bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decompressive Craniectomy in the Emergency Setting: A Historical Review, Summary of Published Evidence and Review of Implications for Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
Authors: Kirby Hannah Adele , Burchell Jacki , Taylor Jack 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Decompressive Craniectomies (DC) are a controversial treatment for increased intracranial pressure resulting from traumatic head injuries. The technique has been around for approximately 5000 years, but only now are researchers beginning to unlock its true potential. This article aims to summarize history, review current knowledge and identify the implications of pre-hospital emergency care. Methods An electronic search was conducted using the databases; Medline (via EBSCOHost), BioMed Central and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Results One hundred and thirty-one articles were identified. Articles excluded from analysis were those unavailable as full text, not available in English and review articles. Twenty articles were included in the analysis. Conclusion Decompressive craniectomy is a comparable treatment to alternative techniques. Until recently mortality rates have been misinterpreted and unfairly reported due to the severity of brain injuries patients had already suffered. Timing of decompressive craniectomy is a crucial factor of patient outcome, and it is of popular belief that the best chance of optimal recovery relies on a reduced injury to treatment time. Introducing decompressive craniectomy into the pre-hospital setting may see an increase in favourable outcomes and has the potential to save the health care system millions of dollars in associated costs for patients with traumatic brain injury.
Community Ambulance Response Trolleys (Cart): Preparing Students for the Paramedic Workplace
Authors: Clarkson Georgia , Gangell Heath 
Published: December 2018

Introduction The curriculum of undergraduate paramedicine programs invariably includes clinical placement experiences. Engagement in learning in the workplace is however constrained by lack of familiarity with workplace cultural expectations. Strategies assisting students to understand workplace expectations have the potential to enhance engagement on placements and with workplace transition. This study examines whether one classroom practice initiative heightens students’ understanding of specific paramedic workplace expectations. Methods Community ambulance response trolleys (CART) (a system developed to mimic equipment management strategies of the paramedic workplace) was introduced on one campus of an Australian university. Another university campus was selected as a comparison site and did not operate CART. The CART campus students were assigned to a team and made responsible for maintaining and restocking all equipment utilised in practical classes, simulating strategies used within the paramedic workplace where a paramedic team shares responsibility for stocking and upkeep of equipment. Both cohorts completed a questionnaire exploring their experiences in the classroom and preparation for clinical placements. Results The CART system had a positive influence on the ability of students to collaborate within the classroom and become familiar with industry expectations around equipment management. This increased confidence with transition to learning within the workplace environment. Conclusion The CART strategy was effective in mimicking workplace practices and expectation and evidence indicated that CART can assist students with their ability to transition into a vocational environment.
Evaluation of the Health and Physical Activity Characteristics of Undergraduate Paramedic and Nursing Students
Authors: Micalos Peter S , MacQuarrie Alexander J. , Haskins Brian A. , Barry Eileen , Anderson Judith K. 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Levels of physical activity and health status are substantially influenced during the early adulthood years. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the health and physical activity characteristics of undergraduate paramedic and nursing students. Methods This research comprised a descriptive and inter-discipline survey of a sample of university students enrolled in healthcare programs. The health status and physical activity patterns of paramedic and nursing undergraduate students were assessed using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), respectively. Statistical comparisons for health status — total, eight health dimensions and weekly metabolic equivalent were performed. Results A total of 226 undergraduate students were surveyed with 66.4% enrolled in the paramedic, 17.7% in the nursing, and 15.9% enrolled in the double degree nursing/paramedic Bachelor programs. Results for the SF-36 total show a significant difference in health status between the undergraduate programs (p=0.001). Reduced health dimensions were also revealed among first year students. Results for the IPAQ shows a significant difference in physical activity between the programs (p=0.03). Comparison between IPAQ and year of study show a significant difference between groups (p=0.03). Conclusion Substantially reduced health status and physical activity patterns were shown in nursing students compared to paramedic students and among first year university undergraduates. This research highlights the need to further investigate the health status and physical activity patterns within university healthcare students.
