Carbon monoxide poisoning in Utah: 1996-2013.

INTRODUCTION: The true incidence of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is not clearly known, but a description of possible trends could aid in prevention. METHODS: Investigators searched Utah state databases for emergency department (ED) visits and admissions for CO poisoning and medical examiner records for CO-related fatalities. RESULTS: From 1996-2013, 7,590 individuals were diagnosed with CO poisoning: 6,469 were treated/ released from EDs; 596 were admitted; 525 died. Of 7,065 non-fatal poisonings, 5,950 (84%) were accidental and 498 (7%) were suicide attempts. Few patients (9.7%) were treated with hyperbaric oxygen. For accidental poisonings, internal combustion engines accounted for 43%, smoke inhalation, 34%, and heating sources, 22%. Internal combustion engines were implicated in 97% of suicide attempts. Non-fatal poisonings declined following a 2008 legislative change requiring CO alarms in residences, but we do not know if legislation caused the decline. One hundred forty-one (27%) fatal poisonings were accidental, 361 (70%) suicides and two (0.4%) homicides. Victims with cardiovascular autopsy findings/past cardiovascular history had lower carboxyhemoglobin levels (mean 51.2%, n=53) compared to those without (70.8%, n=472). Mean postmortem carboxyhemoglobin was highest in ages 20-29 years (72.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CO poisoning in Utah is declining, but CO poisoning is still common. Alarm legislation may aid prevention efforts. An educational campaign addressing the many causes and circumstances of CO poisoning is required for prevention.

Monitoring prehospital stroke care in Utah to assess the feasibility of using EMS data for surveillance.

Many states are developing data systems that use the data elements from the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) to monitor prehospital stroke care. To explore the feasibility of using emergency medical services data to monitor prehospital stroke care in Utah, the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program and the state emergency medical services agency identified variables that could potentially be used to describe prehospital stroke care and explored the actual data from the first 16 months since inception of a system compatible with NEMSIS. We were able to develop a case definition for possible stroke and to describe modes of response, response times, destination hospitals, and stroke screening practices. Although not all emergency medical services agencies in Utah used the system and the data were not always complete for each stroke case, it was feasible to design a basic surveillance system for prehospital stroke care by using the data.