{"title":"Rapid Ultrasonography for Shock and Hypotension Protocol Performed using Handheld Ultrasound Devices by Paramedics in a Moving Ambulance: Evaluation of Image Accuracy and Time in Motion-RETRACTION.","authors":"Burcu Azapoglu Kaymak, Merve Eksioglu","doi":"10.1017/S1049023X25000147","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S1049023X25000147","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":20400,"journal":{"name":"Prehospital and Disaster Medicine","volume":"40 1","pages":"59"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143701357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Theresa Lüdke, Susanne Günther, Mandy Cuevas, Wladimir Haacke, Mark Frank
{"title":"Treatment and Outcome of Anaphylactic Reactions in Emergency Medical Services of Dresden/Germany: A 5-Year Analysis.","authors":"Theresa Lüdke, Susanne Günther, Mandy Cuevas, Wladimir Haacke, Mark Frank","doi":"10.1017/S1049023X25000184","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S1049023X25000184","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Anaphylactic reactions can lead to life-threatening situations. Therefore, a rapid diagnosis and therapy are indicated. Various guidelines recommend immediate treatment with intramuscular adrenaline in severe anaphylaxis. Based on study data from different countries, it has been shown that therapy of anaphylaxis is often not carried out according to existing guidelines.</p><p><strong>Study objective: </strong>The aim of the study was an analysis of the emergency treatment and outcome of anaphylaxis in children and adults according to its severity. Focus was placed on the recommended first-line therapy with adrenaline in cases of severe reactions. Further demographic data, triggers, symptoms, and hospitalization rates of anaphylaxis were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from Emergency Medical Services from Dresden/Germany in cases of anaphylaxis from the start of 2012 through the end of 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The data of the air rescue were not considered. The severity of the anaphylaxis, the therapy, the further monitoring, and the outcome were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1,131 adults and 223 children with anaphylactic reactions (Grade I-IV) were analyzed. Overall, 591 adults and 102 children showed a severe anaphylaxis. The most common trigger for severe anaphylactic reactions was food in children (61%) and medication in adults (33%). Seven percent of adults and eight percent of children with Grade II or higher anaphylactic reactions received adrenaline. There is a significant correlation between adrenaline therapy and improved condition/outcome in adults and children. Sixty-six percent of adults and 83% of children with severe anaphylaxis were hospitalized. Twenty-one percent of the adults and 13% of the children did not receive further medical observation despite a severe reaction.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The guideline-compliant first-line therapy with adrenaline was not carried out in the majority of the cases analyzed. However, the study shows that treatment with adrenaline for anaphylaxis leads to a significant improvement in the patients' condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":20400,"journal":{"name":"Prehospital and Disaster Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"12-20"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143664332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emanuela Parotto, Valentina Isidoris, Anna Cavestro, Andrea Atzori
{"title":"Health Needs of Ukrainian Refugees Displaced in Moldova: A Report from an Italian Emergency Medical Team.","authors":"Emanuela Parotto, Valentina Isidoris, Anna Cavestro, Andrea Atzori","doi":"10.1017/S1049023X25000160","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S1049023X25000160","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The escalation of the armed Ukrainian conflict forced millions of refugees to cross borders into neighboring countries, such as Poland, Czech Republic, Republic of Moldova, and Romania. The objective of this manuscript is to report the mission of an Italian Emergency Medical Team (EMT), named CUAMM EMT, deployed to assist Ukrainian refugees sheltered in the Republic of Moldova.</p><p><strong>Observations: </strong>A total of 1,173 patients were admitted to the CUAMM EMT during the period of observation covered in this report (June - December 2022). The majority of patients (88.7%; n = 1,040) had health problems not directly related to the conflicts, while only 3.2% (n = 38) of patients presented diseases directly related to the event. With reference to the World Health Organization (WHO) Minimum Data Set (MDS), the most prevalent diagnosis (66.8%; n = 783) referred to \"other diseases, not specified above\" (Code 29). Among this group, the majority of diagnosis were attributable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases (23.4%; n = 177), gastrointestinal diseases (7.4%; n = 56), chronic musculoskeletal diseases (6.1%; n = 46), and cancer (4.7%; n = 36).</p><p><strong>Analysis: </strong>The most prevalent diagnoses faced by CUAMM EMT during its deployment referred to health problems not directly related to the conflict. Among them, the majority of cases registered were attributable to NCDs, raising interesting points of discussion concerning the management of these conditions during EMTs disaster deployment.</p>","PeriodicalId":20400,"journal":{"name":"Prehospital and Disaster Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"37-42"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143658352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Updates to the Prehospital and Disaster Medicine Manuscript Review Process.","authors":"Ellen Johnson, Jeffrey Michael Franc","doi":"10.1017/S1049023X25000172","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S1049023X25000172","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The scientific manuscript review process can often seem daunting and mysterious to authors. Frequently, medical journals do not describe the peer-review process in detail, which can further lead to frustration for authors, peer reviewers, and readers. This editorial describes the updated manuscript review process for <i>Prehospital and Disaster Medicine</i>. It is hoped that this editorial will lead to increased clarity and transparency in the review process.