was carried out to see whether the hook test is sensitive enough for a negative result to exclude complete distal biceps tendon rupture (DBTR) in adults. 3 papers presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. It is concluded that the hook test is moderately sensitive at detecting complete DBTR when carried out by skilled clinicians in specialist upper limb clinics. As a single test, it is not sensitive enough to be used to exclude complete DBTR.
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The WHO recommends training lay first responders (LFRs) as the first step towards establishing emergency medical services (EMS) in low-income and middle-income countries. Understanding social and financial benefits associated with responder involvement is essential for LFR programme continuity and may inform sustainable development. ⋯ A simultaneous delivery of sustained social and perceived financial benefits to LFRs are likely to motivate continued voluntary participation. These benefits appear to be a potential mechanism that may be leveraged to contribute to the sustainability of future LFR programmes to deliver basic prehospital emergency care in resource-limited settings.