A novel source of carbon monoxide for suicide attempt.

Carbon monoxide (CO) inhalation is a common method of suicide. The combination of formic acid with sulfuric acid creates carbon monoxide. This novel method is described in readily accessible internet-based resources. We present the case of a 35-year-old woman who developed CO toxicity by using this method. It is important for hyperbaric medicine physicians to be aware of this source of CO toxicity.

Abscess Management: An Evidence-Based Review for Emergency Medicine Clinicians.

BACKGROUND: Abscesses are commonly evaluated and managed in the emergency department. Recent research has evaluated the use of ultrasonography, packing, incision and drainage (I&D), and antibiotics. There are evidence-based nuances to the management of specific types of abscesses, such as Bartholin, breast, dental, hidradenitis suppurativa, peritonsillar, and pilonidal abscesses. OBJECTIVE: This review provides emergency medicine clinicians with a summary of the current literature regarding abscess management in the emergency department. DISCUSSION: Ultrasound is valuable in diagnosing abscesses that are not clinically evident and in guiding I&D procedures. Although I&D is traditionally followed by packing, this practice may be unnecessary for small abscesses. Antibiotics, needle aspiration, and loop drainage are suitable alternatives to I&D of abscesses with certain characteristics. Oral antibiotics can improve outcomes after I&D, although this improvement must be weighed against potential risks. Many strategies are useful in managing Bartholin abscesses, with the Word catheter proving consistently effective. Needle aspiration is the recommended first-line therapy for small breast abscesses. Dental abscesses are often diagnosed with clinical examination alone, but ultrasound may be a useful adjunct. Acute abscess formation caused by hidradenitis suppurativa should be managed surgically by excision when possible, because I&D has a high rate of abscess recurrence. Peritonsillar abscesses can be diagnosed with either intraoral or transcervical ultrasound if clinical examination is inconclusive. Needle aspiration and I&D are both suitable for the management of peritonsillar abscesses. Pilonidal abscesses have traditionally been managed with I&D, but needle aspiration with antibiotics may be a suitable alternative. CONCLUSIONS: This review evaluates the recent literature surrounding abscess management for emergency medicine clinicians.

Emergency Medicine Interest Groups.

Emergency Medicine Interest Groups (EMIGs) serve as a bountiful resource for students interested in pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine (EM). In this article we elaborate on how medical students can get involved as members in an EMIG, discuss opportunities for leadership through these groups, detail how to make the most out of the EMIG (including a listing of important lectures, workshops/labs and opportunities for growth and advancement), provide a framework for how to institute a new EMIG when one does not exist, and discuss considerations for international EMIG groups.

Inner ear decompression sickness in a hyperbaric chamber inside tender: a case report.

Inner ear decompression sickness (IEDCS) is a rare diving complication that presents with vestibular dysfunction, cochlear dysfunction, or a combination of both. While scuba diving is a known cause, no cases have been reported in the occupational hyperbaric setting. We present the case of a 55-year-old man who developed IEDCS after working as a hyperbaric multiplace chamber inside tender. The patient was treated with seven sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, resulting in resolution of the majority of his symptoms. This case illustrates a potential occupational hazard of working in a hyperbaric chamber and demonstrates successful treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

The Effect of Family Presence During Resuscitation and Invasive Procedures on Patients and Families: An Umbrella Review.

INTRODUCTION: The concept of family presence during resuscitation and invasive procedures is a controversial issue and has not been universally adopted by health care providers. Owing to the sheer number of studies in this field, we conducted this umbrella study to provide an overview of this concept with the aim of investigating the impact of family presence on patients, families, and resuscitation and invasive procedures. METHODS: In this review, using the Joanna Briggs Institute levels of evidence umbrella methodology guidelines, the authors searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane database for systematic review and meta-analysis studies that evaluated the presence of family during resuscitation and invasive procedures without time limit until July 2020. The following key words were used for the search: family presence; family witness; parent presence; parent witness; and resuscitation. RESULTS: A total of 254 articles published between January 1967 and July 2020 were screened. Five articles (1 meta-analysis and 4 systematic reviews) met the inclusion criteria. The review showed that family presence during resuscitation or invasive procedures does not have negative effects on family members, patients, or the resuscitation or invasive intervention process. Family members focus on the patients, not the ongoing treatment. The presence of family members is beneficial for both family members and health care staff. None of the reviewed studies reported a negative effect on family members. DISCUSSION: The presence of parents and other immediate family members during resuscitation and invasive procedures has positive impacts on patients, families, and health care staff.

