Awareness Of Injuries Research Articles

954 Hydrofluoric Acid Fumes Associated with Electric Vehicle Lithium Ion Battery Fires

Abstract Introduction Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are a common technology used in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and energy storage solutions. Electric cars and e-bikes have increased in popularity and demand, with a projection to grow in the future. One of the most recognized safety issues for LIB is thermal runaway. This process involves a rapid self-heating mechanism driven by internal exothermic reactions, leading to cell destruction and the release of toxic flammable gases, which poses a high risk of fire or explosion. The process may be initiated by disruption of battery integrity, internal failure, or mistreatment. The effects include release of gaseous hydrogen fluoride (HF) amongst other toxic chemicals. There are reports of hydrofluoric acid inhalation injury cases, however none have been linked to LIB fires. There should be a heightened awareness that electric car and e-bike fires emit these toxic fumes, and pose danger to patients who are trapped in an enclosed electric car space or an enclosed room where e-bikes are stored and charged. Methods Literature search via Ovid, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar was performed. Keywords included lithium ion battery, lithium-ion battery fire, hydrofluoric acid burn, and HF inhalation injury. Search was filtered for the last 5 years and limited to publications in English. Results There were no articles directly linking HF inhalation injury to LIB fire, although it is known that LIB produces HF fumes. There were a few reported cases of HF inhalational injury in factory workers at various metal factories. The fire departments have published educational materials for firefighters’ safety in situations where HF fumes are suspected. The CDC has made recommendations for the treatment of HF inhalation with nebulized calcium gluconate, however the success of this method has not been demonstrated. Conclusions There is a need to raise awareness of possible HF inhalation injury in the setting of electric vehicle or e-bike fires in enclosed spaces. More studies should be performed regarding the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of HF inhalation injury. Applicability of Research to Practice In the setting of increasing electric car and bike use, more studies will need to be performed regarding the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of HF inhalation injury. Funding for the Study N/A

Comparison of Injuries in the First 3 Years of Premier Rugby Sevens Between Male and Female Players.

Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7S) is a new professional rugby league. Our study aims to examine injury data from PR7S over the last 3 years to clarify the incidence of injury per event and determine any trends within injuries to specific body regions related to both sex and year of competition. Understanding these injury patterns will assure relevant player education campaigns related to injury awareness, inform sex-specific injury prevention strategies, and help medical professionals care for athletes more effectively in future competitions. There will be a difference in injury patterns and data between men and women throughout the last 3 years of data. Cohort study. Level 3. This is a cohort study including the whole population of athletes from PR7S from 2021 to 2023. After each of the 9 events, athletes filled out a postevent injury form in Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant electronic health record with their team athletic trainer which included name, date of birth, event, injury type, and location of injury. When comparing injury rates year to year, there was a statistically significant increase from 7 to 62 injuries among female athletes (P = 0.004). The number of injuries in male athletes stayed relatively the same. Despite having 432 athletes for both sexes, lower extremity injuries in female athletes have increased each year, whereas male athlete lower extremity injuries have stayed roughly the same throughout the study. There were statistically more injuries in female athletes compared with male athletes. These results are similar to other studies including other sports showing increased lower extremity injuries among female athletes compared with male athletes. More research needs to be done to evaluate the causes of increased injuries into to develop prevention strategies in rugby and in other sports.

Awareness of Traumatic Dental Injuries and Impact of Educational Intervention Among Croatian Soccer Coaches and Players.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of dental injuries in both soccer coaches and players, as well as the impact of educational intervention on coaches and the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries and mouthguard usage among soccer players. Methods: The study involved 94 male soccer players (median age 18, IQR: 12-19) and 39 coaches. Data were collected through questionnaires covering age, gender, years of experience, injury history, mouthguard use, and knowledge of tooth rescue kits and tooth repositioning. Results: Of the players, 34 (36.2%) experienced orofacial injuries during soccer, while only 7 (7.4%) used mouthguards. Reasons for not using mouthguards included discomfort (26.1%), belief they are unnecessary (26.1%), and difficulty purchasing them (8.0%). Among coaches, 24 (61.5%) reported handling dental injuries during training, including crown fractures (41.7%), tooth avulsions (33.3%), and tooth luxations (25.0%). Only four (10.3%) coaches personally used mouthguards. Conclusions: The study identified a significant lack of knowledge about dental injuries and limited use of mouthguards among Croatian soccer players. Coaches, while influential in athlete development, should also focus on injury prevention, including dental trauma.