Accuracy of Stroke Identification by Paramedics in a Metropolitan Prehospital Setting: A Cohort Study
Authors: Williams Teresa A , Blacker David , Arendts Glenn , Patrick Emily , Brink Deon , Finn Judith 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Acute stroke is a medical emergency. Identifying patients suffering a stroke is crucial if paramedics are to maximise delivery of appropriate management. One suggested screening tool to identify stroke is ‘FAST’ (Face, Arms, Speech, Time), but the accuracy of identifying pre-hospital stroke is unknown. Objectives We aimed to: a) examine how well stroke is identified by paramedics using the emergency department (ED) discharge diagnosis as the comparator; and b) assess compliance with ambulance clinical practice guidelines. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Perth metropolitan area in Western Australia between July 2012 and June 2014 using linked data from ambulance and ED databases. Patients aged 45 years and over, transported to the ED by road ambulance and assigned the ambulance problem code or ED discharge diagnosis of stroke, were selected. Positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), specificity and sensitivity were calculated. Text fields were examined for documentation that patients met FAST criteria. Results There were 2,217 patients were identified as stroke by paramedics. Of 1834 patients diagnosed as stroke in ED, 876 patients were not identified as stroke by paramedics. Sensitivity for identification of stroke was 958/1834 (52.2%). Of 2,096 patients who were identified as stroke by paramedics and had an ED record, 958 patients were identified as stroke by paramedics and in ED. PPV was 958/2096 (45.7%), NPV 99.5% and specificity 99.4%. Paramedics recorded 2 or 3 stroke signs and symptoms in 1,137 (51%) patients. Conclusion A systematic approach is needed to better identify patients with stroke in the prehospital setting.
Student Paramedic Anticipation, Confidence and Fears: Do Undergraduate Courses Prepare Student Paramedics for the Mental Health Challenges of the Profession?
Authors: Holmes Lisa , Jones Russell , Brightwell Richard , Cohen Lynne 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This study explores the preparedness of undergraduate student paramedics for the mental health challenges of the paramedic profession from the perspective of course coordinators and their students. Methods Two surveys were developed and administered to course coordinators and students of the 16 undergraduate degree paramedicine courses across Australia and New Zealand. Sixteen course coordinators and 302 students responded. Results Results illustrate there was widespread recognition for the need to include preparation for the mental health challenges of the profession within undergraduate courses. Furthermore, most course coordinators and students had a preference for this topic to be taught using multiple teaching modes with particular preference for teaching the topic via discussion and activity based education. Teaching the topic as a standalone unit was supported by more than a third of course coordinators (43%) and a third of students (32%). Conclusion Six themes were identified as positive by anticipants: caring for people, high acuity work, diversity of work and patients, making a difference to patients and their families, using clinical skills and knowledge and engaging with the community. Students were most confident about communicating with patients and using clinical skills and knowledge. Students were least confident about clinical decision making and the most commonly cited fear was making a clinical mistake. A significant proportion of students (16%) feared for their personal mental wellbeing and 14% reported they were least confident about personal mental health within the profession.
Pre-Hospital Advanced Life Support Education – Core Components for Pre-Hospital Professionals
Authors: Reid David , Jones Russell , Sim Moira 
Published: December 2018

Introduction There is a broad evidence base supporting advanced life support (ALS) education to health care professionals to be structured, realistic and inclusive of a range of human factors. However, published literature largely focusses on ALS education within institutional settings such as hospitals and associated health care facilities, with typically predictable human and material resources. The aim of this paper is to explore the literature on ALS education and report the results of an international survey undertaken to identify those educational elements which differ in the pre-hospital setting compared to the institutional setting. High quality education in pre-hospital resuscitation is important because it is critical that pre-hospital professionals provide high quality ALS to maximise the likelihood of patient survival. Methods MEDLINE was searched using MESH terms ‘resuscitation’, ‘advanced life support’ and ‘prehospital’ as core terms. Fifteen articles relating specifically to pre-hospital resuscitation and a further 91 articles on resuscitation education were reviewed. Articles ranged in publication year from 1987 to 2016. An online survey on ALS education was developed and administered and attracted 177 responses from a range of health care professionals nationally and internationally. A total of 83 respondents completed the full survey. Results The literature identifies that best practice ALS education should (a) be taught in the environment in which ALS will be performed, (b) involve team members who are similar to those they will encounter while providing ALS, and (c) use equipment the provider uses in their workplace. Human factors, in particular leadership and communication, are important components of ALS education. However, results of the survey demonstrate that best practice is not well incorporated into pre-hospital ALS education. Conclusion To improve pre-hospital patient outcomes and maximise the chances of patient survival, ALS education to pre-hospital providers should incorporate the context of their workplace (that is, the environment in which they function), the team members they regularly work with and the equipment they use in the pre-hospital setting. Human factors, in particular leadership, should be considered as part of pre-hospital resuscitation education.
