PREHOSPITAL FAST SCANS

An increasing number of hospital based Emergency Physicians are using Focused Abdominal Sonography in Trauma (FAST) as part of routine evaluation of patients with abdominal injuries. In this study, a German group utilised FAST scanning techniques in the prehospital environment, having trained doctors and paramedics appropriately. The results were encouraging, when compared with in-hospital scanning and were achieved with little or no increase in time spent on-scene. Information from the scene was used to guide hospital destination, trauma team composition, and operating theatre preparedness. (

) .

HELMETS ON THE PISTE

The use of helmets as protection during skiing or snowboarding is relatively uncommon (except in competitions). A case-controlled study from Norway found that helmet use reduced the risk of head injury by up to 60%. It also poured scorn on theories used by some that use of a helmet increases the risk of significant neck injury. Curiously, people who considered themselves to be risk-takers were more likely to wear a helmet. The study found a reassuring tendency …