The views, opinions and decision-making of UK-based paramedics on the use of pre-hospital 12-lead electrocardiograms in acute stroke patients: a qualitative interview study.

Introduction: A qualitative exploration into the views, opinions and decision-making of paramedics involved in undertaking pre-hospital 12-lead electrocardiograms (PHECGs) for stroke patients was undertaken, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the clinical and occupational context that the paramedics work within, the acceptability of the paramedics in using PHECGs for stroke patients and the consequences and influences of their decision-making.

Methods: Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analysed using the framework method, with the underpinning theoretical framework of cognitive continuum theory. A purposive sample of 14 paramedics was recruited and interviewed.

The pre-hospital 12-lead electrocardiogram is associated with longer delay and worse outcomes in patients presenting to emergency medical services with acute stroke: a linked cohort study.

Objectives: To investigate the association between pre-hospital 12-lead electrocardiogram (PHECG) use in patients presenting to emergency medical services (EMS) with acute stroke, and clinical outcomes and system delays.

Methods: Multi-centre linked cohort study. Patients with verified acute stroke admitted to hospital via EMS were identified through routinely collected hospital data and linked to EMS clinical records via EMS unique identifiers.

Impact of a dry inoculum deposition on the efficacy of copper-based antimicrobial surfaces.

Background: The introduction of antimicrobial surfaces into healthcare environments is believed to impact positively on the rate of healthcare-associated infections by significantly decreasing pathogen presence on surfaces.

Aim: To report on a novel efficacy test that uses a dry bacterial inoculum to measure the microbicidal efficacy of antimicrobial surfaces.

Methods: An aerosolized dry inoculum of Staphylococcus aureus or Acinetobacter baumannii was deposited on copper alloy surfaces or a hospital-grade stainless-steel surface.

A pilot study evaluating the use of ABCD2 score in pre-hospital assessment of patients with suspected transient ischaemic attack: experience and lessons learned.

Background: Suspected transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a common presentation to emergency medical services (EMS) in the United Kingdom (UK). Several EMS systems have adopted the ABCD2 score to aid pre-hospital risk stratification and decision-making on patient disposition, such as direct referral to an Emergency Department or specialist TIA clinic. However, the ABCD2 score, developed for hospital use, has not been validated for use in the pre-hospital context of EMS care.

The response of foodborne pathogens to osmotic and desiccation stresses in the food chain.

In combination with other strategies, hyperosmolarity and desiccation are frequently used by the food processing industry as a means to prevent bacterial proliferation, and particularly that of foodborne pathogens, in food products. However, it is increasingly observed that bacteria, including human pathogens, encode mechanisms to survive and withstand these stresses. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms employed by Salmonella spp.