</p>","PeriodicalId":20400,"journal":{"name":"Prehospital and Disaster Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143658354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rapid Ultrasonography for Shock and Hypotension Protocol Performed using Handheld Ultrasound Devices by Paramedics in a Moving Ambulance: Evaluation of Image Accuracy and Time in Motion.","authors":"Burcu Azapoglu Kaymak, Merve Eksioglu","doi":"10.1017/S1049023X24000426","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S1049023X24000426","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Handheld ultrasound (US) devices have become increasingly popular since the early 2000s due to their portability and affordability compared to conventional devices. The Rapid Ultrasonography for Shock and Hypotension (RUSH) protocol, introduced in 2009, has shown promising accuracy rates when performed with handheld devices. However, there are limited data on the accuracy of such examinations performed in a moving ambulance. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and accuracy of the RUSH protocol performed by paramedics using handheld US devices in a moving ambulance.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The study aimed to examine the performability of the RUSH protocol with handheld US devices in a moving ambulance and to evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic views obtained within an appropriate time frame.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective study was conducted with paramedics who underwent theoretical and practical training in the RUSH protocol. The participants performed the protocol using a handheld US device in both stationary and moving ambulances. Various cardiac and abdominal views were obtained and evaluated for accuracy. The duration of the protocol performance was recorded for each participant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nine paramedics completed the study, with 18 performances each in both stationary and moving ambulance groups. The accuracy of diagnostic views obtained during the RUSH protocol did not significantly differ between the stationary and moving groups. However, the duration of protocol performance was significantly shorter in the moving group compared to the stationary group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Paramedics demonstrated the ability to perform the RUSH protocol effectively using handheld US devices in both stationary and moving ambulances following standard theoretical and practical training. The findings suggest that ambulance movement does not significantly affect the accuracy of diagnostic views obtained during the protocol. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these findings and explore the potential benefits of prehospital US in dynamic environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":20400,"journal":{"name":"Prehospital and Disaster Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"53-58"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140959003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sebastian Schnaubelt, Alexander Egger, Verena Fuhrmann, Katharina Tscherny, Maximilian Niederer, Thomas Uray, Wolfgang Schreiber, Harald Herkner, Dominik Roth
{"title":"High Altitude Dynamics in Cerebral Oxygenation of Mountain Rescue Personnel: A Prospective Alpine Proof-of-Concept Field Study.","authors":"Sebastian Schnaubelt, Alexander Egger, Verena Fuhrmann, Katharina Tscherny, Maximilian Niederer, Thomas Uray, Wolfgang Schreiber, Harald Herkner, Dominik Roth","doi":"10.1017/S1049023X25000123","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S1049023X25000123","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mountain Rescue Services (MRS) are a vital link in the chain of survival when it comes to emergencies at high altitudes. Cognitive impairment in hypobaric hypoxic conditions is known, and previous studies have shown suboptimal performance of MRS members after a steep ascent. These impairments may be linked to regional cerebral oxygenation (rSO2). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether there are dynamics in rSO2 between \"baseline\" and \"working\" altitudes after climbing up to a potential patient.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this alpine proof-of-concept field study, experienced mountaineers of the Austrian MRS had to perform an active rapid ascent of 1,200 meters on foot to 3,454 meters above sea level. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to measure rSO2 before and after the climb. Continuous data were compared among subgroups using Mann-Whitney-U tests, and categorical data were compared with χ<sup>2</sup>-square tests. Statistical significance was defined by two-tailed P values of <.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty MRS members were assessed. Their rSO2 values at baseline altitude were significantly higher than at working altitude (70 [SD = 1]% versus 60 [SD = 1]%; absolute difference 10 [95% CI, 6-15]; P <.001). When assessing the single dynamics of each mountain rescuer, there was a wide variability in delta rSO2, ranging from a minimum of 0% to a maximum of 32% (mean 10 [SD = 8]%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, low rSO2 values were found in mountain rescuers at high altitudes, and there were considerable interpersonal differences of changes in cerebral oxygenation after an ascent. Using rSO2 to assess performance-readiness in mountain rescuers and individual proneness to potential cognitive dysfunction or acute mountain sickness (AMS) could be further research goals.</p>","PeriodicalId":20400,"journal":{"name":"Prehospital and Disaster Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"33-36"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143483617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maor Chavkin, Lea Ohana Sarna Cahan, Itai Shavit, Rebecca Brooks, Michal Sadeh, Saar Hashavya, Itai Gross, David Rekhtman
