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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
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Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
Emergency department at the cutting edge.
John D Ferris1, Innes Smith, Colin E Robertson
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. fez1@doctors.org.uk
Summary
Penetrating chest trauma is a significant emergency department workload, often involving severe injuries requiring rapid intervention. This review highlights high survival rates despite prehospital delays, emphasizing the need for updated management protocols.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Penetrating chest trauma presents a substantial challenge in emergency departments.
- Understanding patient demographics and injury patterns is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the experience of managing penetrating chest trauma over a three-year period.
- To analyze patient characteristics, interventions, and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients with penetrating chest trauma.
- Inclusion criteria: patients assessed in the emergency department resuscitation room.
- Data collection included demographics, injury details, prehospital times, and interventions.
Main Results:
- 120 patients with penetrating chest trauma were identified; 92% were male.
- High survival rate (96%) with 16 patients requiring emergency surgery for hemorrhage control.
- Significant prehospital delays were noted, particularly for patients in cardiac arrest.
Conclusions:
- Penetrating chest trauma represents a significant workload with life-threatening injuries.
- Prehospital delays require attention; overall mortality is comparable to major US series.
- Enhanced education and protocol development are essential for optimal patient management.
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