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Since 1996, at least 150 children have died as a result of being trapped in hot, parked vehicles. Contrary to what would be expected, these deaths occurred throughout all regions of the United States, making it important for all emergency medicine physicians to be familiar with the resuscitation of a child with a heat-related illness. This article provides an overview of heat-related illnesses in children and prevention and management strategies to facilitate care.
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This issue is the second and final part in our series on urinary tract infection. Part I of the series examined epidemiology, emerging resistance patterns, and patient-specific treatment strategies. In part II, we will cover antibiotic selection, new treatment options, and special considerations.
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This is the third part in the ED Legal Letter series on abdominal pain. The first two parts detailed common presentations of adult abdominal pain. Part four will discuss pediatric abdominal pain. This part discusses ectopic pregnancy and trauma in pregnancy.
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Emergency practitioners must understand patients rights regarding informed consent. Rapid diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving, and any delay in obtaining consent may have devastating consequences to the patient. Emergency physicians have an obligation to make decisive and rapid treatment decisions. In addition, they must know when patients can refuse treatment and when consent is not needed. Finally, patients can and do refuse treatments that may be lifesaving. The emergency physician must ensure that the patient is competent to make these decisions. A mistake will bring the wrath of disgruntled family members who undoubtedly will bring suit for negligence. This issue of
ED Legal Letter illustrates the issues that emergency physicians encounter regarding informed consent and the exceptions that may apply.
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This is the second and final part in a series on chemical warfare agents. Part I focused on choking agents, vesicants, and halogenated oximes. This article will cover nerve agents, blood agents, and protective gear.