Reduced Severity of Arterial Catheter-Associated Proximal Ischemic Injuries Through a Quality Improvement Initiative.

To define and reduce the incidence of severe arterial catheter-associated proximal ischemic injuries (ACAPII). Quality improvement (QI) initiative. University affiliated PICU in a quaternary children's hospital. All patients with indwelling arterial catheters (ACs) in the PICU at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from January 2020 to December 2022. Phase I (January 2021 to December 2021) included defining ACAPII and daily rounding on all ACs by a dedicated PICU-specific vascular access team. Phase II (January 2022 to December 2022) introduced standardized recommendations and interventions including the use of topical nitroglycerin ointment (TNG) as a therapeutic option for mild injuries. From January 2021 to December 2022, the rounding team evaluated 1916 ACs for a total of 5793 rounding episodes (line-days). During phase I, the overall number of ACAPII increased compared with prior year pre-QI (35 vs. 11, 318%). During phase II, the administration of TNG was associated with an increase in arterial line-days per AC in patients with mild injury (6.58 line-days per line, 158 d/24 lines) compared with pre-QI, phase I, and phase II mild injuries without use of TNG (3.27, 198/61; incident rate difference [95% CI], 3.31 [2.11-4.51]; p < 0.001). Special cause indicators shifted centerline from a weighted average 33.0-342.3 line-days between severe injuries. The cumulative severe ACAPII incidence rate decreased from its peak early in phase I (April 2021: 5.65 per 1000 line-days) to the end of phase II (December 2022: 2.11 per 1000 line-days). The overall rate of arterial line-days per AC during phase II increased compared with pre-QI (p < 0.01) and phase I (p < 0.01). The development of a newly defined measurable harm index, ACAPII, and implementation of increased surveillance resulted in increased awareness and reduction of severe injury as measured by rates and line-days between severe injuries in our critically ill patients. Protocolized management during phase II, including introducing TNG as a therapeutic option, resulted in increased AC line-days per catheter with sustained reduction in severe ACAPII rates.

Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Arterioembolic Characteristics of Differentially Diluted CaHA-CMC Gels Within an Artificial Macrovascular Perfusion Model.

Despite the recently increased incidence and improved awareness of filler-induced ischemic injuries, the arterioembolic behavior of filler products has not been well described. To evaluate the embolic behavior of varying dilutions of Calcium Hydroxylapatite-Carboxymethylcellulose (CaHA-CMC) gel mixtures within an artificial macrovascular perfusion model of the proximal facial artery with correlation against published instances of ischemic injuries in the literature. CaHA-CMC gel mixtures were assessed via the Pulsatile Unit for the Laboratory Simulation of Arterioembolic Restrictions (PULSAR) system at different flow rates. The occlusive behavior, embolic particle size distributions, and morphological attributes were evaluated through direct photo and videographic captures followed by digital image processing. The PubMed database was systematically queried for all published instances of CaHA-CMC-associated ischemic injuries. Undiluted CaHA-CMC demonstrated highly cohesive behavior upon PULSAR inoculation, with a tendency toward proximal occlusion. Gel fragmentation resulted in a polydisperse embolic mixture averaging 0.151 ± 0.61 mm² (Interquartile Range: 0.006-0.022 mm²) in size. Product dilution had a profound effect on embolic behavior, with a significant reduction in average particle size (0.018 ± 0.03 mm²; Interquartile Range: 0.005-0.018 mm²; p < 0.0001) and complete elimination of proximally occlusive capacity for hyperdiluted mixtures compared to undiluted product (p = 0.002). Confirmed hyperdiluted CaHA-CMC-associated ischemic injuries represented only 3% of published reports, with a predominantly self-limited clinical course. Embolized CaHA-CMC gels produce polydisperse particle mixtures with a preponderance of microparticles. Hyperdilution profoundly reduced the proximally occlusive potential of the product.

