Development and validation of assessment instruments for cervical collar and spinal board placement in simulated environments for nursing students in the care of polytrauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Multiple trauma injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in people under the age of 45 and require prompt and specialised care. However, medical and nursing education programmes do not always include specific training in emergency pre-hospital care, resulting in a lack of basic practical skills in trauma management. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate two instruments for assessing nursing students' competence in cervical collar and spinal board application in simulated pre-hospital emergency scenarios. METHOD: This is an instrumental study that involves the development of two assessment instruments and the evaluation of their psychometric properties in a sample of 392 nursing students. Content validity was assessed using expert judgement, by calculating the content validity ratio (CVR) for each item and the scale level content validity index average (S-CVI/Ave) for the instruments. Exploratory factor analysis using the MINRES extraction method and Promax rotation was performed to analyse the performance of the items and structure of the rubrics. Internal consistency was analysed using the Omega coefficient and inter-rater agreement was assessed using Cohen's Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Initially, two rubrics were obtained: one with six items for cervical collar placement (S-CVI/Ave = 0.86) and one with nine items for spinal board placement (S-CVI/Ave = 0.81). Both had a single-factor structure, with all items having factor loadings greater than 0.34 for the cervical collar rubric and 0.56 for the spinal board rubric, except for item 2 of the cervical collar rubric (λ = 0.24), which was subsequently removed. The final cervical collar rubric (five items) had an overall internal consistency of 0.84 and the spinal board rubric had an overall internal consistency of 0.90, calculated using the Omega statistic. The weighted Kappa coefficient for each item ranged from acceptable (0.32) to substantial (0.79). These results show that we have successfully developed two sufficiently valid instruments to assess the immobilisation competencies proposed in the objective of the study. CONCLUSION: Whilst further research is needed to fully establish their psychometric properties, these instruments offer a valuable starting point for evaluating nursing students' competence in cervical collar and spinal board application in simulated pre-hospital scenarios.

Enhancing trauma care in Ukraine amid conflict: A successful implementation of the modified advanced trauma life support course in an active war zone.

BACKGROUND: Following the 2022 Russian invasion, Ukraine's healthcare system suffered extensive damage, with over 1000 medical facilities destroyed, exacerbating the trauma care crisis. The absence of standardized trauma training left Ukrainian healthcare providers ill-equipped to manage the surge in trauma cases amid conflict. To bridge this gap, we implemented advanced trauma life support (ATLS) courses in Ukraine amid active warfare, aiming to enhance trauma care expertise among healthcare professionals. METHODS: A consortium, including the International Medical Corps, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, and others, responded to a request from the Ukrainian Ministry of Health. The ATLS curriculum, translated into Ukrainian, guided the training, with US-based instructors sent to Ukraine for teaching. Despite logistical challenges, such as missile attacks and curfews, the courses ran in multiple Ukrainian cities over 3 months. Course effectiveness was evaluated through pre- and post-course knowledge tests, self-efficacy surveys, and satisfaction assessments. RESULTS: Ten ATLS courses trained 213 Ukrainian healthcare providers across five deployments. Significant improvements in knowledge scores (p < 0.05) and enhanced self-reported confidence in trauma management were observed. Notably, no casualties were reported among instructors or students, highlighting program safety despite security challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates successful ATLS course implementation in an active war zone, filling a critical gap in trauma education in Ukraine. Despite challenges, the program significantly enhanced participants' trauma care knowledge and confidence. Collaboration between international and local partners was pivotal. This model can serve as a valuable framework for trauma education globally, improving outcomes in conflict zones and resource-limited settings.

Anaphylaxis as an Unusual Cause of Shock in the Trauma Setting: A Case Report.

Anaphylactic shock is the most severe form of an acute systemic allergic reaction and can be potentially lethal if left untreated. Here, we present the case of a 51-year-old male with no significant medical history, who arrived at our hospital's emergency trauma bay following a motor vehicle accident caused by a sudden onset of malaise while driving. Upon arrival, the patient's airway was patent, but he reported a sensation of a foreign body in his larynx. He also had an oxygen saturation of 88%, although no abnormal breath sounds were auscultated. The patient was also hypotensive and tachycardic, with no favorable response after crystalloid administration. He had no neurological alterations but was diaphoretic, with hives spreading across his trunk and all four extremities. Upon further interrogation, we identified that he had consumed diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), 45 minutes before the driving incident. Prompt recognition and management of the anaphylactic shock were initiated alongside the assessment and treatment of the traumatic injuries. This case highlights the importance of considering unusual causes of shock in trauma patients. It underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to patient care in trauma settings, where multiple etiologies of shock should be considered and managed simultaneously.

Feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of fast whole-body MRI in slightly to moderately injured trauma patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of fast whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) compared to whole-body computed tomography (WB-CT) in detecting injuries of slightly to moderately injured trauma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective single-center approach, trauma patients from convenience sampling with an expected Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score ≤ 3 at admission, received an indicated contrast-enhanced WB-CT (reference standard) and a plain WB-MRI (index test) voluntarily up to five days after trauma. Two radiologists, blinded to the WB-CT findings, evaluated the absence or presence of injuries with WB-MRI in four body regions: head, torso, axial skeleton, and upper extremity. Diagnostic accuracy was determined using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value by body region. RESULTS: Between June 2019 and July 2021, 40 patients were assessed for eligibility of whom 35 (median age (interquartile range): 50 (32.5) years; 26 men) received WB-MRI. Of 140 body regions (35 patients × 4 regions), 31 true positive, 6 false positive, 94 true negative, and 9 false negative findings were documented with WB-MRI. Thus, plain WB-MRI achieved a total sensitivity of 77.5% (95%-confidence interval (CI): (61.6-89.2%)), specificity of 94% (95%-CI: (87.4-97.8%)), and diagnostic accuracy of 89.3% (95%-CI: (82.9-93.9%)). Across the four regions sensitivity and specificity varied: head (66.7%/93.1%), torso (62.5%/96.3%), axial skeleton (91.3%/75%), upper extremity (33.3%/100%). Both radiologists showed substantial agreement on the WB-MRI reading (Cohen's Kappa: 0.66, 95%-CI: (0.51-0.81)). CONCLUSION: Regarding injury detection, WB-MRI is feasible in slightly to moderately injured trauma patients, especially in the axial skeleton. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Besides offering a radiation-free approach, whole-body MRI detects injuries almost identically to whole-body CT in slightly to moderately injured trauma patients, who comprise a relevant share of all trauma patients. KEY POINTS: Whole-body MRI could offer radiation-free injury detection in slightly to moderately injured trauma patients. Whole-body MRI detected injuries almost identically compared to whole-body CT in this population. Whole-body MRI could be a radiation-free approach for slightly to moderately injured young trauma patients.

Association between signs of life and survival in traumatic cardiac arrest patients: A nationwide, retrospective cohort study.

Background: The clinical impact of signs of life (SOLs) in traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine the association between SOLs and survival/neurological outcomes in TCA patients. Methods: Retrospective data from the Japan Trauma Data Bank (2019-2021) was reviewed. TCA patients were assigned to one of two study groups based on the presence or absence of SOLs and compared. SOLs were defined as having at least one of following criteria: pulseless electrical activity >40 beats per minute, gasping, positive light reflex, or extremity/eye movement at hospital arrival. The primary outcome was survival at hospital discharge. The secondary outcome was favorable neurological status (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4 or 5) at hospital discharge. Results: A total of 1,981 patients (114 with SOLs and 1,867 without SOLs) were included. Characteristics of patients were as follows: age (median age 60.0 years old [interquartile range: 41-80] years vs. 55.4 [38-75] years), gender (male: 76/114 (66.7%) vs. 1,207/1,867 (65.0%), blunt trauma (90/111 [81.1%] vs. 1,559/1,844 [84.5%]), Injury Severity Score (29.2 [22-41] vs. 27.9 [20-34]). Patients with SOLs showed higher survival (10/114 (8.8%) vs. 25/1,867 (1.3%), OR 1.96 [CI 1.20-2.72]) and higher favorable neurological outcomes (4/110 (3.5%) vs. 6/1,865 (0.3%), OR 2.42 [CI 1.14-3.70]) compared with patients without SOLs. Conclusions: TCA patients with SOLs at hospital arrival showed higher survival and favorable neurological outcomes at hospital discharge compared with TCA patients without SOLs.

Immersive virtual reality for interdisciplinary trauma management - initial evaluation of a training tool prototype.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency care of critically ill patients in the trauma room is an integral part of interdisciplinary work in hospitals. Live threatening injuries require swift diagnosis, prioritization, and treatment; thus, different medical specialties need to work together closely for optimal patient care. Training is essential to facilitate smooth performance. This study presents a training tool for familiarization with trauma room algorithms in immersive virtual reality (VR), and a first qualitative assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An interdisciplinary team conceptualized two scenarios and filmed these in the trauma room of the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany in 3D-360°. This video content was used to create an immersive VR experience. Participants of the Department of Anesthesiology were included in the study, questionnaires were obtained and eye movement was recorded. RESULTS: 31 volunteers participated in the study, of which 10 (32,2%) had completed specialist training in anesthesiology. Participants reported a high rate of immersion (immersion(mean) = 6 out of 7) and low Visually Induced Motion Sickness (VIMS(mean) = 1,74 out of 20). Participants agreed that VR is a useful tool for medical education (mean = 1,26; 1 very useful, 7 not useful at all). Residents felt significantly more secure in the matter after training (p < 0,05), specialist showed no significant difference. DISCUSSION: This study presents a novel tool for familiarization with trauma room procedures, which is especially helpful for less experienced residents. Training in VR was well accepted and may be a solution to enhance training in times of low resources for in person training.