Access and Barriers to Take-Home Naloxone Use among Emergency Department Patients with Opioid Misuse in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

BACKGROUND: The opioid epidemic has prompted the expansion of take-home naloxone (THN) distribution programs. The proportion of emergency department (ED) patients with opioid misuse who have access to a naloxone kit (NK) and barriers to using it are unclear. Objective: Characterizing the access and barrier to NK use among at-risk ED patients. Methods: We enrolled a convenience sample of ED patients with active opioid misuse from May 21-July 31, 2018. We administered a survey to collect patients' demographic data, substance use history, and access to and use of NK. The primary outcome was NK access (prior receipt of a kit or prescription); secondary outcomes were knowledge and use of NK, and barriers to obtaining and using it. Results: Of 165 respondents, 71.5% knew of THN programs and 57.6% (n = 95) had access to THN by either having received a NK (n = 90) or a prescription (n = 5); 34 respondents received both. Among 39 (23.6%) who received a naloxone prescription, 25 (64.1%) filled it. 60.0% (n = 99) reported knowing how to administer naloxone; lack of training was the primary reason (n = 63/66, 96.9%) for their unfamiliarity. Patients who presented after an opioid overdose (25.5%; n = 42) were less likely to have knowledge of THN programs (57.1% vs. 76.4%), and to have received a NK (35.7% vs. 61.0%). Conclusion: Awareness of THN programs was high among our cohort. But approximately 60% the respondents received a NK or knew how to use it. Despite efforts to expand THN access, gaps in knowledge, access, and use exist.

Predicting Failure of Intravenous Access in Adults: The Value of Prior Difficulty.

BACKGROUND: When intravenous access cannot be established using traditional methods of inspection/palpation, advanced methods are often required, leading to substantial delays in care. Knowing the likelihood of intravenous access failure can improve emergency department (ED) efficiency. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to validate prior need for an advanced technique to establish intravenous access as a predictor of failure to achieve access via traditional methods and to estimate the risk difference associated with this finding. METHODS: We re-analyzed data collected for a clinical trial that randomized ED patients requiring intravenous access to one of two types of intravenous catheter; gauge size was selected by the inserter. The re-analysis pools data from both groups to examine predictors of failure to establish intravenous access by traditional methods, with failure defined as abandonment or use of an advanced technique (ultrasound guidance or external jugular vein catheterization). Confidence intervals for the difference between proportions were calculated using a normal binomial approximation. RESULTS: We obtained data from 600 patients, with a median age of 52 years (interquartile range 36-63 years). We noted failure of traditional methods in 28 (4.7%) patients, including 17 of 109 (16%) with prior need for advanced techniques. The risk difference for prior need for advanced techniques versus no prior difficulty was 14% (95% confidence interval 7-22). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a prior need for advanced techniques were 14% more likely to have failure of intravenous access by traditional methods than those without prior difficulty.

No Radiographic Safe Margin Found in the "Easy IJ" Internal Jugular Vein Procedure.

BACKGROUND: The Easy IJ procedure involves placement of a 4.8-cm intravenous catheter into the internal jugular (IJ) vein using ultrasound guidance. It is not known whether this needle length has the potential to cause a pneumothorax. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine if a radiographic "safe margin" exists. We hypothesized that an average margin of ≥2 cm would exist between the catheter tip and the pleura. METHODS: Operators used a central approach to the IJ vein. We reviewed radiographic images taken immediately after the Easy IJ procedure. Using digital software, we measured the distance from the catheter tip to the closest point of the pleura and from the catheter tip to the level of the lung apex. We defined distances exceeding the margin of safety-either passing the pleura or ending inferior to the apex-as negative for the purpose of calculating an average. We used the t distribution to calculate 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for average values. RESULTS: Radiographs showing the catheter tip were available from 62 patients. The mean needle-to-pleura distance was -0.1 cm (95% CI -0.7 to 0.5 cm). The mean vertical distance to the apex was -0.2 cm (95% CI -0.8 to 0.3 cm), with a standard deviation of 2.25 cm. CONCLUSION: Radiographic analysis failed to show a margin of safety for the Easy IJ procedure. Postprocedure imaging may still be necessary to exclude pneumothorax.

