Evaluation of the early weigh-in policy for mixed martial arts events adopted by North American athletic commissions.

Objective: To characterize the epidemiology of overweight athletes before and after the introduction of the Early Weigh-In Policy (EWIP).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study examined the weigh-in results for professional mixed martial arts (MMA) events over a 2-year period around the introduction of the new EWIP between 2014 and 2018. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study populations.

Venomous Snakebites in Canada: A National Review of Patient Epidemiology and Antivenom Usage.

Introduction: There are 3 pit viper species in Canada. Limited Canadian literature exists on the epidemiology of venomous snakebites and the treatment patterns with antivenom. This study described the epidemiology, the utilization of antivenom, and estimated expenditures due to forfeited antivenom for pit viper envenomations in Canada.

Risk factors associated with injury and concussion in sanctioned amateur and professional mixed martial arts bouts in Calgary, Alberta.

Background: There is limited literature that examines risk factors for injury and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in mixed martial arts (MMA). An examination of previously unstudied bout and athlete characteristics that may pose health risks while partaking in this sport is warranted.

Hypothesis/purpose: To determine the incidence of injury and concussion, along with the identification of risk factors that contribute to injury and mTBI in amateur and professional MMA bouts in Calgary, Alberta.

Safety in Mixed Martial Arts: a 7-Year Review of Cancelled MMA Bouts in Calgary, Alberta, During the Pre-bout Medical Examination Period.

Background: Presently, there is no literature that examines the reasons for the cancellation of amateur or professional mixed martial arts (MMA) bouts. The purpose of this study was to review the circumstances that lead to the cancellation of MMA bouts by Calgary ringside physicians during the pre-bout examination period and to identify any emerging patterns that may guide the regulatoin of this sport.

Methods: The case-series  was constructed from the Calgary Combative Sports Commission pre-bout examination records and the medical records submitted by each athlete from January 2010 to December 2016.

A pilot study examining the speed and accuracy of triage for simulated disaster patients in an emergency department setting: Comparison of a computerized version of Canadian Triage Acuity Scale (CTAS) and Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) methods.

Objective: To compare emergency department triage nurses' time to triage and accuracy of a simulated mass casualty incident (MCI) population using a computerized version of CTAS or START systems.

Methods: This pilot study was a prospective trial using a convenience sample. A total of 20 ED triage nurses, 10 in each arm of the study, were recruited.

Epidemiological Trends in Search and Rescue Incidents Documented by the Alpine Club of Canada From 1970 to 2005.

Objective: To provide a descriptive review of the epidemiology of search and rescue (SAR) incidents across Canada as documented in the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) database.

Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional review of SAR reports collected by the ACC with incidents dating from January 1, 1970 to June 12, 2005, was analyzed.

Results: The ACC database contained 1088 incidents with 1377 casualties.

Outcomes and characteristics of non-immobilised, spine-injured trauma patients: a systematic review of prehospital selective immobilisation protocols.

Objectives: This review assesses prehospital selective immobilisation protocols across a range of outcomes, including neurological deterioration and characteristics of injured, non-immobilised patients.

Methods: Six electronic reference databases and eight grey literature sources were systematically searched. We included studies that enrolled acute trauma patients in the prehospital setting who were assessed for spine injury according to predefined clinical criteria and either immobilised or not.