ABSTRACT
Seen primarily in scuba divers who have breathed compressed air, decompression illness is a rare but potentially fatal condition. Prompt recognition and treatment of the illness, and urgent referral of patients to hyperbaric chambers, can mean the difference between full recovery and paralysis or death. This article describes decompression illness and how to recognise it, and discusses the treatment that patients require for the best chance of recovery with no adverse effects. It also includes a case study of a patient who developed this condition after a dive.
Subject(s)
Decompression Sickness , Diving , HumansABSTRACT
This article provides basic information on safe and effective wound closure using tissue adhesive. Although it is intended for staff who are new to emergency care, it can be used by more experienced staff as a refresher or teaching aid.
Subject(s)
Emergency Treatment/methods , Patient Selection , Tissue Adhesives/therapeutic use , Wounds, Penetrating/therapy , Contraindications , Cyanoacrylates/therapeutic use , Drug Costs , Emergency Nursing , Emergency Treatment/nursing , Humans , Patient Education as Topic , Safety , Tissue Adhesives/economics , Treatment Outcome , Wound Healing , Wounds, Penetrating/classificationABSTRACT
The aim of this article is to inform staff who are new to emergency care settings how to use the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) when managing patients with head injuries. It may also be useful as a refresher for experienced staff and a helpful teaching tool. It emphasises the need for continual, standardised assessment of neurological status and emphasises how the GCS is seen as best practice nationally and internationally.
