Unintended beneficial effects of COVID-19 on influenza-associated emergency department use in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Non-pharmaceutical interventions, including hand hygiene, wearing masks, and cough etiquette, and public health measures such as social distancing, used to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), could reduce the incidence rate of respiratory viral infections such as influenza. We evaluated the effect of COVID-19 on the incidence of influenza in Korea. METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients who visited five urban emergency departments (EDs) during the influenza epidemic seasons of 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20. Influenza was defined as ICD-10 codes J09, J10, and J11, determined from ED discharge records. The weekly incidence rates of influenza per 1000 ED visits during the 2019-20 season, when COVID-19 became a pandemic, were compared with those of 2017-18 and 2018-19. The actual incidence rate of the 2019-20 season was compared with the predicted value using a generalized estimation equation model based on 2017-18 and 2018-19 data. RESULTS: The weekly influenza incidence rate decreased from 101.6 to 56.6 between week 4 and week 5 in 2020 when the first COVID-19 patient was diagnosed and public health measures were implemented. The weekly incidence rate during week 10 and week 22 of the 2019-20 season decreased most steeply compared to 2017-18 and 2018-19. The actual influenza incidence rate observed in the 2019-20 season was lower than the rate predicted in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons starting from week 7 when a COVID-19 outbreak occurred in Korea. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions and public health measures for the COVID-19 epidemic effectively reduced the transmission of influenza and associated ED use in Korea. Implementing appropriate public health measures could reduce outbreaks and lessen the burden of influenza during future influenza epidemics.

Risk Factors for Intracranial Injury Caused by Falls at Home in Korea Using Data from the Emergency Department-based Injury In-depth Surveillance (2011-2018).

BACKGROUND: Most unintentional injuries that occur at home are preventable. However, it may be difficult to sufficiently reduce the number of falls occurring at home by only identifying risk factors focused on specific age groups. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the risk factors (especially age and places where injuries occurred at home) for intracranial injury (ICI) caused by unintentional falls at home. METHODS: Using the Emergency Department (ED)-Based Injury In-depth Surveillance, we analyzed the data of patients who visited the ED due to unintentional falls at home. Risk factors were identified using multivariable logistic regression according to age groups and interactions between place of injury occurrence and age groups, and sex and age groups were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 232,124 patients were included in the analysis; older adults had a higher adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 14.05 (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.74-15.49) of ICI than infants. The corridor was associated with ICI in the male pediatric group (aOR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.08-6.84) and the balcony with the female pediatric group (aOR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.03-4.04). In the adult group, aOR of kitchen was 1.38 (95% CI, 1.02-1.88) in females and 0.56 (95% CI, 0.48-0.66) in males. CONCLUSION: In this study, we identified the risk factors of ICI caused by falls at home using ED-based injury surveillance data. The risk of ICI was different among places of occurrence in the home depending on the age groups and sex.

A Crowd Disaster Study: The Itaewon Seoul Crush.

The recent Halloween crowd crush incident in Itaewon, Seoul, Korea, highlights a woeful inadequacy in our collective knowledge about crowd disasters. Underscored is a lack of detailed information on the causes of death and the injuries sustained. While traumatic asphyxiation has been widely implicated as the primary cause of death, the wider spectrum of injury patterns and their causative mechanisms remain poorly identified. Challenges to advancing our understanding of crowd disasters include limited and restricted access to official reports, incomplete documentation, and reliance on unofficial sources for information. There is a need for targeted research to better understand crowd dynamics that lead to injuries. Future directions should prioritize better interdisciplinary collaboration, improved data sharing, and computer simulations to model real-world events. Further inquiry into human stampedes and crowd crushes, such as the Itaewon incident, is urgently needed to prevent similar tragedies; focusing on the types and mechanisms of injuries is a crucial first step to enhancing emergency preparedness and disaster response.

Efficacy and safety of ketamine alone and ketamine-dexmedetomidine combination for sedation for brain computed tomography in paediatric patients with head injuries: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of ketamine alone with those of ketamine-dexmedetomidine combination for sedation during brain CT in paediatric patients with head injuries. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the data of paediatric patients who underwent sedation for brain CT at the ED. We included patients aged 6 months to 6 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II. The sedative protocol involved the administration of intramuscular (IM) ketamine 3 mg/kg (K), ketamine 2 mg/kg with dexmedetomidine 1.5 µg/kg (KD) or ketamine 1.5 mg/kg with dexmedetomidine 1.5 µg/kg (low-KD). The primary and secondary outcomes were sedation failure and adverse events, respectively. RESULTS: We included 77 patients; among them, 28, 23 and 26 were in the K, KD and low-KD groups, respectively. In multivariable analysis, the combination groups (KD and low-KD groups) were significantly associated with a lower possibility of sedation failure compared to the K group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.56). Moreover, there were no significant differences in adverse events between the groups, and the sedation-related time variables also did not significantly differ among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that a combination of IM ketamine-dexmedetomidine provides effective sedation for paediatric patients undergoing brain CT without significant adverse events. Further research is needed to investigate the potential benefits of using lower doses of ketamine in combination.