Predictors and Delays Associated with the Need for Advanced Techniques for Intravenous Access.

BACKGROUND: The need for advanced techniques for intravenous access (ATIVA) can lead to delays in care and contribute to emergency department (ED) crowding. OBJECTIVE: In this article, we estimate the delay and predictors associated with the need for ATIVA. METHODS: In this case-control study, we collected data from ED cases requiring ATIVA and control patients in whom i.v. access was gained by traditional inspection and palpation. We included two control groups-a random retrospective sample and a prospective limited convenience sample. We collected time and acuity data from all groups and data on predictor variables from cases and prospective controls. We analyzed time data using quartile regression and predictor variable data using contingency table analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: We collected data from 116 cases (91 of which had time interval data), 98 retrospective controls, and 144 prospective controls. The median time from triage to i.v. line establishment was 199 min for cases vs. 64 min for prospective controls and 81 min for retrospective controls. The need for ATIVA was associated with a 1.1-greater quartile time interval (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8-1.3). Two variables-i.v. drug use (IVDU; odds ratio 3.7; 95% CI 1.8-7.3) and prior need for ATIVA (odds ratio 5.2; 95% CI 2.7-9.8)-were associated with a need for ATIVA; obesity, renal failure, and diabetes were not. CONCLUSIONS: The need for ATIVA increases median time to i.v. line placement by 118 to 135 min compared with traditional inspection and palpation. IVDU and prior need for an advanced technique are associated with a need for ATIVA.

Power Injection Through Ultrasound-Guided Intravenous Lines: Safety and Efficacy Under an Institutional Protocol.

BACKGROUND: After an index case of contrast-associated compartment syndrome, an urban hospital instituted a protocol limiting high-speed injection to intravenous (IV) lines started proximal to the forearm and testing those lines before contrast injection. OBJECTIVE: In this article, we estimate the safety and efficacy of high-speed injection using this protocol in patients with IV lines inserted under ultrasound guidance. METHODS: In an ambispective study, we enrolled prospective cohorts of ED patients requiring high-speed radiographic contrast media injection (≥3.5 mL/sec) into two groups: those with IV lines placed under ultrasound guidance and those with IV lines placed using traditional inspection and palpation. We also performed a retrospective review involving those groups. In addition, we reviewed hospital records for all patients with compartment syndrome between January 2010 and December 2011. We calculated 95% confidence intervals using normal approximation or exact calculation. RESULTS: Between November 2013 and August 2014, the ED referred 32 patients to the Department of Radiology for computed tomography angiography involving high-speed contrast injection through ultrasound-guided IV lines. Of these, 25 of 32 (78%) had successful injection (7 failed in the Department of Radiology) vs. 26 of 27 (96%) with catheters inserted using traditional methods (risk difference 0.18 [95% confidence interval -0.01 to 0.38]). Based on retrospective records, we estimated 79 additional cases. We found no cases of compartment syndrome during either period, for an incidence estimate of 0 per 100 cases (95% confidence interval 0-3). CONCLUSION: A hospital policy for high-speed contrast injection through ultrasound-guided IV lines has a safe record. However, 22% of patients with ultrasound-guided IV lines were refused for CT.

Advanced intravenous access: technique choices, pain scores, and failure rates in a local registry.

