A case report of an accidental iatrogenic dexmedetomidine overdose in an adult
ConclusionsDexmedetomidine overdoses are infrequent, and they are usually the result of an administration error. (Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - February 27, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Demographics and clinical characteristics of carbon monoxide poisoning for patients attending in the emergency department at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
ConclusionsThe findings of this study are consistent with previous published studies showing low proportions of patients who were exposed to CO poisoning at risk of developing DNS. Further larger-scale multicenter studies are needed to assess the factors associated with the development of DNS for patients with CO poisoning. (Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - February 26, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Impact of teaching on use of mechanical chest compression devices: a simulation-based trial
ConclusionsThis simulation-based study demonstrated that structured training can significantly reduce the no-flow time when using mechanical resuscitation devices, even in ad-hoc teams. However, this benefit seems to be short-lived: after four months no effect could be detected. (Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - February 26, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

How a broken vertebra can lead to a fatal hemorrhage: a case report
ConclusionsIt is important to be aware of the possible serious consequences of unintentional falls in the elderly population and to provide strict immobilization of the spinal column until proper imaging. (Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - February 23, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Overview of best practices for buprenorphine initiation in the emergency department
AbstractIn recent decades, opioid overdoses have increased dramatically in the United States and peer countries. Given this, emergency medicine physicians have become adept in reversing and managing complications of acute overdose. However, many remain unfamiliar with initiating medication for opioid use disorder such as buprenorphine, a high-affinity partial opioid agonist. Emergency department-based buprenorphine initiation is supported by a significant body of literature demonstrating a marked reduction in mortality in addition to increased engagement in care. Buprenorphine initiation is also safe, given both the pharma...
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - February 19, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Diagnostic challenges between takotsubo cardiomyopathy and acute myocardial infarction —where is the emergency?: a literature review
ConclusionsTC leads to transient LV dysfunction that mimics AMI from which it should be differentiated for a good therapeutic approach. Patients with TC should be carefully monitored during hospitalization because they have a high recovery potential if optimally treated. (Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - February 15, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Triage implementation in resource-limited emergency departments: sharing tools and experience from the Pacific region
AbstractAccording to the World Health Organization ’s (WHO) Emergency Care Systems Framework, triage is an essential function of emergency departments (EDs). Thispractice innovation article describes four strategies that have been used to support implementation of the WHO-endorsed Interagency Integrated Triage Tool (IITT) in the Pacific region, namely needs assessment, digital learning, public communications and electronic data management.Using a case study from Vila Central Hospital in Vanuatu, a Pacific Small Island Developing State, we reflect on lessons learned from IITT implementation in a resource-limited ED. In pa...
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - February 14, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Chest tube placement in trauma patients: please use sonography
(Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - February 13, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Intentional intoxication with monkshood plant leading to atrioventricular dissociation and ventricular ectopy in a 17-year-old female: a case report
ConclusionThis case highlights the importance of early recognition of aconitine poisoning and the need for prompt supportive care, cardiac rhythm monitoring, and preemptive antiarrhythmic treatment planning. (Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - February 8, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

The first reported mortality from aluminum phosphide poisoning in Lebanon: a case report
ConclusionsEmergency physicians should include aluminum phosphide toxicity in the differential diagnosis when dealing with patients ingesting unknown pesticides especially when they smell the characteristic garlic-like odor. The toxicity from ALP leads to multiorgan failure and death rapidly. Thus, it is of utmost importance to start early, and aggressive resuscitation given that there is no specific antidote. (Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - February 6, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Using design research and human-centered design to address growing pains in a busy, urban emergency department: a faculty, clinician, and student collaboration between nursing, design, and medicine
AbstractIn 2021, a large urban university-based hospital transitioned to a new two-floor emergency department. Despite the new environment, there were usability and workflow challenges with the space. The authors of this paper created a multidisciplinary, human-centered design collaborative of clinicians, university faculty, and students in an effort to increase emergency department efficiency. After thorough design-research and clinician-focused collaboration, the authors and design team identified the need to improve medical supply retrieval time, which directly impacts patient care and clinician satisfaction. The primar...
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - February 5, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Strategies for improving ED-related outcomes of older adults who seek care in emergency departments: a systematic review
ConclusionFew interventions demonstrate promise in reducing ED revisits for older adults, and this review identified significant gaps in understanding other outcomes, patient perspectives, and the effectiveness in addressing underlying health needs. This could suggest, therefore, that most revisits in this population are unavoidable manifestations of frailty and disease trajectory. Efforts to improve older patients ’ needs should focus on interventions initiated outside the ED. (Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - February 1, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

A case report on ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis with a right parasternal approach: a novel in-plane lateral-to-medial technique
ConclusionThe presented technique provides real-time visualization of the needle and surrounding structures, which may potentially help to avoid complications and improve accuracy. The proposed technique may potentially enable access for emergency pericardiocentesis and for loculated pericardial effusion that has formed around the right atrium. Nevertheless, further studies with large patient populations are needed. (Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - February 1, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Successfully conservative management of the uterus in acute pulmonary embolism during cesarean section for placenta previa: a case report from  Tu Du Hospital, Vietnam and literature review
ConclusionsThe diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism is extremely difficult due to uncommon occurrence, sudden onset, and non-specific presentation. Awareness of this life-threatening pathology during cesarean delivery should be raised. Interdisciplinary assessment must be essentially established in this life-threatening condition. After the whole conventional management, uterine conservation may be acceptable where applicable. Further data is required to encourage this finding. (Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - January 29, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Evaluating the effectiveness of the pre ‑hospital trauma life support (PHTLS) program for the management of trauma patients in the pre-hospital emergency based on Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model
ConclusionThe implementation of PHTLS has been linked to the enhancement of participants ’ skills in treating trauma patients, leading to the application of acquired knowledge in real-life scenarios and a positive change in participants’ behavior. The evaluation of PHTLS courses in Iran, as in other countries, highlights the need for specialized training in pre-hospital trauma care. To ensure the continued effectiveness of the PHTLS course, it is advisable for managers and policymakers to encourage regular participation of PHTLS employees in the program. (Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - January 29, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research