No one wants to believe that a pediatric mass casualty incident will occur where they live and work, but, unfortunately, the recent events in Boston have shown that this is a very real possibility. In the event an incident occurs, preparation, response, and management of all of the victims, including the children, are critical and will define the future for each of the victims. The author reviews the basics for preparation and steps to recognize, prepare, and maximize the possibility of a good outcome in the event of a pediatric disaster.
he American College of Surgeons in 2008 released the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) updates (eighth edition) with recommendations based on evidence-based medicine in addition to the expert consensus.
Adolescent girls may not be straightforward about gynecologic issues, and the emergency practitioner should specifically and in a sensitive manner ask about the patients gynecologic history.
No one wants to see the ED used inappropriately, but it can be particularly frustrating when patients keep coming back with problems that never seem to get resolved.
In the wake of the horrific massacre of young children by a disturbed gunman at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, there has been a national discussion about what the country can do to curb such senseless acts of violence.
For the past few years, the ED at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, PA, has seen double-digit increases in patient volume. The surging demand has been difficult, to say the least. And by early 2012, administrators realized it was time for a change in course.