[Prehospital Care Times and Interventions for Victims of Major Trauma in the Central Region of Portugal: A Retrospective Study]. / Tempos de Resposta e Intervenções Extra-Hospitalar à Vítima de Trauma Major na Região Centro de Portugal: Um Estudo Retrospetivo.

INTRODUCTION: The quality and promptness of prehospital care for major trauma patients are vital in order to lower their high mortality rate. However, the effectiveness of this response in Portugal is unknown. The objective of this study was to analyze response times and interventions for major trauma patients in the central region of Portugal. METHODS: This was a retrospective, descriptive study, using the 2022 clinical records of the National Institute of Medical Emergency's differentiated resources. Cases of death prior to arrival at the hospital and other non-transport situations were excluded. Five-time intervals were determined, among which are the response time (T1, between activation and arrival at the scene), on-scene time (T2), and transportation time (T5; between the decision to transport and arrival at the emergency service). For each ambulance type, averages and dispersion times were calculated, as well as the proportion of cases in which the nationally and internationally recommended times were met. The frequency of recording six key interventions was also assessed. RESULTS: Of the 3366 records, 602 were eliminated (384 due to death), resulting in 2764 cases: nurse-technician ambulance (SIV) = 36.0%, physician- nurse ambulance (VMER) = 62.2% and physician-nurse helicopter = 1.8%. In a very large number of records, it was not possible to determine prehospital care times: for example, transport time (T5) could be determined in only 29%, 13% and 8% of cases, respectively for SIV, VMER and helicopter. The recommended time for stabilization (T2 ≤ 20 min) was met in 19.8% (SIV), 36.5% (VMER) and 18.2% (helicopter). Time to hospital (T5 ≤ 45 min) was achieved in 80.0% (SIV), 93.1% (VMER) and 75.0% (helicopter) of the records. The administration of analgesia (42% in SIV) and measures to prevent hypothermia (23.5% in SIV) were the most recorded interventions. CONCLUSION: There was substantial missing data on statuses and a lack of information in the records, especially in the VMER and helicopter. According to the records, the time taken to stabilize the victim on-scene often exceeded the recommendations, while the time taken to transport them to the hospital tended to be within the recommendations.

Introdução: A qualidade e rapidez do socorro pré-hospitalar à pessoa vítima de trauma major é vital para diminuir a sua elevada mortalidade. Contudo, desconhece-se a efetividade desta resposta em Portugal. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os tempos de resposta e as intervenções realizadas às vítimas de trauma major na região centro de Portugal. Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo, descritivo, utilizando os registos clínicos de 2022 dos meios diferenciados do Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica. Casos de óbito pré-chegada ao hospital e outras situações de não transporte foram excluídos. Determinaram-se cinco tempos, entre os quais o tempo de resposta (T1, decorrente entre acionamento e chegada ao local), o tempo no local (T2) e o tempo de transporte (T5, intervalo entre a decisão de transporte e a chegada ao serviço de urgência). Foram calculadas médias e medidas de dispersão para cada meio, bem como a proporção de casos em que foram cumpridos os tempos recomendados nacional e internacionalmente. Avaliou-se também a frequência de registo de seis intervenções chave. Resultados: Dos 3366 registos, eliminaram-se 602 (384 por óbito), resultando em 2764 casos [suporte imediato de vida (SIV) = 36,0%, viaturas médicas de emergência e reanimação (VMER) = 62,2%, helicóptero de emergência médica (HEM) = 1,8%]. Num elevado número de registos não foi possível determinar tempos de socorro: por exemplo, o tempo de transporte (T5) foi determinável em apenas 29%, 13%, e 8% dos casos, respetivamente para SIV, VMER e HEM. O tempo recomendado para a estabilização (T2 ≤ 20 min), foi cumprido em 19,8% (SIV), 36,5% (VMER), e 18,2% (HEM) dos regis- tos. Já o tempo de transporte (T5 ≤ 45 min) foi cumprido em 80,0% (SIV), 93,1% (VMER) e 75,0% (HEM) dos registos (avaliáveis). A administração de analgesia (42% na SIV) e as medidas de prevenção de hipotermia (23,5% na SIV) foram as intervenções mais registadas. Conclusão: Observaram-se muitos status omissos e falta de informação nos registos, sobretudo na VMER e HEM. De acordo com os registos, o tempo no local superou frequentemente as recomendações, enquanto o tempo de transporte tende a estar dentro das normas.

