Should trauma patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 be intubated prior to hospital arrival?

Introduction: Previous studies of heterogeneous populations (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores<9) suggest that endotracheal intubation of trauma patients prior to hospital arrival (i.e., prehospital intubated) is associated with an increased mortality compared to those patients not intubated in the prehospital setting.

Survey of hospital healthcare personnel response during a potential avian influenza pandemic: will they come to work?

Introduction: In order to prepare for pandemics, it is important to assess the likelihood that hospital personnel would report to work and to identify the issues that may affect this decision.

Objective: To survey hospital personnel regarding their attendance at work in the hypothetical event of avian influenza pandemic, and what factors might influence this decision.

Methods: A voluntary, confidential, institutional review board-approved survey was offered to a convenience sample of hospital workers regarding their willingness to report to work and what issues would be important in making this decision.