Articles: emergency-medical-services.
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Computer-aided telecommunications provide deaf teletypewriter users with 24-hour toll-free access to emergency services. An interface and software link the deaf caller's teletypewriter (TDD) with a microprocessor by reducing and inverting voltage levels between the two devices. This system facilitates rapid transmission of linguistically controlled triage questions to meet the communication needs of deaf patients.
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At the scene of an accident with possible injury to the cervical spine, management should focus on life support and prevention of further injury. On arrival of the patient in the emergency department, three standard x-ray films should be obtained in search of the abnormalities in soft tissues, alignment, and joints that indicate cervical spine injury and a thorough neurologic assessment should be performed. The potential of cord injuries to deteriorate makes careful monitoring of blood gases, urine output, and blood pressure imperative during this period. Early therapy with steroids and mannitol seems to minimize neurologic deterioration.
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · May 1982
Helicopter transportation of patients with obstetric emergencies in an urban area.
Regionalization of perinatal care has contributed to a decline in perinatal morbidity and mortality in neonates delivered at tertiary centers when compared to neonates delivered and transported to the intensive care nurseries. Transportation of the mother to the perinatal center in an emergency situation must be evaluated critically for neonatal outcome, response time, and cost. ⋯ This experience was examined with respect to response time, cost, obstetric problems, and newborn outcome in our first 100 patients. The results are indicative that when patient and neonates would benefit from delivery at a perinatal center, helicopter transport, even in an urban area, is highly successful and cost effective.