BACKGROUND: When an intravenous (IV) catheter is needed and the common approach of inspection and palpation fails, an advanced access technique becomes necessary. Our objectives were to estimate pain scores, operator times, success rates, and complication rates when advanced techniques are used in a clinical setting. METHODS: We enrolled patients who had a need for advanced IV access and were able to give informed consent to participate in our study. We collected data on operator type, technique, initial success, number of attempts, skin punctures, operator time, pain scores, and complications. We estimated confidence intervals for proportions using normal binomial approximation or exact calculation. RESULTS: The registry documented 154 attempts in 116 patients. The median time from triage to establishment of an IV line was 203 minutes; multiple advanced attempts were required in 24% of cases. Most attempts (95%) used either ultrasound-guided cannulation of a peripheral vein (PUG) (108) or cannulated the external jugular vein (EJ) (38). These 2 methods yielded similar pain scores (4.3-4.5), but PUG required more skin punctures (1.6 vs 1.2) and longer operator time (17.7 vs 11.9 minutes). The only complication was IV line failure, occurring in 6% (95% confidence interval, 0%-18%) of EJ approaches and 27% (95% confidence interval, 18%-38%) of the PUG scenarios. CONCLUSION: Most attempts to establish IV access used PUG or the EJ. External jugular vein cannulation was achieved more quickly, with fewer skin punctures and a lower rate of postinsertion failure, than PUG.

Safety and Efficacy of the "Easy Internal Jugular (IJ)": An Approach to Difficult Intravenous Access.

BACKGROUND: The easy internal jugular (Easy IJ) technique involves placement of a single-lumen catheter in the internal jugular vein using ultrasound guidance. This technique is used in patients who do not have suitable peripheral or external jugular venous access. The efficacy and safety of this procedure are unknown. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to estimate efficacy and safety parameters for the Easy IJ when used in emergency department (ED) settings. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of the Easy IJ in stable ED patients with severe intravenous access difficulty. The study was conducted simultaneously at two academic EDs and a community university-affiliated ED. Patients were selected for failure of alternative access, hemodynamic stability, and ability to increase the IJ diameter with the Valsalva maneuver. Emergency physicians prepped the skin and inserted an 18-gauge, 4.8-cm catheter using a limited sterile technique. We collected the following data: patient body mass index, age, procedure time, pain score, initial success, loss of patency, occurrence of pneumothorax, infection, or arterial puncture. RESULTS: We recorded 83 attempts in 74 patients, with a median age of 44 years and a median body mass index of 27 kg/m2. The initial success rate was 88%, with a mean procedure time of 4.4 min (95% confidence interval 3.8-4.9). The average pain score was 3.9 out of 10 (95% confidence interval 3.4-4.5). Ten of 73 successful lines (14%) lost patency. There were no cases of pneumothorax, arterial puncture, or line infection. CONCLUSION: The Easy IJ was inserted successfully in 88% of cases, with a mean time of 4.4 min. Loss of patency, the only complication, occurred in 14% of cases.

A Novel Approach to Perimortem Cesarean Section Training with Human Cadavers.

Perimortem Cesarean section is a rare, time-sensitive, and invasive medical procedure. We describe a novel approach for high-fidelity training using a human cadaver with an inserted simulated gravid uterus.

Prevalence of workplace violence against health care workers in hospital and pre-hospital settings: An umbrella review of meta-analyses.

Introduction: Workplace violence (WPV) is associated with adverse consequences for patients and health care workers (HCWs). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of WPV against HCWs in the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines, data resources including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were used for the search. The searches were conducted without any time limit until the end of December 2021. The random-effects model was used for this meta-analysis. I 2 index was used to examine heterogeneity and the Egger test was used to examine publication bias. Results: Of the 255 studies identified, 14 studies entered the umbrella review. The overall prevalence was as follows: WPV (58.7%); physical violence (20.8%); verbal violence (66.8%); and sexual harassment (10.5%). Conclusion: The prevalence of WPV and its types against HCWs is relatively high. WPV is associated with physical, psychological, and occupational consequences. Measures should be taken to reduce the consequences of WPV.

Anteroposterior pacer pad position is better than anterolateral for transcutaneous cardiac pacing.