Primary care doctors in acute call-outs to severe trauma incidents in Norway - variations by rural-urban settings and time factors.

BACKGROUND: A severely injured patient needs fast transportation to a hospital that can provide definitive care. In Norway, approximately 20% of the population live in rural areas. Primary care doctors (PCDs) play an important role in prehospital trauma care. The aim of this study was to investigate how variations in PCD call-outs to severe trauma incidents in Norway were associated with rural-urban settings and time factors. METHODS: In this study on severe trauma patients admitted to Norwegian hospitals from 2012 to 2018, we linked data from four official Norwegian registries. Through this, we investigated the call-out responses of PCDs to severe trauma incidents. In multivariable log-binomial regression models, we investigated whether factors related to rural-urban settings and time factors were associated with PCD call-outs. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher probability of PCD call-outs to severe trauma incidents in the municipalities in the four most rural centrality categories compared to the most urban category. The largest difference in adjusted relative risk (95% confidence interval (CI)) was 2.08 (1.27-3.41) for centrality category four. PCDs had a significantly higher proportion of call-outs in the Western (RR = 1.46 (1.23-1.73)) and Central Norway (RR = 1.30 (1.08-1.58)) Regional Health Authority areas compared to in the South-Eastern area. We observed a large variation (0.47 to 4.71) in call-out rates to severe trauma incidents per 100,000 inhabitants per year across the 16 Emergency Medical Communication Centre areas in Norway. CONCLUSIONS: Centrality affects the proportion of PCD call-outs to severe trauma incidents, and call-out rates were higher in rural than in urban areas. We found no significant difference in call-out rates according to time factors. Possible consequences of these findings should be further investigated.

Knowledge, Attidue and Practice of Advanced Trauma Life Suppoort (ATLS) Protocol among House-Officers in Khartoum State Hospitals, Sudan, 2023.

BACKGROUND: Advanced Trauma Life Support was originated mainly to train doctors who don't manage trauma on a regular basis, including junior doctors as it prepares them more efficiently and effectively for treating and managing trauma patients. This study was conducted to study knowledge, attitude and practice of advanced trauma life support protocol among house-officers in Khartoum state hospitals, Sudan 2023. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive health facility based study conducted in Bahri Teaching Hospital, Omdurman Teaching Hospital and Ibrahim Malik teaching hospital, Khartoum state, Sudan. Data of 151 House-officers of all nationality working in Khartoum state hospitals was collected using a simple random technique, filling questionnaire that was designed especially for this study. Comparison between different variables by Chi-square test and statistical significance difference at P value < 0.05 was done. RESULT: A total of 151 house officers were included in the study. 49% aged between 20 and 25 years, females were the majority 56.3%. About 41.1% have took ATLS course before. 55.21% of the study participants didn't take the course because it was not available, while 35.42% because it was expensive and 29.17% referred it to their busy lifestyle. 91% of the study population think that ATLS course should be compulsory and 85% think that the ATLS protocol should be recommended to both junior and senior doctors. 77% of the study participants stated that their seniors teaching skills affect how they apply ATLS. CONCLUSION: Overall junior doctors at Khartoum state hospitals demonstrated a positive attitude towards ATLS, but they showed poor knowledge regarding the topic. It's advised that an earlier training program is introduced by incorporating ATLS course to be part of all final year medical school's curriculum.

Approach and management of patients injured by bullfighting trauma. / Abordaje y manejo médico-quirúrgico del paciente herido por traumatismo taurino.

INTRODUCTION: Bullfighting festivals are attributed to the cultural idiosyncrasies of the Ibero-American people, posing an extreme risk to the physical integrity of the participants. Spain is considered the country with the highest number of bull-related celebrations worldwide and, therefore, with the highest number of patients injured by bullfighting trauma treated, thus justifying a public health problem. The generalities associated with this type of trauma define the people injured as polytraumatised patients. In addition, it is important to know the kinematics of the injuries and their specific characteristics, in order to implement quality medical-surgical care. METHODS: scientific review of the literature to promote a comprehensive guide for the medical-surgical management of patients injured by bullfighting trauma. RESULTS: We described the guidelines to standardise protocols for in-hospital approach of patients injured by bullfighting trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Bullfighting trauma is considered a real health problem in the emergency departments of the ibero-Americans countries, especially in Spain, where bullfighting is part of the national culture. The inherent characteristics of these animals cause injuries with special aspects, so it is important to know the generalities of bullfighting trauma. Because of the multidisciplinary approach, this guidelines are adressed to all healthcare providers involved in the management of these patients. It is essential to establish particular initial care for this type of injury, specific therapeutic action and follow-up based on the medical-surgical management of the trauma patient in order to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.

