A TASER conducted electrical weapon with cardiac biomonitoring capability: Proof of concept and initial human trial.

Introduction: Despite research demonstrating the overall safety of Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs), commonly known by the brand name TASER(®), concerns remain regarding cardiac safety. The addition of cardiac biomonitoring capability to a CEW could prove useful and even lifesaving in the rare event of a medical crisis by detecting and analyzing cardiac rhythms during the period immediately after CEW discharge.

Objective: To combine an electrocardiogram (ECG) device with a CEW to detect and store ECG signals while still allowing the CEW to perform its primary function of delivering an incapacitating electrical discharge.

Empiric tenecteplase is associated with increased return of spontaneous circulation and short term survival in cardiac arrest patients unresponsive to standard interventions.

Background: Prospective and retrospective studies have shown that empiric use of fibrinolytic agents in sudden cardiac arrest is safe and may improve outcomes in sudden cardiac arrest. Use of fibrinolytic agents for this indication is increasing in response to these data.

Methods: A prospective multicenter observational trial was performed in three emergency departments (EDs) to determine the proportion of patients that respond to empiric fibrinolysis with tenecteplase (TNK) after failing to respond to Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) measures.

A comparison of rapid-sequence intubation and etomidate-only intubation in the prehospital air medical setting.

Objectives: To compare laryngoscopy conditions produced by etomidate-only intubation (EOI) with those produced by rapid-sequence intubation (RSI) in the prehospital air medical setting.

Methods: A prospective crossover trial design used two helicopters staffed by the same flight paramedics and nurses. Each aircraft used an EOI protocol (0.

National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Exertional Heat Illnesses.

OBJECTIVE: To present recommendations for the prevention, recognition, and treatment of exertional heat illnesses and to describe the relevant physiology of thermoregulation. BACKGROUND: Certified athletic trainers evaluate and treat heat-related injuries during athletic activity in "safe" and high-risk environments. While the recognition of heat illness has improved, the subtle signs and symptoms associated with heat illness are often overlooked, resulting in more serious problems for affected athletes.

Face-Mask Removal: Movement and Time Associated With Cutting of the Loop Straps.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the amount of helmet movement, time for task completion, tool satisfaction, and overall efficiency for various face-mask removal tools during football helmet face-mask removal. DESIGN AND SETTING: Each subject performed one trial with the anvil pruner (AP), Face Mask Extractor (FME), PVC pipe cutter (PVC), and Trainer's Angel (TA). Each subject cut through 4 loop straps and removed the face mask while kneeling behind the athlete's head.

National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Emergency Planning in Athletics.

OBJECTIVES: To educate athletic trainers and others about the need for emergency planning, to provide guidelines in the development of emergency plans, and to advocate documentation of emergency planning. BACKGROUND: Most injuries sustained during athletics or other physical activity are relatively minor. However, potentially limb-threatening or life-threatening emergencies in athletics and physical activity are unpredictable and occur without warning.