{"title":"Morbidity and Mortality of Drowning Children in Jerusalem District - Retrospective Analysis.","authors":"Maor Chavkin, Lea Ohana Sarna Cahan, Itai Shavit, Rebecca Brooks, Michal Sadeh, Saar Hashavya, Itai Gross, David Rekhtman","doi":"10.1017/S1049023X24000645","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S1049023X24000645","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Drowning persists as a preventable pediatric cause of severe morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate the risk factors, circumstances, and medical consequences associated with pediatric drowning incidents in order to identify patterns that can inform targeted interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a retrospective analysis of a cohort of pediatric drowning cases. The study encompassed children aged 0-18 years who presented to the pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) of Hadassah Medical Centers in Jerusalem from January 1, 2004 through April 30, 2023. Inclusion criteria were individuals with main registration diagnosis containing the terms \"drowning\" or \"submersion.\"</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analysis revealed 129 cases of pediatric drowning, males comprising 66% of the cohort. The average age was 4.9 years (SD = 4.5). Predominantly, drownings occurred in private (38%) or public pools (27.1%). Forty-eight percent of children required hospitalization in intensive care. Notably, children from the Arab minority were significantly younger at the time of drowning (3.8 years; P = .04) and were at elevated risk of severe neurologic outcomes necessitating rehabilitation (P = .03). Incidents occurring on weekends were associated with younger victim ages (3.5 years; P = .04) and with increased likelihood of outcomes necessitating rehabilitation (P = .04). Conversely, children from families with four or more siblings were notably older at the time of drowning (5.3 years; P = .01). No other statistically significant differences were observed among demographic groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Strategies aimed at promoting child health and preventing drowning must surmount feasibility barriers. Intervention efforts should be tailored to populations at heightened risk, including younger children, minority groups, and incidents occurring during weekends.</p>","PeriodicalId":20400,"journal":{"name":"Prehospital and Disaster Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"436-441"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143010413","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Beyond the Tragedy: Illuminating Challenges in Disaster Management and Mental Health Support in Resource-Constrained Environments.","authors":"Syed Muhammad Aqeel Abidi","doi":"10.1017/S1049023X24000657","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S1049023X24000657","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the aftermath of the 2022 Pakistan flooding, disaster management faced critical challenges, particularly in mental health support. This study analyzed an incident where eighteen internally displaced individuals lost their lives in a bus fire. The current approach involves a comprehensive analysis of the incident, exploring the difficulties encountered in managing relief efforts, and providing mental health support. The study aims were to evaluate existing mental health support mechanisms, to identify challenges in disaster management, and to propose recommendations for future preparedness. Recommendations include enhancing disaster response training, integrating mental health services into primary health care, and prioritizing community resilience. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of disaster management in resource-constrained regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":20400,"journal":{"name":"Prehospital and Disaster Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"442-444"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11821298/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142896908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Barriers and Facilitators Toward Disaster Knowledge, Skills, and Preparedness among Emergency Medical Services in Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Yasir Almukhlifi, Gary Crowfoot, Alison Hutton","doi":"10.1017/S1049023X24000670","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S1049023X24000670","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Disasters pose significant challenges globally, affecting millions of people annually. In Saudi Arabia, floods constitute a prevalent natural disaster, underscoring the necessity for effective disaster preparedness among Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers. Despite their critical role in disaster response, research on disaster preparedness among EMS workers in Saudi Arabia is limited.</p><p><strong>Study objective/methods: </strong>The study aimed to explore the disaster preparedness among EMS workers in Saudi Arabia. This study applied an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design to explore disaster preparedness among EMS workers in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the qualitative phase. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 EMS workers from National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA) and Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities in Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. Thematic analysis was conducted following Braun and Clarke's six-step process, ensuring data rigor through Schwandt, et al's criteria for trustworthiness.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The demographic characteristics of participants revealed a predominantly young, male workforce with varying levels of experience and educational backgrounds. Thematic analysis identified three key themes: (1) Newly/developed profession, highlighting the challenges faced by young EMS workers in acquiring disaster preparedness; (2) Access to opportunities and workplace resources (government versus military), indicating discrepancies in disaster preparedness support between government and military hospitals; and (3) Workplace policies and procedures, highlighting the need for clearer disaster policies, training opportunities, and role clarity among EMS workers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study underscores the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by EMS workers in Saudi Arabia to enhance disaster preparedness. Recommendations include targeted support for young EMS professionals, standardization of disaster training across health care facilities, and improved communication of disaster policies and procedures. These findings have implications for policy and practice in disaster management and EMS training in Saudi Arabia.</p>","PeriodicalId":20400,"journal":{"name":"Prehospital and Disaster Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"395-401"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142896906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}