Out-of-hospital ketamine: review of a growing trend in patient care.

Ketamine is a unique medication with a long history of use in the emergency department. Out-of-hospital indications for ketamine have been explored and are currently expanding in some systems. This article provides background on ketamine history and pharmacology, its use in the hospital environment and possible applications for emergency medical services usage of this medication.

Application of Different Commercial Tourniquets by Laypersons: Would Public-access Tourniquets Work Without Training?

Background: The White House "Stop the Bleed" campaign has renewed interest in public-access bleeding kits and the use of tourniquets by the lay public. The objective of this study was to determine which type of tourniquet could be applied most effectively by the lay public using only manufacturer instructions included with each tourniquet.

Methods: This prospective study randomized participants to one of four different tourniquets (SOFTT-W, CAT, RMT, SWAT-T).

Effective Use of Naloxone by Law Enforcement in Response to Multiple Opioid Overdoses.

Objective: Growing rates of opioid abuse and overdose throughout the nation have lead some community organizations to develop naloxone administration programs.

Methods: In Pitt County North Carolina, two of our law enforcement agencies were trained in the identification of opioid overdose and use of naloxone therapy.

Results: Attributed partially to introduction of fentanyl into the illicit drug market, our community experienced a 48-hour period in which officers successfully deployed five doses of antagonist medication to four individuals.