Consenso AITP español: Una lista de verificación AITP / Spanish primary care in pediatric trauma (AITP) consensus: An AITP checklist

Introducción: El curso de Asistencia Inicial al Trauma Pediátricose imparte en España desde 1997, existiendo en la actualidad 9 centrosformadores acreditados. La asistencia al paciente pediátrico politraumatizado se produce muchas veces en un ambiente proclive al errorpor olvido, por lo que las listas de verificación, como herramientasmnemotécnicas de amplia difusión en la industria y en medicina, serían especialmente útiles para evitarlos. Aunque existen varias listas deverificación para la asistencia al traumatismo pediátrico, ninguna se hadesarrollado en el entorno de nuestro curso. Material y métodos: Se acordaron los criterios para ser seleccionado como experto en Asistencia Inicial al Trauma Pediátrico con lacomisión científica de politrauma de la Sociedad Española de CirugíaPediátrica. Los ítems para formar la lista de verificación se obtuvierona partir de una revisión bibliográfica y de la consulta a los expertosseleccionados, empleando un método Delphi. Resultados. Se seleccionaron 10 expertos que representan los 9grupos o centros formadores en Asistencia Inicial al Trauma Pediátri-co y se elaboró una lista de verificación con 28 ítems, siguiendo susrecomendaciones de diseño. Conclusiones: Se diseñó una lista de verificación para el manejodel paciente pediátrico politraumatizado, con el consenso de todos losgrupos empleando un método Delphi, requisito fundamental para facilitarla difusión de esta lista. Sería preciso adaptar y validar dicha lista parasu uso en cada centro asistencial.(AU)

Introduction: The course in Primary Care in Pediatric Trauma(ATIP in Spanish) has been taught in Spain since 1997, and there arecurrently 9 accredited training centers. Care of polytraumatized pedi-atric patients often takes place in an environment conducive to errorsresulting from forgetfulness, which is why checklists –mnemonic toolswidely used in industry and medicine– are particularly useful to avoidsuch errors. Although several checklists exist for pediatric trauma care,none have been developed within the setting of our course. Materials and methods: The criteria for being selected as an expertin Primary Care in Pediatric Trauma were agreed upon with the scientific polytrauma committee of the Spanish Pediatric Surgery Society.The items that make up the checklist were obtained from a review ofthe literature and consultation with selected experts, using the DelphiTechnique. Results: 10 experts representing the 9 groups or training centers inPrimary Care in Pediatric Trauma were selected, and a 28-item checklistwas drawn up in accordance with their design recommendations.Conclusions: With the consensus of all the groups, a checklist forthe treatment of polytraumatized pediatric patients was drawn up usingthe Delphi Technique, an essential requirement for the disseminationof this checklist, which should be adapted and validated for use in eachhealthcare center.(AU)

Spanish primary care in pediatric trauma (AITP) consensus: An AITP checklist. / Consenso AITP español: Una lista de verificación AITP.

INTRODUCTION: The course in Primary Care in Pediatric Trauma (ATIP in Spanish) has been taught in Spain since 1997, and there are currently 9 accredited training centers. Care of polytraumatized pediatric patients often takes place in an environment conducive to errors resulting from forgetfulness, which is why checklists - mnemonic tools widely used in industry and medicine - are particularly useful to avoid such errors. Although several checklists exist for pediatric trauma care, none have been developed within the setting of our course. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The criteria for being selected as an expert in Primary Care in Pediatric Trauma were agreed upon with the scientific polytrauma committee of the Spanish Pediatric Surgery Society. The items that make up the checklist were obtained from a review of the literature and consultation with selected experts, using the Delphi Technique. RESULTS: 10 experts representing the 9 groups or training centers in Primary Care in Pediatric Trauma were selected, and a 28-item checklist was drawn up in accordance with their design recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: With the consensus of all the groups, a checklist for the treatment of polytraumatized pediatric patients was drawn up using the Delphi Technique, an essential requirement for the dissemination of this checklist, which should be adapted and validated for use in each healthcare center.

