Biomedical subjects
P Dowds
Publications and source records attributed to P Dowds.
Blunt abdominal trauma.
This paper describes the assessment, investigation and management of patients suffering blunt abdominal trauma. Many of the structures within the abdominal cavity are highly vascular and damage following trauma can lead to life-threatening hypovolaemia. Initial assessment of the patient must follow the usual trauma protocols with identification and management of life-threatening conditions; specific procedures related to the abdomen are described. Although formal examination of the patient has traditionally been a medical responsibility, nurses are assuming more responsibility by working in triage or as nurse practitioners. Nurses working both in triage and within the Accident and Emergency department must be able to rapidly assess these patients and assist in their management.
Accident and emergency care in motorsport.
Many nurses who work in accident units are also interested in pre-hospital care. They may enjoy the challenge of the occasional flying squad request from the ambulance service. Recent history has shown that sporting events can turn from enjoyment to tragedy. All professionals providing care in the pre-hospital setting should make sure that they have adequate insurance cover. Motorsport is dangerous, not only for the competitors. Marshals and spectators have been killed or seriously-injured at these events. Having said that, if you love the smell of the fumes and the roar of the crowd it's a great way to spend your off-duty.
Regulators are allies, not antagonists.
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The A-J of trauma assessment in A&E.
A thorough initial assessment of trauma patients can be life saving. As nurses are usually the first people to receive a patient in accident units, the author describes a method which can help nurses to assess the patient's condition systematically.