• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.479-485
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• 2022

At the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, physical human phantoms were developed to evaluate various radiation protection quantities, based on the mesh-type reference computational phantoms of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The physical human phantoms were fabricated such that a radiophotoluminescent glass dosimeter (RPLGD) with a Tin filter, namely GD-352M, could be inserted into them. A Tin filter is used to eliminate the overestimated signals in low-energy photons below 100 keV. The measurement uncertainty of the RPLGD reader system based on GD-352M should be analyzed for obtaining reliable protection quantities before using it for practical applications. Generally, the measurement uncertainty of RPLGD systems without Tin filters is analyzed for quality assurance of radiotherapy units using a high-energy photon beam. However, in this study, the measurement uncertainty of GD-352M was analyzed for evaluating the protection quantities. The measurement uncertainty factors in the RPLGD include the reference irradiation, regression curve, reproducibility, uniformity, energy dependence, and angular dependence, as described by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These factors were calculated using the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement method, applying ISO/ASTM standards 51261(2013), 51707(2015), and SS-ISO 22127(2019). The measurement uncertainties of the RPLGD reader system with a coverage factor of k = 2 were calculated to be 9.26% from 0.005 to 1 Gy and 8.16% from 1 to 10 Gy. A blind test was conducted to validate the RPLGD reader system, which demonstrated that the readout doses included blind doses of 0.1, 1, 2, and 5 Gy. Overall, the E_n values were considered satisfactory.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.47-58
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of patients who canceled their ED visits and to determine the factors that influence ED cancellation. Methods: Retrospective study that analyzed data from the electronic medical records(EMR) and Prehospital Care Reports(PCRs) of 305 patients who cancelled their appointments at a single emergency medical center over a six-month period from October 12, 2022, to April 12, 2023. Results: ED cancellations were 2.287 times higher if the patient presented to the ambulance after outpatient hours(09:00~17:00) (p=.007), and ED cancellations were 3.712 times higher if the patient presented to the ambulance under the influence of alcohol(p=.011). For patients' symptoms, medical diseases were associated with a 1.965 times increase in cancelled ED visits compared to other modes of transport (p=.005), while mental and chronic diseases were associated with a 67.3% decrease in cancelled ED visits compared to other modes of transport (OR=0.327, CI=[0.130-0.822], p=.018). symptomatic improvement was associated with a 2.482 times increase in presentations to a 119 ambulance compared to delayed waiting time(p=.022). Conclusion: Emergency medical centers should consider improving the legal system, such as increasing emergency medical care fees, to reduce the number of patients who cancel their appointments.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review to investigate the socio-economic benefits of the poison control center (PCC) and to assess whether telephone counseling at the poison control center affects the frequency of emergency room visits, hospitalization, and length of stay of patients with acute poisoning. Methods: The authors conducted a medical literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Two reviewers evaluated the abstracts for eligibility, extracted the data, and assessed the study quality using a standardized tool. Key results such as the cost-benefit ratio, hospital stay days, unnecessary emergency room visits or hospitalizations, and reduced hospital charges were extracted from the studies. When meta-analysis was possible, it was performed using RevMan software (RevMan version 5.4). Results: Among 299 non-duplicated studies, 19 were relevant to the study questions. The cost-benefit ratios of PCC showed a wide range from 0.76 to 36 (average 6.8) according to the level of the medical expense of each country and whether the study included intentional poisoning. PCC reduced unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. PCC consultation shortened the length of hospital stay by 1.82 (95% CI, 1.07-2.57) days. Conclusion: The systematic review and meta-analysis support the hypothesis that the PCC operation is cost-beneficial. However, when implementing the PCC concept in Korea in the future, it is necessary to prepare an institutional framework to ensure a costeffective model.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Industry Convergence
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.665-671
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• 2019

The estimated on-site accident rate in Forestry is relatively high. According to statistics of the accident, in the recent 5 years, from 2014 to 2018, forestry accidents have resulted in 98% of injuries and 87% of fatalities. Especially, there are significant geographical constraints to access to the scene in case of an accident. Even though the capacity of first aid capacity is notably emphasized its importance to minimize the scale of damages, the relevant employees have been educated only basic first aid, which is not considered circumstances or geographic limitations, by Occupation Safety and Health Acts. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to derive a direction for a forest emergency service system to increase forestry workers' survival and prevent secondary injury through securing 'Golden Time.' This study conducts analyzing relevant laws and regulations in domestic and international settings as well as looking at several concerned accident cases. The outcome of analysis presents an issue regarding the implementation of onsite first aid in forestry and existing risk factors depending on the working process. Finally, we suggest two ways to improve the forest emergency service that are 1) an appropriate curriculum and kit for forest first aid; and 2) a system for emergency transfer through sharing information between National Fire Agency (NFA) and emergency medical service center, and emergency and rescue mission using helicopter from NFA and Korea Forest Service.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.114-118
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• 2013