A comprehensive evaluation of efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in non-arteritic central retinal artery occlusion using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) by analyzing changes in visual acuity (VA) and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) parameters. A comparative retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of all HBO-treated RAO patients in our department and comparing them with matched RAO patients who did not receive HBO treatment. All patients treated with HBO received treatment within 7 days of the onset of visual symptoms. Baseline characteristics were compared, and VA and OCT parameters were evaluated at baseline and follow-up visits. A total of 50 eyes from 50 patients were included, with 29 eyes in the HBOT group and 21 eyes in the control group. The mean BCVA of the HBOT group at the initial visit was 2.03 logMAR, which improved to 1.55 logMAR at 6 months, with the change being statistically significant (P < 0.01), while the control group's BCVA remained almost unchanged, from 2.1 to 2.11 logMAR (P = 0.762). The central choroidal thickness increased significantly in the HBOT group over the subsequent period. The central fovea, and outer retinal layer thickness in the HBOT group were significantly greater than those in the control group at the 6-month follow-up after treatment. HBOT appears to be effective in improving VA and inducing favorable changes in OCT parameters in patients with CRAO. It helps to preserve retinal layer thickness, especially in the outer retinal layer.

Correction: Evaluation of class participation in non-face-to-face CPR training for medical students.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278273.].

Analyzing willingness for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in refractory ventricular fibrillation.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for refractory ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has recently been recommended for selected patients with favorable prognostic features. We aimed to identify factors affecting the willingness of emergency physicians to implement extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). We conducted a factorial survey with nine experimental vignettes by combining three different scene time intervals and transportation time intervals. Emergency physicians reported willingness to implement ECPR (1-100 points). Respondent characteristics that could affect the willingness were studied. Multilevel analysis of vignettes and respondent factors was conducted using a mixed-effects regression model. We obtained 486 vignette responses from 54 emergency physicians. In the case of longer scene time intervals, there was a significant difference in the willingness scores at 9 and 12 min transportation time intervals. When the pre-hospital time interval was > 40 min, emergency physicians demonstrated lower willingness to implement ECPR. Clinical experience of 15-19 years showed a significant favorable effect on willingness to implement extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). However, the mean willingness scores of EPs for ECMO implementation were more than 75 across all vignettes. In ECPR, the prehospital time interval is an important factor, and the willingness of emergency physicians to implement ECMO could be mutually affected by scene time intervals, transportation time intervals, and total prehospital time.

Extremity Injuries during Sporting Activities According to Life Course: Focusing on Fractures.

Background: The increased participation in sports has led to an increased number of sports-related injuries. We aimed to identify the incidence of sports-related injuries by life course and the risk factors for sports-related extremity fractures. Methods: We analyzed data of patients with sports-related extremity injuries from Emergency Department-based national injury surveillance systems, obtained from Jan 2013 to Dec 2016. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of extremity fracture by life course after adjusting for sex, injury season, injury time, injury place, sports type, and mechanism of injury. Results: Overall, 23385 patients met our inclusion criteria. Soccer injuries were most common in the 5-14-year (32.4%), 15-24-year (43.0%), and 25-44-year groups (32.7%), and hiking injuries were most common in the 45-64-year (23.6%) and ≥65-year age groups (38.0%). The upper extremity injury and fracture rates were higher in the younger-age group; nevertheless, the injury and fracture rates of the lower extremities increased with increasing age. Moreover, the rate of hip and thigh injuries and fractures increased significantly in the ≥65-year age group. Conclusion: The incidence and severity of sports injuries are affected by player factors and the sports activity itself. The age of players is a major determinant that affects their medical and physiologic conditions and the sport of choice. The strategy for preventing sports injuries should be structured based on age.

Evaluation of class participation in non-face-to-face CPR training for medical students.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education requires that learners practice key skills to promote mastery. Our aim in this study was to evaluate differences in post-education performance and class participation during CPR training between face-to- face (FF) and non-face-to-face (NFF) learning formats. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled study of third-year medical students from two university hospital, allocated to either the FF or NFF format for CPR education. The learning scenario addressed single-person CPR, consisting of chest compression only, and excluded breathing. The Kahoot! application was used for NFF. Between-group comparisons for class participation and CPR skills were based on video recordings. RESULTS: Seventy students participated in our study, with 35 randomly allocated to the FF and NFF groups. There were no between-group differences in terms of age, sex, previous basic life support training, and willingness and confidence in performing CPR. Compared to the FF group, the NFF group demonstrated significant differences during CPR, including fewer calling for assistance and using of defibrillator (p = 0.006), as well as fewer checking for breathing (p = 0.007), and fewer counting during chest compression (p = 0.006). Additionally, < 30% of learners in the NFF group completed rhythm analysis after the last defibrillator shock delivery and resumed immediate chest compression (p < 0.001). All students in both groups passed the post-training assessment. CONCLUSION: Class participation in NFF learning was lower than that in FF learning. Although the post-education evaluation in the NFF group was not inferior, efforts on promoting active participation in NFF learning are required.

