Articles: emergency-medical-services.
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Triage is widely regarded as an essential function of emergency care (EC) systems, especially in resource-limited settings. Through a systematic search and review of the literature, we investigated the effect of triage implementation on clinical outcomes and process measures in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) emergency departments (EDs). ⋯ There is moderate quality of evidence supporting an association between the introduction of triage and a reduction in deaths and waiting time. Although the available data support the value of triage in LMIC EDs, the risk of confounding and publication bias is significant. Future studies will benefit from more rigorous research methods.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Feb 2024
ReviewAmbulance and helicopter response time. Association with patient outcome and illness severity: Protocol of a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.
Response time for emergency medical service units is a key performance indicator. Studies have shown reduced response time association with improved outcome for specific critical conditions. To achieve short response time, emergency vehicles utilize lights and sirens, and crews are allowed to be non-compliant with traffic rules, posing a risk for accident. The purpose of the systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an overview of the current body of evidence regarding the association, if any, between ambulance and helicopter response time and major complications and mortality in patients conveyed by ambulance and/or helicopter. Our secondary aim will be to enhance knowledge in the field of criteria-based dispatch to provide decision makers with evidence to optimize dispatch of limited resources. ⋯ We will base our conclusions on the findings of the review and meta-analysis.
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Review Meta Analysis
The accuracy of total body weight estimation in adults - A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Weight estimation is required in adult patients when weight-based medication must be administered during emergency care, as measuring weight is often impossible. Inaccurate estimations may lead to inaccurate drug doses, which may cause patient harm. Little is known about the relative accuracy of different methods of weight estimation that could be used during resuscitative care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and suitability of existing weight estimation methods for use in adult emergency care. ⋯ Patient self-estimations of weight were generally very accurate and should be the method of choice during emergency care, when possible. However, since alternative estimation methods must be available when confused, or otherwise incapacitated, patients are unable to provide an estimate, alternative strategies of weight estimation should also be available.
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Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · Feb 2024
ReviewEmergency Department Care of the Patient with Suicidal or Homicidal Symptoms.
Patients frequently present to the emergency department (ED) with acute suicidal and homicidal thoughts. These patients require timely evaluation, with determination of disposition by either voluntary or involuntary hospitalization or discharge with appropriate outpatient follow-up. Safety concerns should be prioritized for patients as well as ED staff. Patient dignity and autonomy should be respected throughout the process.
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To outline an approach to the assessment and initial management of patients with burns in the rural emergency department setting. Three mnemonics are presented that can be used for both the assessment and the initial management of patients with burns in rural settings. ⋯ Using a systematic approach may help improve burn injury outcomes for patients and provide practitioners with a step-by-step framework for the management of patients with burns in rural settings.