INTRODUCCION: El curso de Asistencia Inicial al Trauma Pediátrico se imparte en España desde 1997, existiendo en la actualidad 9 centros formadores acreditados. La asistencia al paciente pediátrico politraumatizado se produce muchas veces en un ambiente proclive al error por olvido, por lo que las listas de verificación, como herramientas mnemotécnicas de amplia difusión en la industria y en medicina, serían especialmente útiles para evitarlos. Aunque existen varias listas de verificación para la asistencia al traumatismo pediátrico, ninguna se ha desarrollado en el entorno de nuestro curso. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Se acordaron los criterios para ser seleccionado como experto en Asistencia Inicial al Trauma Pediátrico con la comisión científica de politrauma de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Pediátrica. Los ítems para formar la lista de verificación se obtuvieron a partir de una revisión bibliográfica y de la consulta a los expertos seleccionados, empleando un método Delphi. RESULTADOS: Se seleccionaron 10 expertos que representan los 9 grupos o centros formadores en Asistencia Inicial al Trauma Pediátrico y se elaboró una lista de verificación con 28 ítems, siguiendo sus recomendaciones de diseño. CONCLUSIONES: Se diseñó una lista de verificación para el manejo del paciente pediátrico politraumatizado, con el consenso de todos los grupos empleando un método Delphi, requisito fundamental para facilitar la difusión de esta lista. Sería preciso adaptar y validar dicha lista para su uso en cada centro asistencial.

Changes in temperature in preheated crystalloids at ambient temperatures relevant to a prehospital setting: an experimental simulation study with the application of prehospital treatment of trauma patients suffering from accidental hypothermia.

BACKGROUND: Accidental hypothermia is common in all trauma patients and contributes to the lethal diamond, increasing both morbidity and mortality. In hypotensive shock, fluid resuscitation is recommended using fluids with a temperature of 37-42°, as fluid temperature can decrease the patient's body temperature. In Sweden, virtually all prehospital services use preheated fluids. The aim of the present study was to investigate how the temperature of preheated infusion fluids is affected by the ambient temperatures and flow rates relevant for prehospital emergency care. METHODS: In this experimental simulation study, temperature changes in crystalloids preheated to 39 °C were evaluated. The fluid temperature changes were measured both in the infusion bag and at the patient end of the infusion system. Measurements were conducted in conditions relevant to prehospital emergency care, with ambient temperatures varying between - 4 and 28 °C and flow rates of 1000 ml/h and 6000 ml/h, through an uninsulated infusion set at a length of 175 cm. RESULTS: The flow rate and ambient temperature affected the temperature in the infusion fluid both in the infusion bag and at the patient end of the system. A lower ambient temperature and lower flow rate were both associated with a greater temperature loss in the infusion fluid. CONCLUSION: This study shows that both a high infusion rate and a high ambient temperature are needed if an infusion fluid preheated to 39 °C is to remain above 37 °C when it reaches the patient using a 175-cm-long uninsulated infusion set. It is apparent that the lower the ambient temperature, the higher the flow rate needs to be to limit temperature loss of the fluid.

Prehospital care and interfacility transfer of trauma patients before reaching the emergency of a level-1 trauma care center.

Background: Management of trauma patients includes prevention, prehospital care, appropriate resuscitation at a hospital, definitive treatment, and rehabilitation. Timely and adequate care for a trauma patient is paramount, which can dramatically impact survival. This study was planned to assess the proportion of patients who failed to receive adequate prehospital care before reaching our institute. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the trauma and emergency department of a level-1 trauma center in eastern India from February to April 2022. The demographic profile, vital parameters, injury, mode of transport, travel duration, referring hospital, and any interventions as per airway/breathing/circulation/hypothermia were collected. Results: The records of a hundred-two patients who were brought to the trauma and emergency department in the study period were reviewed. Road traffic accident involving two wheelers was the leading cause of injury. Eighty-three percent of the patients were referred from other health centers, of which 49 were referred from district headquarters hospitals. Only three patients out of 14 had been provided with an oropharyngeal airway for whom endotracheal intubation was indicated. Only one among the 41 patients needing Philadelphia collar actually received. Sixteen patients were provided supplemental oxygen out of the 35 for whom it was indicated. Out of 68 patients in whom intravenous cannulation and fluid administration were indicated, only 35 patients had received it. Out of 31 patients with fractures, none were provided immobilization. Conclusion: The care of the trauma patients with respect to airway, breathing, circulation, and fracture immobilization was found to be grossly inadequate, emphasizing the need of structured and protocol based prehospital trauma care.