Preparing for the Real Thing with Practice Interviews: A Graduate Paramedic Perspective
Authors: Ross Linda , Moffatt Nicholas 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Behavioural interviews are a critical component of the job application process for ambulance services in Australia. They involve role specific open-ended questions that are designed to test an applicant's skills, eligibility and experience. It is a process that is standardised and can be practised to increase familiarity and performance. Existing literature supports the benefits of practice interviews ahead of real interviews to improve applicant performance and subsequent employment success. The objective of this study was therefore to examine paramedic graduates’ perceptions on the value of participating in practice interviews before seeking employment with an ambulance service. Methods Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedic) at Monash University in Victoria took part in a cross-sectional pilot study. Three paper-based surveys were created to assess the value of practice interviews. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Results Fourteen (n=14) students participated. All participants agreed or strongly agreed that practice interviews would help them gain employment. All participants perceived that practice interview helped improve their confidence and preparation for their actual interview. Conclusion Practice interviews were found to be a positive and worthwhile undertaking. They increased confidence and improved preparation through practise and feedback. Participants agreed that they were valuable and perceived that they led to improved performance in their real interviews and subsequent employment success.
Young Adults’ Perception of Mandatory Cpr Training in Australian High Schools: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Andrews Tiana , Price Luke , Mills Brennen , Holmes Lisa 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be performed by any member of the public who witnesses a cardiac arrest and has the knowledge, training and skills to perform it. Even though bystander CPR has been shown to greatly improve the victim's chance of survival, its training and performance rates are alarmingly low. Methods One potentially effective intervention to tackle this issue is to implement mandatory CPR training programs in high schools. We undertook in-depth qualitative interviews with 28 recent Australian high school graduates. The interviews were transcribed and then analysed, with participants’ answers used to draw conclusions on the acceptability of mandatory CPR high school training. Results Results suggested those that had undertaken basic first aid training in high school would be more open and confident to perform bystander CPR. Among those who had not undertaken training, cost and access were identified as the key barriers. Regardless of whether participants had or had not previously undertaken training, they understood the importance of CPR for the treatment of cardiac arrest victims. Conclusion Among our sample, there was overwhelming support for the concept of mandatory CPR training being implemented in high schools. Should such a program be applied, there is the potential for this to have an impact on bystander CPR provision, and hence cardiac arrest survival rates, within the wider Australian community.
Kounis Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review of Pre-Hospital Treatment
Authors: Di Toro Matthew Luke , Stub Dion 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Kounis syndrome is an uncommon clinical presentation of acute coronary syndrome secondary to an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction, especially anaphylaxis. It results when inflammatory mediators are released following mast cell activation, some of these mediators cause coronary artery vasospasm and may initiate thrombus formation in susceptible individuals. Although Kounis syndrome is becoming more widely known, many clinicians are still unaware of its existence. We present a case report and a literature review of the pre-hospital treatment of Kounis syndrome by emergency medical services. Methods A literature search of the EMBASE, MEDLINE and PubMed electronic medical databases was conducted using the terms ‘Kounis syndrome’, ‘allergic acute coronary syndrome’ and ‘allergic myocardial infarction’. The purpose of the literature search was to identify the pre-hospital treatment of Kounis syndrome by emergency medical services. We included case reports of Kounis syndrome that described the medical treatment provided by emergency medical services, published any time up to October, 2017. Results Anaphylaxis is the most commonly treated component of Kounis syndrome by emergency medical services (66% of reported cases). Both components of Kounis syndrome, anaphylaxis and acute coronary syndrome, were treated in 16% of reported cases. No specific treatment was provided for either component of Kounis syndrome in 16% of reported cases. Conclusion The pre-hospital treatment of Kounis syndrome by emergency medical services is infrequently reported in the literature. Kounis syndrome involves two distinct clinical conditions, both of which should be considered during treatment.
