A Utah prison outbreak of severe botulism poisoning from homemade pruno highlights the importance of prompt medical attention. The CDC's anti-toxin is rarely administered due to lengthy supply chains, emphasizing the need for emergency physicians to act quickly on clinical suspicion.
A recent case series of serious injuries at the Tough Mudder event highlights the risks associated with extreme sports events. Participants experienced a range of severe injuries, including multiple electrical burns, seizure-induced Todd's paralysis, and face and head trauma.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that diabetic patients treated in the emergency department who received automated daily text messages improved their blood glucose levels and self-reported medication adherence. The program reduced the need for emergency department visits and was well-received by participants.
A recent Canadian study found that transgender patients often avoid emergency department care due to perceptions of discrimination or poor treatment. Nearly three-quarters of those who needed care were able to access it in the ER, but nearly half reported negative experiences related to their trans status.
A new study predicts that the Affordable Care Act will increase emergency department reimbursements by 17% for uninsured patients on Medicaid and 39% for those switching to private insurance. This could help reverse a decades-long trend of uncompensated care in ERs.
Two eight-year-old twin brothers were injured when a bolt of lightning struck a transformer near their tent, causing penetrating blast injuries. The case study highlights the rare possibility of electrical shock from lightning strikes and emphasizes the importance of seeking shelter during thunderstorms.
Cases of children ingesting magnets led to a quintupling of incidents between 2002 and 2011. Ingestion of multiple magnets resulted in more severe outcomes, including emergency surgery.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that observing children with minor blunt head trauma in the emergency department before ordering a CT scan can significantly reduce the need for CT scans. The study found that every hour of observation time decreased CT rates by approximately 70% on average.
Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) are recommended as the first line of defense for reversing warfarin-associated hemorrhage in emergency departments. PCCs can reverse anticoagulation three to five times faster than fresh frozen plasma, making them a life-saving treatment option.
A study of 43,979 patient records found that emergency physicians correctly identified nearly all patients with Bell's palsy. The majority of patients with life-threatening alternative diagnoses were accurately diagnosed without advanced diagnostic tests.
A study found that large cities have a lower risk of injury death compared to rural areas, with a 40% higher risk of unintentional injury death in the most rural counties. The risk of firearm-related deaths varied by age and race, but was generally higher in rural areas.
Emergency physicians used a new tool to assess drug-seeking behavior in the emergency department with an accuracy rate of 87%, according to a recent study. The use of prescription monitoring programs data helped reduce changes in prescribing plans from over 35% to less than 10%.
A young man experienced severe compartment syndrome in his shoulder due to excessive weightlifting, requiring surgery and hospitalization. The case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing unusual musculoskeletal injuries and highlights the role of bedside ultrasound in diagnosis.
Researchers found that older emergency patients have functional and cognitive problems increase dramatically after arrival. These patients often require specialized training in geriatric care to provide the best assessment and care.
A study by the American College of Emergency Physicians found that electronic medical records (EDIS) can improve healthcare quality, but also present significant safety threats. The authors recommend seven key improvements to mitigate these risks and ensure safer EDIS implementation.
A recent study confirms the growing role of emergency physicians in healthcare beyond the emergency department. Most unscheduled hospital admissions now come through the ER, indicating a shift in how patients are referred to hospitals.
A new study found that disabled Medicare patients under 65 who face cost barriers to medication adherence are more likely to have emergency department visits. The study revealed that 38.3% of patients with severe cost-related non-adherence had at least one ER visit, compared to 27.5% without CRN.
The RAND Corporation report highlights emergency physicians' critical role in evaluating, managing, and preventing hospital admissions. The study found that ERs account for nearly half of all hospital admissions, with non-elective admissions increasing 3.8 times the rate of population growth.
Two studies published in Annals of Emergency Medicine show that most children hospitalized with isolated skull fractures can be safely discharged home, potentially saving the healthcare system millions of dollars. New weight estimation devices, such as the Mercy TAPE, also provide more accurate pediatric weight estimations.
Long waits for insurance authorization are wasting thousands of hours of physician time, as most requests are granted. ERs have become de facto psych wards due to inadequate insurance coverage and reimbursement issues.
A study of over 4 million Veterans Health Administration records found that patients with severe psychosocial dysfunction and medical needs frequently visit the ER. Improved health outcomes may be achieved through increased spending on social services, such as housing subsidies and income supplements.
A new study reveals that emergency physicians' fear of lawsuits fuels defensive medicine, resulting in unnecessary hospital admissions and increased healthcare costs. The research found that high-fear physicians are more likely to admit low-risk patients and order excessive tests.
Emergency department patients with unmet substance abuse treatment needs are 81% more likely to be admitted during their visit and 46% more likely to have visited the ER in the previous year. These patients account for $777.2 million in extra hospital charges annually.
Long waits for inpatient beds in emergency departments can lead to significant revenue loss, as delayed care blocks beds that could treat incoming patients. The study found hospitals may lose up to $168,000 in potential revenue per admitted chest pain patient wait, with the annual loss potentially exceeding $1.74 million.
A recent case report reveals that MDMA can trigger heart attacks, with symptoms similar to those caused by cocaine or amphetamine use. Physicians are advised to familiarize themselves with the emerging trend of MDMA use and its potential risks.
