Articles: emergency-medical-services.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Belg · Jan 1987
ReviewResuscitation and evaluation of victims of blunt multisystem trauma.
The initial management of hemodynamically unstable polytrauma patients can be challenging. Although there are other possible causes of hypotension, such as tension pneumothorax, CNS injury and hemopericardium, in the vast majority of blunt trauma victims shock is due to blood loss. Whereas the diagnosis of circulatory collapse is clearcut, the rapid identification and control of the bleeding source may not be a straightforward matter. ⋯ In concert with respiratory management, other members of the trauma team should secure adequate vascular access, resuscitate the patient and perform a physical examination. Physical findings dictate the order of further diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers. In unstable patients the potential need for urgent surgical intervention must not be overlooked.
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A statewide study of ambulance services was conducted to inform executive and legislative decision making regarding Emergency Medical Services in Pennsylvania. The study focused on the training status of ambulance personnel, turnover, and coordination between state and local levels. The study found indications that adequate numbers of trained personnel were often not making ambulance trips. A variety of issues that might cause and solve this problem are discussed, as are the dissemination and utilization of the study's results.