Outcomes of telemedicine intervention in a regional intensive care unit: a before and after study.

Telemedicine consultations in remote intensive care units (ICUs) overseas were found to be effective in reducing mortality and hospital length of stay (LOS). In Australia, there were anecdotal reports of these clinical outcomes. This retrospective before and after study assessed the improvement in patient outcomes with the implementation of a telemedicine program in a regional high dependency unit.

Patients want to know about the 'cardiac blues'.

Background: Much attention has been given to identifying and supporting the minority of patients who develop severe clinical depression after a cardiac event. However, relatively little has been given to supporting the many patients who experience transient but significant emotional disturbance that we term the 'cardiac blues'.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate patients' preferences regarding information provision about cardiac blues.

Airway obstruction from accidental ingestion of a live fish.

We present a case of a fisherman who swallowed a live fish, which resulted in severe upper airway obstruction. The firm attachments of the fish's external fins and scales to the airway limit the removal when impacted. We outline our emergency airway management strategies and focus our discussion on the technique used to remove the impacted fish from the upper airway, which was paramount for the successful outcome of this case.

Red flags for persistent or worsening anxiety and depression after an acute cardiac event: a 6-month longitudinal study in regional and rural Australia.

Background: While early symptoms of anxiety and depression resolve for many patients soon after an acute cardiac event, the persistence or worsening of symptoms indicates increased mortality risk. It is therefore important to identify the predictors, or red flags, of persistent or worsening anxiety and depression symptoms. Most previous research has focussed on metropolitan patients, hence the need for studies of regional and rural dwellers.

Prehospital rapid sequence intubation improves functional outcome for patients with severe traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To determine whether paramedic rapid sequence intubation in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) improves neurologic outcomes at 6 months compared with intubation in the hospital.

Background: Severe TBI is associated with a high rate of mortality and long-term morbidity. Comatose patients with TBI routinely undergo endo-tracheal intubation to protect the airway, prevent hypoxia, and control ventilation.