Pelvic Compression Device (Binder) Application Training in Medical Students: A Manikin Study.

BACKGROUND: Correct application of external pelvic compression devices (binders) is crucial in managing multitrauma patients with suspected pelvic fractures to control hemorrhage. Yet, there is a lack of practical training standards for pelvic compression device application in medical school education. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate simulation training of pelvic compression device application by medical students to determine the number of applications required to meet proficiency measured by correct application and timeliness. METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional measurement study of a convenience sample of 132 volunteer senior medical students who participated in a 30-min theoretical and simulation training session on the application of pelvic compression devices. The study was conducted between January 1, 2020, and March 1, 2020. Two weeks after the training, the students performed 10 consecutive pelvic compression device applications, each followed by a 5-min feedback session break. Application step accuracy and timing were observed and recorded. The percentage of correct applications was compared by χ2 test. RESULTS: The correct application rate for the first application was 42.4%, with an average of 92 s, 95% confidence interval (CI): 91.00-93.72. The highest correct application rate occurred in the eighth application (97%, p < .001), with an average application time of 87 s, 95% CI: 85.62-87.72. CONCLUSION: We found that at least eight pelvic compression device manikin applications were required to achieve proficiency.

Comparison of the effects PRICE and POLICE treatment protocols on ankle function in patients with ankle sprain.

BACKGROUND: Ankle sprain is a frequent reason for presentation to the emergency department. Current treatment modalities include Protection, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (POLICE) and Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (PRICE). This study aimed to compare the effects of PRICE and POLICE treatment protocols. METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted between October 15, 2020, and October 15, 2021, at Ankara University's Department of Emergency Medicine. Double-blind randomization was used to assign patients to either the POLICE or PRICE treatment groups. RESULTS: In total, 109 patients were included. In the POLICE group, the median difference between the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Scores on admission and the 14th day following the injury was 34.5 (IQR: 27.25-41.75), while that of the PRICE group was 24 (IQR: 15.5-35). In the POLICE group, the median value of the difference in the Foot and Ankle Disability Index scores on admission and the 14th day following the injury was 42 (IQR: 35.25-50), while that of the PRICE group was 31 (IQR: 22-41.5). CONCLUSION: The POLICE treatment protocol provided more effective and faster recovery than the PRICE treatment protocol.

The acute motor axonal neuropathy variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome diagnosed after ankle trauma.

A case of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) was diagnosed in a patient admitted to the emergency department (ED) after ankle trauma was presented. GBS is generally defined as immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy that develops after an infection. Our patient presented to ED with ankle trauma that developed after fatigue. Lateral, medial, and posterior malleolar fractures were detected in the ankle. The patient with loss of motor strength in the distal muscles was diagnosed with acute motor axonal neuropathy variant of GBS. After GBS treatment, the patient's loss of muscle strength regressed, and then surgical treatment was performed. We aimed to present this case report, which emphasizes the systematic approach of the emergency physician without having a large differential diagnosis list.