Public Awareness of Ocular Chemical Injuries: A Cross-Sectional Study in Lithuania.

Background: Ophthalmic emergencies are acute conditions that progress rapidly, posing a significant threat to a patient's vision and requiring urgent intervention to prevent permanent visual impairment. This study aimed to assess the general awareness of ocular chemical burns and the adequacy of the immediate response measures while also seeking to improve the understanding of these injuries and contribute to promoting a healthier society. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed, and the most frequently reported questions were incorporated into the original survey. An anonymous questionnaire, available both online and in print, was developed to conduct a cross-sectional study to assess the general knowledge of the causes, symptoms, and appropriate first aid measures to be applied in cases of chemical ocular trauma. Results: Between April and May 2024, 175 individuals completed the questionnaire and were included in the study. More than half (54%) of the tested population demonstrated a poor level of knowledge about chemical ocular injuries, and only 30.9% of the respondents correctly indicated the need for imminent treatment. Twenty percent of the respondents could not identify whether alkalis or acids are more hazardous. Additionally, 5.7% of the respondents falsely considered consultation with an emergency department a priority before thorough irrigation. Most of the respondents (60.6%) incorrectly indicated that the appropriate first aid measures and treatment depend on the substance involved, and 68.1% of the respondents stated that treatment in the emergency department should be delayed, allowing for anamnesis collection and thorough examination. Conclusions: Ocular chemical injuries can substantially impact an individual's quality of life. The present study found that the public knowledge concerning ocular chemical trauma, and the necessary immediate treatment is insufficient. Public education is vital, as delaying prompt and thorough irrigation at the chemical injury site may result in irreversible complications.

Upper Extremity and Musculoskeletal Injuries Related to Videogame and Augmented Reality Game Usage: A Narrative Review Article.

Since the introduction of videogames and augmented reality technology, injuries associated with e sports have garnered increased attention from researchers and healthcare professionals. This review articles examines the spectrum of injuries associated with videogames and augmented reality and describes the nuances of the diagnoses associated with gaming injuries. Videogames changed architecture from a sedentary style of playing to a more interactive console with the introduction of technologies such as the Wii or Pokémon Go. This new style of gaming increased the range of musculoskeletal injuries to include lower energy injuries and more severe high energy trauma because of the introduction of mobility causing distraction and a neglect for safety. The previous sedentary nature of gaming lends itself to prolonged periods of static posture contributing to long-term effects and potential health implications in the future. This review article presents current literature on the specific injury types and increasing need for awareness of videogame-related injuries to further highlight preventative measures needed to mitigate injury risk and promote healthy gaming habits and ergonomic awareness.

Blunt Trauma and Diaphragm Injury in Children: An Analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank.

Background/Objectives: Trauma is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children. Traumatic diaphragm rupture (TDR) is a rare but serious injury that can be difficult to identify. The current literature includes individual case reports and single-center case series only, which limits our ability to generalize those findings. The purpose of this study is to use the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) in order to examine the clinical outcomes of blunt TDR in the pediatric population. Methods: We included patients from 0 to 18 years of age with blunt TDR using the NTDB from 2007 to 2017. Patient characteristics and demographics, mechanisms of injury, concomitant diagnoses, procedures, and clinical outcomes were extracted from the NTDB. Results: In this study, we identified a total of 88 pediatric patients with blunt TDR. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accidents (65%). The majority of these blunt TDR injuries were observed in males (73%) with a mean age of 12. Fractures of the spine and ribs (49%) and lacerations of the lungs (42%) were some of the most prevailing associated injuries. Seventy percent of patients were admitted to the ICU. In-hospital mortality was 6%. Conclusions: Overall, TDR is relatively unusual among the pediatric population, but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Any significant trauma to neighboring organs-the spine, ribs, and lungs-should heighten awareness of potential diaphragm injury.

