Full-Body X-Ray Imaging to Facilitate Triage: A Potential Aid in High-Volume Emergency Departments. (24th September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Whiley, S. P.; Alves, H.; Grace, S.
• Other Names: Exadaktylos Aristomenis K. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Emergency medicine international. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-09-24
• Subjects: Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; Medical emergencies -- Periodicals; 616.025
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/437078
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-2840

Abstract

Abstract : The levels of traumatic injury seen in South African emergency departments (EDs) are epidemic. This is coupled with a severe lack of resources and adequately trained emergency staff. The Lodox Statscan (LS) is an X-ray scanner capable of producing rapid, low-dose, and full-body X-ray images. In this paper, a new trauma protocol—the Johannesburg trauma protocol—that implements LS scanning on entry to the ED as a triage tool is reported. A case study illustrating the use of LS to triage 63 patients in a single Saturday shift at a level 1 Trauma Centre is also presented. Because of the ability to rapidly and safely provide X-ray imaging information to support clinical decision making, the LS could be a useful tool to aid in resource allocation to improve treatment of the high levels of trauma patients that present to South African EDs daily.