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Tourniquets as a haemorrhage control measure in military and civilian care settings: An integrative review

Abstract

Aims and objectives

The aim of review was to describe and synthesise the evidence on the use of tourniquets to control haemorrhages, summarising both civilian and military use.

Background

Trauma-related haemorrhage constitutes one of the most preventable deaths among injured patients, particularly in multi-casualty incidents and disasters. In this context, safe instruments such as tourniquets are essential to help healthcare professionals to minimise loss of life and maximise patient recovery.

Design and methods

An integrative review was conducted in Medline, Nursing & Allied Health Premium, and Health & Medical Collection, using published data until March 2021 and following the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

A total of 25 articles were included. Evidence has been synthesised to understand the use of different types of tourniquets, environment of application, indication for their placement and potential complications associated with tourniquet placement.

Conclusions

Commercial tourniquets such as Combat Application Tourniquet or Emergency Tourniquet models are a valuable and safe instrument for haemorrhage control in both military and civilian out-of-hospital care settings. Nurses, as part of emergency teams, and other professionals should be aware that there is a possibility of adverse complications, but they are directly proportional to the time of tourniquet placement and generally temporary. In addition, national and international guidelines ensure the need for all civilian emergency services to be equipped with these devices, as well as for the training of healthcare professionals and first responders in their use.

Relevance to clinical practice

Despite the lack of complications in the use of tourniquets in these cases, their use has been a matter of debate for decades. In this sense, this review yields up-to-date guidelines in the use of tourniquets, their recommendations and their significance among professionals to manage complicated situations.

Examining suicide risk in sexual and gender minority youth: A descriptive observational study on depressive symptoms, social support and self‐esteem

Abstract

Aim

To understand the factors that contribute to the risk of suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (sexual minorities) youth.

Background

The increase in the likelihood of suicide has made it an urgent issue in public health, particularly among young people, where it now ranks as the fourth leading cause of death. This issue becomes even more significant when focusing on sexual minorities.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed in targeted young individuals (15–29 years). Several variables were assessed, including suicide risk, self-esteem, presence and severity of depressive symptoms, perceived social support and self-reported levels of anxiety and depression.

Results

Statistically significant disparities were observed in suicide risk, presence of depressive symptoms and self-reported levels of anxiety and depression, all of which were more pronounced in sexual minority youth compared to heterosexual cisgender individuals. Likewise, statistically significant differences were noted concerning self-esteem and family support, both of which were lower in sexual minority youth.

Conclusion

This study has identified risk factors, such as anxiety, depression and limited social support, as well as protective factors, like higher self-esteem and self-concept. Understanding and addressing all these factors are essential in reducing the elevated rates of suicide among sexual minority youth. Consequently, evidence-based interventions such as Gender and Sexuality Alliances, which empower and create safe spaces for sexual minority youth, possess substantial potential for effectively addressing this issue.

Implications for the Profession

Given sexual minorities vulnerability, healthcare pros, especially nurses, must grasp suicide risk factors. They can help by educating, offering care, assessing risk and fighting stigma. This guarantees safety and access to mental health services for at-risk individuals from sexual minorities.

Reporting Method

The reporting follows the STROBE checklist.

Patient Contribution

People who were invited to participate voluntarily completed a range of questionnaires.

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