Testing failure-to-identify hunting incidents using an immersive simulation: Is it viable?

INTRODUCTION: Failure-to-identify hunting incidents occur when a hunter, believing they are shooting at an animal, shoots at another human. Anecdotal evidence from the hunting community suggests that heightened arousal or excitement ("buck fever"), liquid intake, food intake, sleepiness and personality factors may be contributory factors to such incidents. Hunters who have shot other people based on failures-to-identify also report observing their hunted quarry for a considerable time before discharging their firearm. Concerning the complexity of hunting, we sought to ascertain if simulation would prove an effective platform for future safety research into this phenomenon. METHOD: We conducted a video-based simulation of a deer hunt during a hunting exhibition show. Participants (N = 60) took part in one of four conditions - two types of scenario (having a good versus bad hunt) and two types of video (clear opportunity to shoot a stag versus clear opportunity to shoot an animal that cannot be identified). We investigated hunting outcomes and physiological arousal during the simulation, as well as personality traits, and self-reports of food, liquid intake and sleepiness. We also measured estimated versus actual time elapsed. RESULTS: Pupil dilation, consistent with psychophysiological arousal, occurred when the hunter spotted their first stag, whereas Electrodermal Activity reduced. In the 10 s before shooting, EDA increased substantially. Time also appeared to slow down based on the participants' estimations of duration. CONCLUSIONS: The findings corroborate suggestions of physiological arousal in the immediate lead-up to shooting but fall short of direct evidence for "buck fever" contributing to target misidentification. The simulation appeared to provide enough immersion to facilitate future research. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This helps to understand the psychophysiological and temporal considerations of a hunter as they decide to shoot based on the information available to them at the time.

The Ash Split CathTM as long-term IJ access: Hydraulic performance and longevity.

A prospective observational study was performed to determine the duration of use of the Ash Split Cath placed as primary or bridge access in ESRD patients; 164 ESRD patients received a Split Cath in the IJ location, with transcutaneous placement guided by ultrasound. Mean follow-up time was 19.3 months (maximum up to 48 months). During the follow-up, there were 36 catheter failures resulting in removal, 53% due to infection and the others due to outflow failure or break (leak) of the catheter. By Kaplan-Maier analysis 82% of placed catheters were functional at 12 months and half-life of catheter duration was 26 months. Blood flow rates during dialysis were not distinguishable between IJ catheter patients and those with functioning grafts or fistulas. Function, safety and duration of use of the Split Cath in the IJ location all compare favorably to AV grafts.