• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.55-64
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• 2003

The purposes of this study which was conducted by applying three projection formulae to the data from admission quota for paramedic of the Ministry of Education & Human Resources Development the number of ambulances the number of emergency medical centers of the Ministry of Health & Welfare and rate of successful candidates of annual report of the National Health Personnel Licensing Examination Board were to find out demand and supply of paramedic from 2002 to 2045 and to expand scope of practice of paramedic in Korea. The conclusions from this study were summarized as follows; (1) The simple formulae derived from the projection formula of the Economic Planning Board were applied under the present Emergency Medical Services Act including qualifying over 3-years experienced EMT-Basic for paramedic examinee, stationing paramedic or EMT-Basic or physician or nurse per ambulance, stationing paramedic or EMT-Basic per emergency medical center and under the amended Emergency Medical Services Act including qualifying only paramedic graduate for paramedic examinee, stationing 4.5 paramedics per ambulance, stationing 10 to 2 paramedics per emergency medical center. (2) It was estimated that on the American basis of 5.6 EMTs per 10,000 in 1996, the number of paramedics under the present act will reach the basis before 2020, the number of paramedics under the amended act will reach the basis about 2040. (3) It was estimated that on the basis of 22,000 paramedics demanded from the number of ambulances, the number of emergency medical centers in 2001, the number of paramedics under the present act will reach the basis before 2015, the number of paramedics under the amended act will reach the basis about 2030. (4) There was relationship between requirements for emergency medical centers scope of practice of paramedic in the act and demand-supply of paramedic, this necessitates surveys, studies, amendment of the act, legalization for expanded scope of practice of paramedic including EMD, instructor, teacher of safety. (5) This study which includes only expanded scope of practice of paramedic and projection for paramedic in the act needs complementary studies such as decision-making process in health manpower policy and so on.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.585-594
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• 2018

Objective: This study was designed to report on the progress of the fire at Jecheon sports complex and to assess the adequacy of Disaster Medical Assistant Team (DMAT)'s activities in response to the fire disaster. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review based on camera recordings and medical records that were recorded at the disaster site for assessment of activities. We cooperated with firefighters, police officers, local hospital medical staffs and public health personnel in Jecheon in order to classify patients in the disaster field and to understand the patients' progress. Results: At 15:53, the first request for emergency rescue came to the 119 general emergency call center, and a request for DMAT activation came at 16:28. DMAT arrived at the site at 17:04 and remained active until the following day at 00:43. The total number of casualties was 60, including 27 minimal (Green) patients, 29 expectant (Black) patients, three delayed (Yellow) patients, and one immediate (Red) patient. There were 32 patients who received on-site care by DMAT. Two patients were transferred from a local hospital to Wonju Severance Christian Hospital for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Conclusion: Twenty-nine victims were found in the sports complex building, and there were 31 mildly to moderately injured patients in this fire disaster. The main cause of death was thought to be smoke suffocation. Although DMAT was activated relatively quickly, it was not able to provide effective activity due to the late rescue and difficulty with fire suppression.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.42-44
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• 2008

Metformin which is an oral hypoglycemic agents, acts by enhancing insulin sensitivity, decreasing hepatic glucose production and increasing peripheral utilization of glucose. Deliberate self poisoning with oral hypoglycemic agents is rare. The lactic acidosis associated with metformin toxicity is well described in the medical literature. Metformin overdose even in otherwise healthy patients may produce a profound and life threatening lactic acidosis. We report a case of massive metformin ingestion(75g) in a patient presenting with lactic acidosis and hypotension. She died 24h after presenting to our emergency department despite bicarbonate treatment and hemofiltration therapy.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.43-46
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• 2003

Phenypropanolamine (PPA) is a sympathetic amine used in over-the-counter cold remedies and weight-control preparations. The side effects are hypertension, dysrhythmias, stroke, etc. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking steps to remove PPA from all drug products and has requested that all drug companies discontinue marketing products containg PPA due to high risk of hemorrhage stroke. But, in Korea now, patinets take products containg PPA with over the counter. We report here the case of PPA induced myocardial injury in a young woman who takes overdose for suicide.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.47-50
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• 2003

Endosulfan, one of organochlorine insecticides, is $\gamma$-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist. In sufficient dose, this pesticide lower the seizure threshold and produce CNS stimulation, with resultant seizures, respiratory failure, and death. In patients with endosulfan intoxication, the first manifestation of toxicity is largely a generalized seizure without prodromal signs or symptoms. So the management of airway and seizure control are essential for survival and prognosis of intoxicated patients. We report two cases of acute endosulfan poisoning who manifest 'status epilepticus' similarly, but have different prognosis.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.141-146
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• 2004

Laundery detergent ingestions are generally considered to have minor consequences. But some detergent ingestions have severe consequences. Unlike household bleaches contain sodium hypochlorite, bleaching agents that contain sodium carbonate have the potential to cause significant mucosal damage to the gastrointestinal tract if ingested. Especially, when ingested in solid form of Sodium carbonate, corrosive injury is much heavier. Therefore, patient who ingest sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate need more intensive management than patient who ingest other bleaches. We experienced a case of serious caustic injury after ingestion of Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate. We report this case with review of literature.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.46-49
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• 2007

Organophosphorus insecticides induce different clinical manifestations varying according to the different side groups attached to the phosphate, their rates of degradation, and their fat solubilities. In consequence of this variation, specific treatments are required for particular organophosphorus insecticides. We report a unusual case of intoxication with dimethyl organophosphorus insecticide in a 26-year-old woman. She manifested atypical and ultimately fatal symptoms including profound shock, refractory hyperglycemia, and hypothermia.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.43-45
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• 2007

Carbon dioxide is the fourth most abundant gas in the earth's atmosphere, and it is widely used in the chemical industry. Solid carbon dioxide is commonly known as dry ice. At low concentration, carbon dioxide appears to have little toxicological effect. At higher concentrations, however, it can produce an increased respiratory rate, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, loss of consciousness, convulsion, and even death. Management of carbon dioxide poisoning requires the immediate removal of an individual from the toxic environment and administration of oxygen. It is important to know the concentration of carbon dioxide to which a patient has been exposed. We report a case of acute poisoning from solid carbon dioxide in a patient presenting with drowsiness and diminished mental capacity when she arrived in the emergency department. She recovered completely after administration of oxygen with conservative treatment.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.55-57
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• 2006

Cyanides and Hydrogen cyanide are used in production of chemicals, electroplating, photographic development, making plastics, fumigating ships, and some mining processes. We experienced of Hydrogen cyanide inhalation injury. A 45-year-old man worked at electroplating. As soon as he mixed sodium cyanide with acid, cyanide produced hydrogen cyanide, occasionally he inhaled Hydrogen cyanide and he lost his consciousness. He was moved to near hospital and took emergency treatment and then was transferred to our hospital. On arrival he had severe dyspnea, metabolic acidosis, and tachycardia. After he was treated with supportive method he recovered his consciousness in 20 hours at emergency room.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.135-137
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• 2007

Hydrofluoric acid is a weak inorganic acid used for etching and as rust removals. Systemic toxicity after oral ingestion induces rapid development of hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia, leading to ventricular fibrillation and finally asystole. We report a case of intentional ingestion of hydrofluoric acid producing an altered mental state at the time of the patient's arrival in the emergency department. The patient died approximately 80 minutes after the exposure with asystol.