We propose a randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of combined administration of these two agents in critically ill trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit at Harborview Medical Center. Primary efficacy endpoints include the development of ARDS and pneumonia. The study involves the ICRCs at the University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University, and the University HealthSystems Consortium. The study examines the functional outcome of multiply injured patients at 6 and 12 months following trauma, and will validate the use of phone administered outcome measures through in-person neuropsychological testing of a sample of the study population. The study will establish a system for obtaining outcome data on trauma patients, develop standard methods to assess this outcome, and relate outcome to variations in care.
Residential fires are responsible for the majority of fire-related deaths in the United States.
Ionization detectors, the most common type of sensor in households today, may be prone to nuisance alarms resulting from showers, kitchen smoke, or other particulates. Photoelectric sensors may be less likely to respond to airborne particles other than smoke, yet are similarly sensitive to fire and smoke. We hypothesize that with fewer nuisance alarms, photoelectric-type smoke detectors may be less likely to be disabled than ionization detectors, and thus more likely to be protective against fire. We propose a randomized trial of the two types, installed in standardized positions on the main living floor, in 600 owner-occupied dwellings in King County, Washington. As part of a general community fire safety campaign, we will also distribute free fire extinguishers and fire pamphlets.