Changes to the Korean Disaster Medical Assistance System After Numerous Multi-casualty Incidents in 2014 and 2015.

OBJECTIVE: A number of multiple-casualty incidents during 2014 and 2015 brought changes to Korea's disaster medical assistance system. We report these changes here. METHODS: Reports about these incidents, revisions to laws, and the government's revised medical disaster response guidelines were reviewed. RESULTS: The number of DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistance Team) staff members was reduced to 4 from 8, and the mobilization method changed. An emergency response manual was created that contains the main content of the DMAT, and there is now a DMAT training program to educate staff. The government created and launched a national 24-hour Disaster Emergency Medical Service Situation Room, and instead of the traditional wireless communications, mobile instant smart phone messaging has been added as a new means of communication. The number of disaster base hospitals has also been doubled. CONCLUSION: Although there are still limitations that need to be remedied, the changes to the current emergency medical assistance system are expected to improve the system's response capacity. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:526-530).

A study on the disaster medical response during the Mauna Ocean Resort gymnasium collapse.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and document the disaster medical response during the Gyeongju Mauna Ocean Resort gymnasium collapse on February 17, 2014. METHODS: Official records of each institution were verified to select the study population. All the medical records and emergency medical service run sheets were reviewed by an emergency physician. Personal or telephonic interviews were conducted, without a separate questionnaire, if the institutions or agencies crucial to disaster response did not have official records or if information from different institutions was inconsistent. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-five accident victims treated at 12 hospitals, mostly for minor wounds, were included in this study. The collapse killed 10 people. Although the news of collapse was disseminated in 4 minutes, dispatch of 4 disaster medical assistance teams took at least 69 minutes to take the decision of dispatch. Four point five percent were treated at the accident site, 56.7% were transferred to 2 hospitals that were nearest to the collapse site, and 42.6% were transferred to hospitals that were poorly prepared to handle disaster victims. CONCLUSION: In the Gyeongju Mauna Ocean Resort gymnasium collapse, the initial triage and distribution of patients was inefficient and medical assistance arrived late. These problems had also been noted in prior mass casualty incidents.

Terrorism in South Korea.

South Korea has experienced > 30 suspected terrorism-related events since 1958, including attacks against South Korean citizens in foreign countries. The most common types of terrorism used have included bombings, shootings, hijackings, and kidnappings. Prior to 1990, North Korea was responsible for almost all terrorism-related events inside of South Korea, including multiple assassination attempts on its presidents, regular kidnappings of South Korean fisherman, and several high-profile bombings. Since 1990, most of the terrorist attacks against South Korean citizens have occurred abroad and have been related to the emerging worldwide pattern of terrorism by international terrorist organizations or deranged individuals. The 1988 Seoul Olympic Games provided a major stimulus for South Korea to develop a national emergency response system for terrorism-related events based on the participation of multiple ministries. The 11 September 2001 World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks and the 2001 United States of America (US) anthrax letter attacks prompted South Korea to organize a new national system of emergency response for terrorism-related events. The system is based on five divisions for the response to specific types of terrorist events, involving conventional terrorism, bioterrorism, chemical terrorism, radiological terrorism, and cyber-terrorism. No terrorism-related events occurred during the 2002 World Cup and Asian Games held in South Korea. The emergency management of terrorism-related events in South Korea is adapting to the changing risk of terrorism in the new century.

Minor complications after mandibular third molar surgery: type, incidence, and possible prevention.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to ascertain the incidence of minor complications after mandibular third molar surgery and to predict the risk of skin ecchymosis or mucosa petechiae related to the usage of an absorbable gelatin sponge. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and four patients subjected to surgical extraction of horizontally impacted lower third molars were selected and investigated by means of questionnaires and clinical examinations. The independent sample t test was used for numeric variables. The chi-square test was used for logistic variables to determine the association between variables, and thereafter stepwise logistical regression was used. RESULTS: The older group (> or = 30 years old), with deeply impacted teeth, and long operation times (> or = 10 minutes) were shown to have significantly higher swelling than the other groups (P < .05). The patients who had deeply impacted teeth or long operation times were shown to have significantly higher VAS scores compared to short operation times (P < .05). The use of an absorbable gelatin sponge in the extraction socket significantly decreased postoperative swelling, mucosal petechiae, and skin ecchymosis (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The clinical variables related to postoperative bleeding disorder, pain, and trismus were identified. The insertion of an absorbable gelatin sponge into the extraction socket was found to be a very useful method to prevent postoperative bleeding problems.