Articles: emergency-medical-services.
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In 2019, the emergency medical services (EMS) covering the western Norway Regional Health Authority area implemented its version of the prehospital clinical criteria G-FAST (Gaze deviation, Facial palsy, Arm weakness, Visual loss, Speech disturbance) to detect acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO). For patients with gaze deviation and at least one other G-FAST symptom, a primary stroke centre (PSC) may be bypassed and the patient taken directly to a comprehensive stroke centre (CSC) for rapid endovascular treatment (EVT) evaluation. The study aim was to investigate the efficacy of the G-FAST criteria for LVO patient selection and direct transfer to a CSC. ⋯ The use of local G-FAST prehospital criteria by EMS personnel to identify patients with AIS with LVO is not suitable for selection of patients with LVO for direct transfer to a CSC.
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Scand J Trauma Resus · Mar 2024
Evaluation of the offset static rope evacuation procedure: insights from a safe job analysis.
Recently, the Norwegian Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) has developed a procedure for a special type of static rope rescue operation, referred to as the offset technique. In this technique, the helicopter is offset from the accident site, and the HEMS technical crew member uses an offset throw line to gain access to the scene. Today, there is little practical experience of such operations, and a need has been identified for more knowledge on the potential hazards encountered during this type of operation. Such knowledge is of importance for further development of the procedure for the offset technique. ⋯ We have demonstrated the value of Safe Job Analysis for improving the static rope offset evacuation procedure. Our analysis has led to some changes in the procedure for offset rescue operations. This is the importance of having two throw lines and focusing on "why" in the procedure.
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British medical bulletin · Mar 2024
Variations in older people's emergency care use by social care setting: a systematic review of international evidence.
Older adults' use of social care and their healthcare utilization are closely related. Residents of care homes access emergency care more often than the wider older population; however, less is known about emergency care use across other social care settings. ⋯ There is a paucity of published research on emergency hospital use from social care settings, particularly home care and assisted living facilities. More attention is needed on this area, with standardized definitions to enable comparisons between studies.