Predictors of persistent palpitations and continued medical utilization

<h3>Abstract</h3>

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<h4>BACKGROUND:</h4>

<p>The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of persistent palpitations and continued medical utilization in a sample of medical patients referred for ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring.</p>

<h4>METHODS:</h4>

Occurrence, recognition, and outcome of psychological disorders in primary care

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The authors' goal was to cross-validate the earlier finding of the Groningen Primary Care Study that recognition of psychological disorders was associated with better patient outcomes.

METHOD:

Preliminary report of psychiatric disorders in survivors of a severe earthquake

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The authors' goal was to study psychiatric morbidity after a natural disaster in rural India.

METHOD:

The risk of cancer in firefighters

Abstract

A substantial body of literature now exists on the carcinogenic hazards of firefighting. The authors discuss in detail the data on the carcinogens benzene, asbestos, PAHS, formaldehyde, and diesel exhaust, and they go on to examine the prevalent cancers in firefighters, including leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and cancer of the brain and bladder.

Pulmonary effects of firefighting

Abstract

The authors examine the acute and chronic effects of exposure to smoke among firefighters and look at mortality studies for the risk of death due to nonmalignant respiratory disease and lung cancer.

Occupational stress in contemporary fire service

Abstract

Although it is universally accepted that firefighting ranks among the most stressful occupations in the U.S., the quality of information on the matter has often been limited and subject to extreme variation. To help address the situation, the authors provide a thorough review of the literature on psychic trauma resulting from critical occupational events, draw specific applications to fire and rescue enterprises, discuss models of addressing stress disorders, and argue for a reasoned, ethical, and effective approach to the problem.

Communicable disease and firefighters

Abstract

As firefighters are increasing working in emergency medical response roles, their exposure to infectious diseases has also increased. This article discusses the various pathogens to which firefighters are particularly exposed and outlines measures to reduce their incidence. Legislation and resources specific to the fire service also are identified.

Smoke inhalation among firefighters

Abstract

Smoke inhalation may account for up to 75% of fire-related deaths and presents with a wide variety of complaints and findings. The authors examine the components of smoke to illustrate the patterns of smoke injury, provide useful guidelines on evaluation and management, survey current laboratory and diagnostic studies, and present their recommendations for treatment.

Psychological consequences of the Kegworth air disaster

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The study sought to quantify psychiatric morbidity among survivors of a major air crash and to identify aetiological factors linked with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

METHOD:

Sixty-eight of the 79 survivors (86%) were assessed at a clinical interview within one year of the disaster. The majority also completed the General Health Questionnaire, the Impact of Events Scale (IES) and the Zung Anxiety and Depression Scales.

RESULTS:

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