The role of the sports media in spreading health awareness to reduce sports injuries from the point of view of the players of the Palestinian and Yemeni football teams

The study aimed to identify the role of sports media in spreading health awareness to reduce sports injuries from the point of view of the players of the Palestinian and Yemeni football teams. The researchers used the descriptive analytical approach in a comprehensive survey method, where the study population consisted of players from the Yemeni and Palestine national teams, numbering (52) players. (26) players for each team. The questionnaire was used as a tool to collect data after verifying its validity and reliability. The study concluded that the sports media in Palestine and Yemen do not participate effectively in spreading health awareness to reduce sports injuries, especially television sports programs, and newspapers usually It addresses player injuries without delving into their causes and how to avoid them. In light of the results of the study, the researchers recommended several recommendations, the most important of which is that the sports media in Palestine and Yemen attach great importance to health awareness of sports injuries, because of their risks to players and the team.

End user evaluation of the Canadian Spinal Cord Injury Physical Activity Guidelines: Barriers and facilitators to uptake and dissemination in the United States.

To engage U.S. end users to (1) gather information on facilitators and barriers to awareness and adoption of the Canadian Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Physical Activity (PA) guidelines; (2) inform potential adaptations to the presentation and messaging of the guidelines; and (3) develop recommendations for targeted dissemination strategies to promote awareness in the United States. Multi-method. Working groups conducted remotely via Zoom and online surveys. Individuals with lived SCI experience (n = 5), providers/clinical researchers (n = 7), and members of SCI professional or community organisations (n = 6). N/A. N/A. Participants highlighted the need for centralised, credible sources of information on PA. While participants generally viewed the guidelines as appropriate, useable, and acceptable, some questioned their credibility, as they were developed explicitly for Canadians with SCI rather than Americans. To enhance reach and effectiveness, participants suggested dissemination strategies that target specific audiences (i.e. level of functioning, level of injury, current level of PA). They also recommended collaborations with existing trusted community SCI organisations. Findings underscore the need for accessible, centralised, and credible information sources on PA tailored to the needs of the SCI community. Findings also suggest that while the guidelines do not require redevelopment for a U.S. context, they do need customised presentation, such as removing Canadian symbols from the materials, to better suit U.S. audiences. Effective dissemination will benefit from targeted strategies that leverage trusted organisations to reach and engage specific groups, ultimately supporting greater guideline awareness, acceptance, and application across the SCI population.

Improving Cognitive Empathy Through Traumatic Brain Injury Experiential Learning: A Novel Mixed Methods Approach for Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Education.

The aim of this study was to gauge the impacts of cognitive empathy training experiential learning on traumatic brain injury (TBI) knowledge, awareness, confidence, and empathy in a pilot study of speech-language pathology graduate students. A descriptive quasi-experimental convergent parallel mixed methods design intervention pilot study (QUAL + QUANT) was conducted with a diverse convenience sample of 19 first- and second-year speech-language pathology graduate students who engaged in a half-day TBI point-of-view simulation. The simulation was co-constructed through a participatory design with those living with TBI based on Kolb's experiential learning model and followed the recommendations for point-of-view simulation ethics. After setting goals, participants engaged in four station activities completing cognitive communication activities of daily living, while experiencing manipulations to their sensory systems. Activities included reading while wearing goggles with blurred or double vision, listening with tinnitus and auditory processing disorder, and taking notes during a manipulated college lecture. Participants also interacted with an individual living with TBI and responded to targeted prompts throughout the day. Quantitative outcomes were measured using published TBI knowledge and empathy scales and analyzed with descriptive, parametric and nonparametric statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Data were then triangulated through mixed methods. Mixed methods design quality was ensured by following the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (Hong et al., 2018). After experiential learning, significant increases in speech-language pathologist (SLP) TBI knowledge, empathy, and awareness of TBI symptom and symptom impacts were found. Many, but not all, participants also reported changes in clinical confidence. Cognitive empathy training using experiential learning appears to be a viable method to increase SLP knowledge, empathy, and symptom awareness for TBI clinical care. Future research should replicate the study with different types and locations of speech-language pathology graduate programs to consider TBI empathy training as a standard training method to improve both individual and provider outcomes. Individuals and families living with traumatic brain injury (TBI) say their providers lack necessary knowledge; do not seem to understand what living with TBI is like; and can be dismissive, uncaring, and lacking empathy. Health care providers do not automatically imagine the world from the patient's perspectives, to "walk in another's shoes"; it takes intentional effort and training. This project attempted to train those specific empathy skills for speech-language pathology graduate students through experiential learning. Experiential learning is a process where people engage in meaningful activities and spend lots of time reflecting on their experiences. Working with people living with TBI, we built a half-day workshop where 19 graduate students completed normal daily activities (such as texting, reading) through different stations that provided insights into what it may be like to have a TBI, such as wearing goggles to induce blurred or double vision, having ringing in their ears (tinnitus), and watching an overwhelming manipulated college video lecture. Afterward, participants listened to a person living with TBI and asked questions. This was important because engaging in activities without interacting with someone living with TBI misses a key idea about listening to and learning from individuals and families. We measured TBI knowledge, empathy, and confidence by looking at surveys pre- and posttraining and reading students' written reflections. Participants reported significant changes in how they think about brain injury and how they will provide clinical care for people living with TBI in the future. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.28098254.