Blast injuries with contrasting outcomes treated by military surgery strategies: A case report.

The treatment strategy for blast injuries is closely linked to the clinical outcome of blast injury casualties. However, the application of military surgery experience to blast injuries caused by production safety accidents is relatively uncommon. In this study, the authors present 2 cases of blast injuries caused by one gas explosion, both cases involved individuals of the same age and gender and experienced similar degree of injury. The authors highlight the importance of using a military surgery treatment strategy, specifically emphasizing the need to understand the concept of damage control and disposal. It is recommended that relevant training in this area should be strengthened to improve the clinical treatment of such injuries. This study provides a valuable reference for healthcare professionals dealing with blast injuries.

Imposter or knight in shining armor? Pelvic circumferential compression devices (PCCD) for severe pelvic injuries in patients with multiple trauma: a trauma-registry analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic Circumferential Compression Devices (PCCD) are standard in hemorrhage-control of unstable pelvic ring fractures (UPF). Controversial data on their usefulness exists. Aim of the study was to investigate whether prehospital application of PCCD can reduce mortality and transfusion requirements in UPF. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. From 2016 until 2021, 63,371 adult severely injured patients were included into TraumaRegister DGU® of the German Trauma Society (TR-DGU). We analyzed PCCD use over time and compared patients with multiple trauma patients and UPF, who received prehospital PCCD to those who did not (noPCCD). Groups were adjusted for risk of prehospital PCCD application by propensity score matching. Primary endpoints were hospital mortality, standardized mortality rate (SMR) and transfusion requirements. RESULTS: Overall UPF incidence was 9% (N = 5880) and PCCD use increased over time (7.5% to 20.4%). Of all cases with UPF, 40.2% received PCCD and of all cases with PCCD application, 61% had no pelvic injury at all. PCCD patients were more severely injured and had higher rates of shock or transfusion. 24-h.-mortality and hospital mortality were higher with PCCD (10.9% vs. 9.3%; p = 0.033; 17.9% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.070). Hospital mortality with PCCD was 1% lower than predicted. SMR was in favor of PCCD but failed statistical significance (0.95 vs. 1.04, p = 0.101). 1,860 propensity score matched pairs were analyzed: NoPCCD-patients received more often catecholamines (19.6% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.043) but required less surgical pelvic stabilization in the emergency room (28.6% vs. 36.8%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in mortality or transfusion requirements. CONCLUSION: We observed PCCD overuse in general and underuse in UPF. Prehospital PCCD appears to be more a marker of injury severity and less triggered by presence of UPF. We found no salutary effect on survival or transfusion requirements. Inappropriate indication and technical flaw may have biased our results. TR-DGU does not contain data on these aspects. Further studies are necessary. Modular add-on questioners to the registry could offer one possible solution to overcome this limitation. We are concerned that PCCD use may be unfairly discredited by misinterpretation of the available evidence and strongly vote for a prospective trial.

Capstone Simulation: A Multipatient Simulation for Senior Emergency Medicine Residents.

Introduction: Emergency medicine (EM) trainees must learn to manage multiple patients simultaneously using task-switching. While prior work has demonstrated that multipatient scenarios can be an effective teaching tool for task-switching, few studies have shown how simulation can be used to assess residents' ability to manage multiple patients effectively. The goal of this curriculum was to provide a formative assessment of core EM skills by employing a series of simulations designed to require frequent task-switching. Methods: This exercise consisted of three simulation scenarios running in sequence. The first scenario involved medical resuscitation and advanced cardiac life support, the second required learners to manage two patients involved in a trauma using advanced trauma life support, and the final scenario tested learners' ability to communicate bad news. Faculty observers used scenario-specific checklists to identify gaps in content knowledge, communication skills, and task-switching abilities during reflective debriefs. These checklists were analyzed to identify trends. All participants were sent a postsession evaluation. Items omitted by >50% of participants were flagged for review. Results: Flagged items included asking for finger-stick glucose, verbalizing a backup intubation plan, specifying type of blood products, and asking for team input. Nine of 12 participants completed the postsession evaluation, noting that they agreed or strongly agreed the simulation was relevant and promoted reflection on task-switching skills. Discussion: This simulation provides educators with a tool to facilitate reflective feedback with senior EM learners regarding their core resuscitation, leadership, and task-switching skills and could be further adapted to promote deliberate practice.

Can a Therapeutic Strategy for Hypotension Improve Cerebral Perfusion and Oxygenation in an Experimental Model of Hemorrhagic Shock and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury?