INTRODUCTION: Transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP) is a lifesaving procedure for patients with certain types of unstable bradycardia. We aimed to assess the difference in the pacing thresholds between the anteroposterior (AP) and anterolateral (AL) pacer pad positions. The second aim was to characterize the severity of chest wall muscle contractions during TCP. METHODS: In this prospective crossover trial, we enrolled patients presenting to the electrophysiology laboratory for elective cardioversion. After successful cardioversion, sedated participants were sequentially paced in both positions. The study procedure concluded after successful capture or inability to achieve capture by 140 mA (the pacer's maximum output) in both positions. Pacing thresholds were compared between positions, using a student's paired t-test, assigning a value of 141 mA to any trials with non-capture. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were screened; 20 were enrolled in the study. Seven participants were excluded from the paired analysis (three were prevented from pacing in the second position at the anesthesiologist's discretion, and 4 did not capture in either position). The study population consisted of 14 men and 6 women with a median age of 65 years. The mean pacing threshold was 33 mA lower (P = 0.001, 95% CI 20-45) in the AP (93 mA) versus the AL (126 mA) position. The median contraction severity score was 3 in the AL position versus 4 in the AP position (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Placing pacer pads in the AP position requires less energy to capture. Major resuscitation guidelines may favor the AP position for TCP. CLINICALTRIALS: gov Identifier: NCT03898050 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03898050.

The prevalence of insomnia among health care workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic: An umbrella review of meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Health care workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic experience numerous psychological problems, including stress and anxiety. These entities can affect their sleep quality and predispose them to insomnia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of insomnia among HCWs during the COVID-19 crisis via an umbrella review. METHODS: The PRISMA guideline was used to conduct this review. By searching relevant keywords in databases of Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, studies that reported the prevalence of insomnia among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2020 to the end of January 2021) and had been published in English were identified and evaluated. The random effects model was used for meta-analysis, and the I2 index was used to assess heterogeneity. The Egger test was used to determine publication bias. Based on the results of the primary search, 96 studies were identified, and ultimately 10 eligible studies entered the meta-analysis phase. RESULTS: The results of the umbrella review of meta-analyses showed that the prevalence of insomnia among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic was 36.36% (95% CI: 33.36-39.36, I2 = 59.6%, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this umbrella review of meta-analyses showed a relatively high prevalence of insomnia among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. As insomnia can be associated with other psychological problems, policymakers and health managers should regularly screen HCWs for psychological disorders as well as a possible tendency for suicide. Furthermore, by treating insomnia, one can reduce the incidence of these psychological disorders.

The prevalence of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: An umbrella review of meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers, who are at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, are particularly susceptible to physical and mental health consequences such as anxiety and depression. The aim of this umbrella review of meta-analyses is to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Using relevant keywords, data resources including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, ProQuest, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Embase were searched to obtain systematic reviews and meta-analyses reporting the prevalence of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic from the beginning of January to the end of October 2020. The random effects model was used for meta-analysis, and the I2 index was employed to assess heterogeneity among studies. Data was analyzed using STATA 14 software. RESULTS: In the primary search, 103 studies were identified, and ultimately 7 studies were included in the umbrella review. The results showed that the overall prevalence of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic was 24.94% (95% CI: 21.83-28.05, I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.804) and 24.83% (95% CI: 21.41-28.25, I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.897), respectively. CONCLUSION: This umbrella review shows that the prevalence of anxiety and depression is relatively high among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers should be provided with resources to minimize this risk.

Investigating the Effective Factors of Using Personal Protective Equipment from the Perspective of Nurses Caring for COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Considering the importance of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for preventing COVID-19 transmission, the aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the use of PPE from the perspective of the nurses caring for COVID-19 patients. This descriptive cross-sectional study surveyed 240 nurses working in the central COVID-19 hospitals of Arak, Iran. Nurses were enrolled in the study by a convenience sampling method. The data collection tool was a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and independent sample t-test. Environmental (4.24 ± 0.45), personal (4.16 ± 0.42), and organizational (4.04 ± 0.50) factors all contribute significantly to nursing attitudes about PPE use (p < 0.05). The average score, combining all identified factors, was 4.15 ± 0.31. The most influential factor contributing to appropriate use of PPE was environmental, while the least impactful parameters were related to rules and regulations. Environmental factors have the greatest impact on the use of PPE from the perspective of the nurses caring for patients with COVID-19. Managers and healthcare organizations should provide appropriate and adequate PPE to nurses, educate them on proper use, and monitor the process to resolve barriers.