Characteristics of paediatric burn injuries seen in the tertiary emergency centre, South Africa.

Burn injuries cause significant morbidity and mortality, with prevalence in developing countries such as South Africa. This study aimed to determine the characteristics and referral patterns of burn injuries. A retrospective observational study was conducted in a single emergency centre, Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital, from 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. The study included patients 13 years with burn injuries. A total of 266 patients were identified. Males (n= 144, 54.1%) had a higher prevalence of incurring burn injuries. The majority of injuries were secondary to scald burns (n= 237, 89.1%). A total of 208 (78.2%) patients had a percentage of total body surface area (%TBSA) of 10%, and 257 (96.6%) had superficial partial-thickness burns. Only 77 (28.9%) cases were from referral centres and there was no relationship between referral pattern and %TBSA. Majority (n= 248, 93.2%) received no pre-hospital wound care. Only 108 (40.6%) patients were admitted and the median length of hospital stay (interquartile range [IQR]) was 7 days (2 to 9). There was a significant relationship between the length of hospital stay and %TBSA burns (p 0.001). The pattern of burn injuries in patients is similar to previous studies carried out predominantly in townships in South Africa. Most referrals were found to be appropriate and complied with institutional burn injury admission protocol, although pre-hospital wound care was inadequate.Contribution:Primary burn injury care is vital to reduce morbidity and mortality, and development of programmes for public awareness of burn injuries remains crucial.

Survey on Awareness of Tamoxifen-Induced Liver Injury Among Hepatologists in Japan

Survey on Awareness of Tamoxifen-Induced Liver Injury Among Hepatologists in Japan

Perioperative dental injury awareness among anesthesiologists.

Perioperative dental injury is a known yet preventable complication. We assessed the anesthesiologists' awareness of the predisposing factors, preventive measures, and subsequent management of these injuries, should they occur. A prospective cross-sectional survey was conducted on 385 anesthesiologists practicing in Delhi-NCR to assess their awareness on prevention and management of perioperative dental injuries. A questionnaire comprising 35 questions designed to determine preanesthetic practices, knowledge of dental injury predisposing factors, preventive measures, injury management, and documentation was filled and the collected data was analyzed. Dental risk assessment was always or mostly performed by 93% anesthesiologists. Most anesthesiologists (93%) felt it would be more informative and clearer if preexisting dental condition is noted on a dental chart. Dental consultation was always advised by 14% anesthesiologists for patients with loose or diseased tooth. Limited mouth opening (71%), intubation (98%), and use of laryngoscope (96%) were found to be associated with dental injury. For dental injury prevention, 74% anesthesiologists padded teeth with gauze and 51% preferred to use a video laryngoscope. Knowledge regarding handling and management of avulsed tooth was lacking in most anesthesiologists. Postanesthesia dental status was documented always by only 11%. However, 71% always documented dental injury. Using dental chart in preanesthetic evaluation sheet improves documentation. Anesthesiologists need to be sensitized to the benefits of preanesthetic dental consultation for vulnerable teeth. They need awareness about correct handling and need of immediate reimplantation of avulsed tooth and documentation of postanesthesia dental status.