A study of 404 sudden cardiac arrest victims found that almost half did not receive CPR before EMS arrival. The most common reasons for no CPR included physical limitations, victim location, and signs of life.
Researchers developed a new screening tool to identify adolescents at risk of carrying firearms in emergency departments. The tool, FiGHTS, uses known risk factors and has shown promising results in preventing firearm injuries among this age group.
A recent study by the American College of Emergency Physicians found no significant racial differences in the administration of pain medications to children, but did reveal regional variations. Children in the South and West received narcotics more frequently than those in other parts of the country.
The study found that uninsured patients and Medicaid recipients account for a significant proportion of emergency department visits due to tooth pain or injury. Despite receiving antibiotics or pain medication, these patients often lack follow-up dental care.
The article highlights the need for experience and evaluation of syndromic surveillance to detect bioterrorism. Emergency physicians are urged to be vigilant about reporting outbreaks to public health authorities until effective systems are in place.
A New York City woman was poisoned after ingesting a herbal product believed to be contaminated with digitalis lanata, a plant-derived cardioactive steroid. She recovered after receiving antidotal therapy and digoxin-specific Fab fragments.
A study by American College of Emergency Physicians found that only half of emergency department visits are paid, with payments decreasing from 60.3% to 53% between 1996 and 1998. The decline threatens the ability of emergency departments to provide care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.
A study of 216 cases found that 74% resulted from mishandling and 32% from potential deficiencies in firearm design. Researchers propose promoting safe storage and handling, as well as requiring safety features in new handguns to prevent unintentional shootings.
A study found that 42% of emergency patients waited more than 60 minutes for care, with longer waits in poorer neighborhoods. Emergency departments with better staffing ratios had shorter waiting times, suggesting physician and nurse staffing as a solution to reduce wait times.
A recent study examined three independent databases to develop a comprehensive picture of the occupational hazards faced by EMS workers. The findings reveal that EMS personnel are exposed to various risks, including ambulance crashes, assaults, and exposure to infectious diseases.
A new test protocol has been shown to accurately diagnose chest pain in emergency patients, with a 100% sensitivity rating for heart attacks. The protocol's accelerated evaluation tool may reduce hospital admissions and improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A NHTSA analysis shows that states without open-container laws experience more alcohol-involved fatal crashes. Four of every 10 highway fatalities involve alcohol, highlighting the need for better laws. Dr. Phillip Brewer calls on emergency physicians to advocate for stronger laws.
The study found that drug shortages affecting patients in emergency departments have grown significantly since 1995. Emergency physicians can help manage these shortages by communicating with hospitals and patients about available options, but solving the issue will take many years.
A recent study found that the federal government's E/M coding system for Medicare has poor agreement among coding specialists, resulting in overbilling. The system's complexity and lack of precision lead to inconsistent coding practices.
The American College of Emergency Physicians has issued first consensus guidelines on lightning safety before summer storms. These guidelines emphasize the importance of individual responsibility in avoiding lightning injury and provide tips on safer practices, including knowing safe locations and following weather updates.
Epilepsy does not increase motor vehicle crash risks compared to other medical conditions; regulations hinder patients from seeking proper care. Mandatory reporting laws are discriminatory and destroy patient-physician confidentiality.
A national survey found that most adults are unaware of the effectiveness of policies like raising taxes on alcoholic beverages and increasing the drinking age. Effective measures have saved tens of thousands of lives, but public awareness is needed to prevent accidents.
Leaders in emergency medicine will read the same articles to share a common knowledge and background, with annual self-assessment tests to prove mastery of medical literature. The requirement aims to improve patient safety and physician accountability, as mandated by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
A study found that elderly patients with multiple prescription medications have difficulty identifying them, dosages, frequencies, and indications. The study suggests that this issue may be more widespread among elderly patients who are disoriented or medically unstable.
Two new studies introduce a reliable assay to detect brown recluse spider venom in patients, reducing the need for invasive biopsies. The assay detects venom in hair, fluid from wounds, and skin biopsies, improving diagnosis accuracy and avoiding misidentifications.
Bats are the leading cause of human rabies in the US, with tiny bites going unnoticed. The study found it unlikely for bat rabies to be transmitted through the air or from an infected animal like a cat or dog. Dr. Gibbons advises seeking emergency care if direct contact occurs.
Researchers developed a decision tree combining cause of injury with physical signs and symptoms to determine the appropriate type and level of care for children. The new triage tool aims to reduce under-triage in pediatric motor vehicle crashes, resulting in better outcomes.
Researchers found laboratory testing combined with physical exams significantly helps identify internal abdominal injuries in children. Missed abdominal injuries are a major cause of preventable death and disability.
A study by the American College of Emergency Physicians finds that emergency department visits increased 27% from 1990-1999, with critically ill visits rising 59% and urgent visits increasing 36%. The number of beds per population also decreased, exacerbating the problem.
Researchers tested BNP levels in 325 patients with dyspnea, finding those with high levels had a 51% chance of developing congestive heart failure or dying within six months. The study supports the use of BNP testing as a tool for diagnosing patients at risk of congestive heart failure.