Diagnosing chronic carbon monoxide poisoning can be a challenge for medical response teams. It is charaterised by unclear symptoms, which develop in a manner similar to many chronic cardiological or neurological diseases, and has consequences that can occur up to several months later. As a result, the character of such poisoning is often under¬estimated in daily practice. Multiple interventions and working under pressure does not always allow for a detailed analysis of many factors. It is therefore vital to develop solutions that allow for quick assessment of whether a patient has been exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning. Three-step analysis of the symptoms of poisoning is an ideal exam¬ple. This consists of a consultation on exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning, the presence of symptoms suggesting hypoxia due to poisoning, and determining the carboxyhaemoglobin index using equipment carried by the medical response team. Emergency procedures based on these three elements result in rapid identification of people suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning who require oxygen therapy, and the transportation of such people to specialised units for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This system of analysis can also be used as part of a standard examination for assessing the exposure of a patient to carbon monoxide, both in hospital emergency departments and in medical response teams.
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Anaerobic bacterial infections are a broad group of conditions ranging from superficial skin infections to deeply embedded necrotic soft tissue infection. It has been observed that amongst all the microorganisms causing soft tissue infection, as many as 70% of anaerobic bacteria are unquestionably related to mortality in fulminant infections. Such infections are most commonly caused by an open wound that is insufficiently disinfected, or through the wound coming into contact with soil or human or animal faeces. This is particularly the case for wounds resulting from traffic accidents and injuries sustained in agriculture. In 80-95% of cases, the bacteria Clostridium perfringens is responsible for the appearance of gas gangrene manifested by sharp pain and crepitus in the wound area, as well as disseminated intravascular coagulation and septic shock. Due to time-consuming diagnosis and delays in obtaining the results of bacteriological tests, identifying the condition and commencing treatment relies mainly on a paramedic’s knowledge and experience. Improving the body of knowledge on soft tissue infection and awareness of the potential risks can affect the patient’s prognosis.
Introduction: Tracheal intubation is the optimal method for opening up airways. Performed correctly, it prevents stomach contents from entering the respiratory tract and allows asynchronous cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to be conducted during sudden cardiac arrest. An important element of correct intubation is proper inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff. Research has shown that when medical personnel use the palpation technique, the cuff is usually inflated incorrectly. This can result in numerous health complications for the patient. Methods: This research was conducted in 2020 on a group of paramedics participating in the 15th International Winter Championship of Medical Rescuers in Bielsko-Biala (Poland). The aim of the research was to assess two methods of inflating the endotracheal tube cuff. Method A involved inflating the cuff using a syringe and assessing the pressure in the control cuff using the palpation technique. Method B involved inflating the cuff using a manometer. During the inflation, both the cuff inflation pressure and the time required to complete the procedure were recorded. Analysis was also conducted on whether completion of certified Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) training had any influence on the effectiveness of the inflation procedure. Results: The research showed that paramedics using Method B significantly more often inflated the endotracheal tube cuff to the correct pressure than those using Method A. However, when Method B was used, the procedure took longer to conduct. The study also showed that completion of certified ALS or ACLS training did not have a significant influence on proper inflation of the cuff. Those who had completed certified training courses took significantly longer to inflate the endotracheal tube cuff when using Method A. Conclusions: Inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff by use of a syringe, followed by the palpation technique for assessing the inflation of the cuff balloon, is ineffective. Paramedic teams should be equipped with manometers to be used for inflating the endotracheal tube cuff.
Aim: To assess knowledge of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and attitudes toward the pandemic among patients in seven European countries in the opinion of medical personnel. Material and methods: The research was conducted across seven European countries. The questionnaire included questions relating to the Covid-19 pan¬demic regarding medical personnel’s opinions on the level of patient education, the sharing of incorrect information by patients, the following of quarantine procedures by patients, and the necessity of introducing tighter sanitary restrictions. Results: The research indicated significant differences between countries in the answers provided by medical personnel. Medical personnel encountered the sharing of incorrect information by patients most often in Poland, and most seldom in Norway. Staff in the United Kingdom and Poland had the lowest as¬sessment of patients following quarantine procedures, while personnel in Norway had the most positive assessment in this area. Education of the patients on the SARS-CoV-2 virus was most positively assessed by personnel in Finland, and the most poorly by staff from Poland. The necessity to impose tighter sanitary restrictions was indicated by the greatest number of personnel in Poland and the United Kingdom, and by the lowest number in Spain. Conclusions: The research indicated significant differences between countries in the provided answers. The study also demonstrated that as a rule the sanitary restrictions were supported.
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