Case Study Teaching of Edentulous Dental Implant Fixation Restoration based on the Concept of "Injury Awareness"

This article discusses an innovative approach to dental education that integrates "injury awareness" into the clinical teaching of graduate students in dentistry. The study focuses on implant fixation restoration for edentulous patients, using real clinical cases to cultivate students' awareness of caring for patients and to enhance their professional knowledge. The project emphasizes multidimensional thinking, communication skills, understanding patient needs, and humanistic care throughout the treatment process. The implementation plan includes steps such as medical history collection, needs analysis, diagnosis planning, treatment planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The effectiveness of the educational reform is evaluated in terms of student benefits, teacher team building, course construction, and textbook development. The article concludes that this approach not only imparts technical skills but also fosters a humanistic care that improves patient treatment experiences and strengthens the doctor-patient relationship.

Immediate postinjury extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal reduces ventilator requirements and mitigates acute respiratory distress syndrome in swine.

Awareness of ventilator-induced lung injury contributed to increased use of extracorporeal interventions, but not immediately after injury, before acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) ensues. Our objective was to evaluate the role of venovenous extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) in management of mechanically ventilated swine with smoke inhalation injury and 40% body surface area burns. Yorkshire swine (n = 29, 43.2 ± 0.5 kg) underwent anesthesia, instrumentation, severe smoke inhalation, and 40% body surface area burns, followed by 72 hours of round-the-clock intensive care unit care with mechanical ventilation, fluids, pressors, bronchoscopic cast removal, computer tomography scans, and arterial blood assays. Within 1 hour after injury, animals received ECCO2R with either MiniLung (Xenios AG, Heilbronn, Germany; n = 10) or Hemolung (ALung Technologies, Pittsburgh, PA; n = 10), or no ECCO2R in injured controls (INJC, n = 12). Immediate postinjury ECCO2R reduced minute ventilation (p < 0.001) and prevented ARDS in 37.5% of MiniLung and 11.1% of Hemolung animals. Time to ARDS (partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio below 300) was shortest (14 ± 2.2 hours) in INJC, intermediate (21.6 ± 3.5 hours) in Hemolung (HEMO), and most delayed in MiniLung (31.1 ± 7.2 hours, p = 0.0121, log-rank test vs. INJC). Driving pressure was lower in MiniLung versus INJC (p < 0.0001) and HEMO versus INJC (p = 0.0005) at 48 hours. Extracorporeal CO2 removal reduced systemic levels of tumor necrosis factor α versus INJC. In swine with severe smoke inhalation and burns, immediate postinjury ECCO2R reduced ventilator settings, delayed or prevented ARDS, and reduced its severity. Proactive early percutaneous ECCO2R initiation via simplified, purpose-built devices should be considered as a low-maintenance lung injury management approach with significant disease modifying clinical benefit potential.

Celebrating the Discovery of Insulin and Pressure Injury Awareness Day, and Reexamining Irritant Contact Dermatitis Due to Incontinence.

Celebrating the Discovery of Insulin and Pressure Injury Awareness Day, and Reexamining Irritant Contact Dermatitis Due to Incontinence.

Caregiver Awareness and Knowledge of Acute Kidney Injury in Hospitalized Children

This cross-sectional analyzes knowledge of acute kidney disease (AKI) diagnosis and associated risks among caregivers of hospitalized children.

Operational Stress Injuries in Disaster Responders: A Framework for Supporting Mental Health in Climate Crisis.

The rising occurrence of natural disasters linked to climate change has drawn the attention of disaster response leaders to the significance of addressing operational stress injuries among disaster response personnel. We define and describe operational stress injuries in this workforce and explore theoretical frameworks that can inform the development of programs and interventions to mitigate these effects. We aim to establish a conceptual framework for understanding an operational stress injury by introducing a model specific to disaster responders. We also emphasize strategies that can be employed within a stress injury awareness framework to promote the mental well-being of those who respond to climate-related disasters.