Evaluating the Impact of Emergency Department Length of Stay in a Military Training Hospital Following the Implementation of a Standardized Paging System.

Emergency department (ED) lengths of stay (LOS) may be unnecessarily extended by inefficient consulting processes. Delays in initiating consultations, returning calls, consultant evaluation of patients, and communication of recommendations can contribute to potentially avoidable increases in LOS. Prolonged ED LOS has been shown to increase patient morbidity and mortality and to decrease patient satisfaction. We created a standardized procedure for ED-initiated consultations, with the goal of reducing the time to initial consultant callback, time to admission, and total ED LOS. Following our intervention, time to consultant callback was decreased; however, there was no reduction in total ED LOS for admitted patients.

Novel Cost-Effective Model for Training Post-intubation Endotracheal Tube Placement Confirmation.

Intubation in emergency settings demands rapid confirmation of endotracheal tube (ETT) placement for establishing a definitive airway. Current methods, including capnography and auscultation, have limitations. This study introduces a cost-effective and easily accessible training model for confirming ETT placement using ultrasound, aiming to improve training and patient outcomes. We developed a gelatin and psyllium-based model that simulates adult ETT intubation, offering an alternative to costly cadaveric models. The model's construction is described, with materials costing approximately $7.34 per unit. Preliminary results show promise in simulating tracheal and esophageal intubation scenarios. This novel model provides an ethical and economical solution for training healthcare professionals in the ultrasound confirmation of ETT placement, paving the way for further validation and adoption in medical education.

Endovascular aortic occlusion improves return of spontaneous circulation after longer periods of cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A translational study in pigs.

Introduction: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has emerged as an adjunct to CPR for nontraumatic cardiac arrest (NTCA). This translational study investigated the impact of varying low-flow duration (15- vs 30-mins) on REBOA's hemodynamic performance and ability to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in a porcine model. Methods: Thirty-two pigs were anesthetized and placed into ventricular fibrillation. All animals received a 4-min no-flow period before CPR was initiated. Animals were randomized into four groups: 15- vs 30-minutes of CPR; REBOA vs. no-REBOA. After completion of 15- or 30-minute low-flow, ACLS was initiated and REBOA was inflated in experimental animals. Results: In the 15-mins groups, there were no differences in the rates of ROSC between REBOA (4/8, 50%) and control (4/8, 50%; p = 0.99). However, in the 30-min groups, the REBOA animals had a significantly higher rate of ROSC (6/8, 75%) compared to control (1/8, 12.5%; p = 0.04). In the 7-mins after REBOA deployment in the 30-min animals there was a statistically significant difference in coronary perfusion pressure (REBOA 42.1 mmHg, control 3.6 mmHg, p = 0.038). Importantly, 5/6 animals that obtained ROSC in the 30-min group with REBOA re-arrested at least once, with 3/6 maintaining ROSC until study completion. Conclusion: In our porcine model of NTCA, REBOA preferentially improved hemodynamics and ROSC after a 30-mins period of low-flow CPR. REBOA may be a viable strategy to improve ROSC after prolonged downtime, however, more hemodynamic support will be required to maintain ROSC.

Oseltamivir induced oral-only erythema multiforme.

Severe dermatologic and mucosal adverse reactions to oseltamivir are rare. To date, only two other case reports have described mucosal changes secondary to oseltamivir, but both cases were associated with concomitant skin changes. We report a case of a previously healthy 18-year-old-male who developed oral-only erythema multiforme after being treated with oseltamivir for influenza B. Given the frequency of which oseltamivir is prescribed, we highlight the importance of recognizing this uncommon but serious adverse reaction.