Operationalising the Multidimensional Role of the Paramedic Preceptor
Authors: Carver Hamish , Lazarsfeld-Jensen Ann 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This study reports on a subset of findings from a recent doctoral study by the first author, which explored the lived experience of being a paramedic preceptor to novice paramedics in their first year of on-road practice. Methods A qualitative methodology underpinned by Gadamerian hermeneutics was chosen for this study. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a purposive sample of 11 paramedic preceptors from an Australian government-funded ambulance service. Interviews were audio-recorded and data analysis proceeded from the interview transcripts. Results Analysis revealed the paramedic preceptor to be a complex, multidimensional role that is operationalised within four key domains: coach, role model, socialiser and protector. Expectedly, a core function of being a paramedic preceptor is that of coach, supporting and scaffolding novices as they learn to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. Preceptors also appear to play an integral role in the professional socialisation of new employees, and are an important role model of professional behaviours and an empathetic healthcare provider. The paramedic preceptors in this study also viewed their role as a critical advocate for patient safety in the clinical practice environment. Advocacy and protection by the preceptor extended to the novice too, safeguarding their physical and emotional wellbeing during the learning process. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically explore paramedic preceptorship from the perspective of preceptors in an Australian context. Therefore it provides an important contribution to understanding how paramedic preceptors operationalise this educative role in the clinical practice environment.
Databases of information agencies for journalists and analysts. (Analytical characterization)
Authors: Pomerantseva N. A. , Delitsyn L. L. 
Published: December 2018

Using databases simplifies significantly the preparation of journalistic and analytical materials and complements online information search and verification practice. Introducing databases into everyday work of the mass-media results in the rise of the “data-driven journalism”.The authors analyze in brief the most popular foreign and Russian databases being maintained by news agencies (Bloomberg, Dow Jones Risk and Compliance, Interfax, ITAR-TASS) and by other information services (LexisNexis, Integrum, Kartoteka, Factiva, Dun & Bradstreet). Their history is discussed; they are defined by types and classified according to their content and access method (open/closed). In several cases, the database management system specifications are provided. Scenarios for use are given for journalists and analysts, for the latter the practical use is exemplified.Based on the classification they are suggesting, the authors compares the pros and drawbacks in using databases by news agencies (closed information systems) and Internet-based information retrieval systems (open systems) in journalism and analytics.
New achievements in academic performance. (On the 80-th anniversary of Yury Stolyarov)
Authors: Kushnarenko N. N. , Solyanik A. A. 
Published: December 2018

Based on bibliometric analysis, the flow of publications by Yury Stolyarov in 2013-2018 is examined. The flow volume is determined with standard criteria; its typical, genre, semantic, geographical organization and corporation structure, Hirsch index citation rate are given. Review authorship for Stolyarov’s works is characterized: his contribution into the development of theory and methodology of general and special library studies (mainly library collection studies, documentology, book studies), gain of knowledge in these disciplines is evaluated. Thematic character of his personalia papers dedicated to over 20 figures of book industries and library science is discussed. Rubakiniana dedicated to the 155-th anniversary of the encyclopedist, educator and father of bibliopsychology hold a special place in Y. Stolyarov’s work.The authors argue that high rates and reviews of Stolyarov’s works, geographic scope of publications (by journals, digests, and the publishers’ in Russian regions and worldwide), as well as the increasing number of doctoral dissertations passed under his scientific supervision prove Stolyarov’s authority and the demand for his ideas.
The Nature of Turbulence in the Outer Regions of Protoplanetary Disks
Authors: Gole Daniel. A. , Simon Jacob B. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
We carry out a series of local, shearing-box simulations of the outer regions of protoplanetary disks, where ambipolar diffusion is important due to low ionization levels, to better characterize the nature of turbulence and angular momentum transport in these disks. These simulations are divided into two groups, one with far-ultraviolet (FUV) ionization included, and one without FUV. In both cases, we explore a large range in diffusivity values. We find that in the simulations without FUV, the properties of the turbulence are similar to the unstratified simulations of Bai & Stone; for a given diffusivity, the magnetorotational instability (MRI) can still be present so long as the magnetic field is sufficiently weak. Furthermore, the dynamics of the midplane in these simulations are primarily controlled by the MRI. In the FUV simulations on the other hand, the MRI-active FUV layers transport strong toroidal magnetic flux to the midplane, which shuts off the MRI. Instead, angular momentum transport at the midplane is dominated by laminar magnetic fields, resulting in lower levels of turbulent Maxwell stress compared to the no-FUV simulations. Finally, we perform a temporal correlation analysis on the FUV simulations, confirming our result that the dynamics in the midplane region is strongly controlled by the FUV-ionized layers.