Articles: intensive-care-units.
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Experience with therapeutic bronchoscopy using the fibreoptic bronchoscope in intensive care has shown it to be a useful procedure. The Nosworthy connection has also been modified to allow intermittent positive-pressure ventilation to be maintained during bronchoscopy. This procedure is valuable in those cases where sputum or blood are retained in the airways despite adequate physiotherapy and endotracheal suction. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy should be available as a routine service in intensive therapy units.
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The physical principles of electricity and types of electrical injuries are reviewed. The extent of such injuries depends on the strength of the current: ventricular fibrillations can be induced by a current of 10mA, and even of 10 muA if the current passes directly through the heart. ⋯ Risks attendant on the use of even the "safest" electrical apparatus are discussed, with special reference to the risks arising from interaction between, e.g., high frequency diathermy and monitoring equipment or domestic appliances (beside lamp, razor) and monitoring or electrical therapeutic equipment. A number of safety measures to minimize the risk of electrical injuries are discussed.