Implementation of a Prehospital Patella Dislocation Reduction Protocol.

Acute patella dislocations account for up to 3% of all knee injuries. Prehospital care of patella dislocation often includes knee immobilization and pain management, but in the wilderness environment patella reductions are often performed by basic life support providers. Given the potential benefits of early reduction, the perceived low risk of harm and precedent with which the procedure can be performed, patella reduction was added to the EMT scope of practice in New York State.

Accuracy of Intravenous Infusion Flow Regulators in the Prehospital Environment.

Objective: To assess the accuracy of multiple Intravenous Infusion Flow Regulators (IIFRs) at infusion rates and hanging heights common to the prehospital setting.

Methods: Five different manufacturer's IIFRs were tested over a range of infusion rates while hanging at heights equivalent to the gurney pole, ambulance ceiling hook, and manufacturer's recommended height (if available). Each IIFR was run over a 15-minute period at each infusion rate and height three times.