BACKGROUND: Restoration of brain tissue perfusion is a determining factor in the neurological evolution of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hemorrhagic shock (HS). In a porcine model of HS without neurological damage, it was observed that the use of fluids or vasoactive drugs was effective in restoring brain perfusion; however, only terlipressin promoted restoration of cerebral oxygenation and lower expression of edema and apoptosis markers. It is unclear whether the use of vasopressor drugs is effective and beneficial during situations of TBI. The objective of this study is to compare the effects of resuscitation with saline solution and terlipressin on cerebral perfusion and oxygenation in a model of TBI and HS. METHODS: Thirty-two pigs weighing 20-30 kg were randomly allocated into four groups: control (no treatment), saline (60 ml/kg of 0.9% NaCl), terlipressin (2 mg of terlipressin), and saline plus terlipressin (20 ml/kg of 0.9% NaCl + 2 mg of terlipressin). Brain injury was induced by lateral fluid percussion, and HS was induced through pressure-controlled bleeding, aiming at a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mmHg. After 30 min of circulatory shock, resuscitation strategies were initiated according to the group. The systemic and cerebral hemodynamic and oxygenation parameters, lactate levels, and hemoglobin levels were evaluated. The data were subjected to analysis of variance for repeated measures. The significance level established for statistical analysis was p < 0.05. RESULTS: The terlipressin and saline plus terlipressin groups showed an increase in MAP that lasted until the end of the experiment (p < 0.05). There was a notable increase in intracranial pressure in all groups after starting treatment for shock. Cerebral perfusion pressure and cerebral oximetry showed no improvement after hemodynamic recovery in any group. The groups that received saline at resuscitation had the lowest hemoglobin concentrations after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of hypotension in HS with saline and/or terlipressin cannot restore cerebral perfusion or oxygenation in experimental models of HS and severe TBI. Elevated MAP raises intracranial pressure owing to brain autoregulation dysfunction caused by TBI.

Quality assessment in initial paediatric trauma care: Systematic review from prehospital care to the paediatric intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is the most common cause of death and disability in the paediatric population. There are a huge number of variables involved in the care they receive from health care professionals. AIM: The aim of this study was to review the available evidence of initial paediatric trauma care throughout the health care process with a view to create quality indicators (QIs). STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review was performed from Cochrane Library, Medline, Scopus and SciELO between 2010 and 2020. Studies and guidelines that examined quality or suggested QI were included. Indicators were classified by health care setting, Donabedian's model, risk of bias and the quality of the publication with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) assessment. RESULTS: The initial search included 686 articles, which were reduced to 22, with 15 primary and 7 secondary research articles. The snowball sampling technique was used to add a further seven guidelines and two articles. From these, 534 possible indicators were extracted, summarizing them into 39 and grouping the prehospital care indicators as structure (N = 5), process (N = 12) and outcome (N = 3) indicators and the hospital care indicators as structure (N = 4), process (N = 10) and outcome (N = 6) indicators. Most of the QIs have been extracted from US studies. They are multidisciplinary and in some cases are based on an adaptation of the QIs of adult trauma care. CONCLUSIONS: There was a clear gap and large variability between the indicators, as well as low-quality evidence. Future studies will validate indicators using the Delphi method. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Design a QI framework that may be used by the health system throughout the process. Indicators framework will get nurses, to assess the quality of health care, detect deficient areas and implement improvement measures.

The effect of population density on outcomes of major trauma patients in Ireland.

BACKGROUND: Time-sensitive emergencies in areas of low population density have statistically poorer outcomes. This includes incidents of major trauma. This study assesses the effect that population density at a receiving hospital of a major trauma patient has on survival. METHODS: Patients meeting Trauma Audit Research Network criteria for major trauma from 2016 to 2020 in Ireland were included in this retrospective observational study. Incident data were retrieved from the Major Trauma Audit, while data on population density were calculated from Irish state sources. The primary outcome measure of survival to discharge was compared to population density using logistic regression, adjusted for demographic and incident variables. Records were divided into population density tertiles to assess for between-group differences in potential predictor variables. RESULTS: Population density at a receiving hospital had no impact on mortality in Irish major trauma patients from our logistic regression model (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.98-1.05, p = 0.53). Factors that did have an impact were age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Injury Severity Score, and the presence of an Orthopaedic Surgery service at the receiving hospital (all p < 0.001). Age and Charlson Comorbidity Index differed slightly by population density tertile; both were higher in areas of high population density (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Survival to discharge in Irish major trauma patients does not differ substantially based on population density. This is an important finding as Ireland moves to a new trauma system, with features based on population distribution. An Orthopaedic Surgery service is an important feature of a major trauma receiving hospital and its presence improves outcomes.