Recent outbreaks of measles, mumps, and pertussis prompted this issue. Just this past month, outbreaks of measles were reported in California and Florida. These diseases were thought to be disappearing, but now many are returning. And the emergency physician will be called upon to diagnose and treat them. "Childhood" diseases are now seen in adults, often with more serious morbidity and mortality.
Lacerations are a common reason for patients to come to the emergency department (ED). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from 2007, "open wounds (excluding the head)" were the primary leading diagnosis for men between the ages of 15 and 64 years.
Resuscitation in the pregnant patient is an uncommon occurrence, estimated at 1 in 30,000 deliveries, yet it is unique in its potential to save not one, but two lives.