H1N1: communication patterns among emergency department staff during the H1N1 outbreak, April 2009.

Introduction: The H1N1 influenza virus has been described by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the media as a disease that could rival the 1918 Spanish Influenza epidemic in deaths. During the spring of 2009, emergency departments across the world saw a spike in the number of influenza cases and by June 2009, the WHO had declared H1N1 a pandemic. In order to prevent emergency department staff from becoming ill and to provide up-to-date medical care to patients, information had to be disseminated quickly to emergency department staff.

Cardiac arrest with residual blindness after overdose of Tessalon® (benzonatate) perles.

Background: The extent to which benzonatate (Tessalon®), a structurally similar agent to other local anesthetics including tetracaine and procaine, poses a risk to the public is not fully appreciated as it is still one of the most widely prescribed antitussives available.

Objectives: To report a case of cardiac arrest with residual blindness after Tessalon® overdose, review its clinical manifestations, toxicology and management considerations, and describe the need for rational prescribing.

Case Report: A 17-year-old woman with no previous medical history presented to the Emergency Department (ED) status post cardiac arrest.