Association between cervical fracture patterns and blunt cerebrovascular injury when screened with computed tomographic angiography.

Background Context: Prior studies have demonstrated a close association between cervical spine fractures and blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI). Undiagnosed BCVI is a feared complication because of the potentially catastrophic outcomes in a missed posterior circulation stroke. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is commonly used to screen BCVI in the trauma setting.

Availability and use of medications by prehospital providers trained to manage medical complications of patients in hazardous materials incidents.

Introduction: Little is known about prehospital availability and use of medications to treat patients from hazardous materials (hazmat) medical emergencies. The aim of this study was to identify the availability and frequency of use of medications for patients in hazmat incidents by paramedics with advanced training to care for these patients.

Methods: A prospectively validated survey was distributed to United States paramedics with advanced training in the medical management of patients from hazmat incidents who successfully completed a 16-hour Advanced Hazmat Life Support (AHLS) Provider Course from 1999 to 2017.