Purpose: The aim of this study is to estimate one mouthful volume in a single swallow and average volume per swallow (AVS) in multiple swallows in the situation of toxic liquid poisoning. Methods: Thirty five men and 35 women were included in this study. Each subject was asked to drink one swallow and three consecutive swallows from bottle containing water and a bottle containing saline separately. We calculated one mouthful volume in a single swallow and AVS in three swallows. One mouthful volume and AVS were compared according to sex and content, respectively. One mouthful volume of water and saline was then compared with AVS of each. Results: Sixty seven adults(34 men; $26.9{\pm}3.2$ years, 33 women; $25.6{\pm}2.4$ years) completed the study. Men had larger one mouthful volume of water($49.1{\pm}19.9$ ml vs $39.7{\pm}10.2$ ml, p=0.02) and saline($20.7{\pm}10.9$ ml vs $14.0{\pm}4.6$ ml, p=0.004) and AVS of water($28.5{\pm}11.9$ ml vs $21.5{\pm}5.9$ ml, p=0.004) and saline($11.9{\pm}6.3$ ml vs $7.9{\pm}2.0$ ml, p=0.001) than women. One mouthful volume and AVS of saline swallow were lower than those of water swallow. AVS of three consecutive swallows was lower than one mouthful volume in water and saline swallow. Conclusion: We suggest that one mouthful volume in a single swallow is 21 ml in men and 14 ml in women and AVS in multiple swallows is 12 ml in men and 8 ml in women. AVS in multiple swallows is two-threefold lower than reference values(20~30 ml) commonly used in poisoning study.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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• v.2
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• pp.32-55
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• 1996

It was enacted 'Emergency Medical Act' in January, 1994 beginning the emergency medical service system from 1982, and while it was established the emergency medical department in junior college providing the detailed agenda about emergency medical technician and the regulation relative to the application of a law on the emergency medical act in 1995, the fire school and the National Medical Center are enforced the curriculum. It is very important subject faced for the construction of emergency medical system to produce a number of emergency medical technicians to be sufficient to the role of emergency aid. In this study it is analysed the training curriculum for the emergency medical technician and presented the improvement plans. 1. Though it needs the qualification level of first and second class in the selection process, the more important thing needs the detailed qualification level by term of one's service and the skills of business accomplishment. 2. In the examination management, (1) written examination is composed of the questions to understand how much faithfully they carry out the practical business as the emergency medical technicians, (2) it is added practical examination as the item to appraise the situation disposal ability. 3. It is necessary to prescribe the activity in the medical institution and ambulance arrangement through the development of 'Business Treatment Guide'. 4. For the regional balanced disposition of emergency medical personnel it is selected balanceably the educational institution by eight medical service areas, and considering the characteristics of region it is necessary to manage, in the practical business training course, another special course such as the mountains medical aid and sea medical aid. 5. In the period of education the first class needs the practical business training period of a certain period after passing examination, and the second class needs the extension of the period. 6. As the problems to improve in the curriculum [1] in the first class course (1) intensification of practical educaiton (2) reinforcement of curriculum (3) the development of standardized curriculum etc., [2] in the second class course (1) varieties of curriculum (2) intensification of basic first aid treatment education.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.37-46
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was designed to determine the factors hindering psychiatric intervention for suicide attempters in the emergency room (ER). Methods: Participants were 299 patients aged 18 years or older admitted to the ER for suicidal drug overdose between July 2012 and June 2014. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had received psychiatric treatment in the ER. Medical histories and follow-up treatments were determined by examining patients' medical records and through phone surveys, and were then compared using ${\chi}^2$-test and Fisher's exact test. In addition, the rate of satisfaction of the treatment group and the reasons for their dissatisfaction were also determined. Results: The treatment and non-treatment groups comprised 135 (45%) and 164 patients (55%), respectively. Factors influencing participation in psychiatric intervention were previous history of suicide attempts (p=0.004), history of psychiatric disorder (p<0.001), time of day (p=0.039), and day of the week (p=0.040) of arrival in the ER. Whether or not the patient received follow-up psychiatric treatment was not significantly relevant (p=0.300). Of the 82 patients who participated in the treatment satisfaction survey, 50.2% reported being unsatisfied, mainly because of unfriendly medical personnel (36.6%), discomfort regarding other people's perceptions (24.4%), and cursory care (14.6%). Conclusion: To raise the participation rate of psychiatric consult, cooperation with psychiatry at night and on weekends is required, and incorporation of patients without previous history of suicidal attempt or other psychiatric disorder is important. Resolution of complaints toward psychiatric consult in suicide attempt survivors is also required.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.61-70
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to prevent the Aged from encountering a sudden accident in an emergency situation caused by drinking, help them have better awareness of drinking problems, and provide basic data for forming sound drinking. Method: A descriptive approach was made to the occurrence of emergency situations caused by drinking for the aged by reviewing literature concerning the subject, along with the analysis of the actual condition through the cases of emergency situations. Result: The Aged had a drink to drown their loneliness due to the loss of social belonging and solitude and attempt suicide, relied on drinking due to the loss of economic roles and reduced income to cause emergency situations, drove when drunken to bring emergency situations to themselves and others, and committed incendiarism after drinking due to social dissatisfaction and mental problems. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop leisure management programs positively and provide an opportunity for sound living culture to old people so that they can have sound entertainment culture other than drinking; such educational programs will serve to form healthy society with no emergency situation caused by the Aged drinking.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.63-71
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• 2000

Exceptive clause of ambulance stated in Road Traffic Laws of ambulance car accidents is not properly applied and emergency staffs who transfer over 85% of emergency cases are to be forced to start out to the emergency field with unstable conditions which they may be punished on the criminal and civil laws. Hereby this study makes the following suggestions to activate the duties of transferring emergency cases by emergency staffs, promote their morale and diminish the victim of emergency staffs due to traffic accidents. 1) It is prescribed that ambulance car drivers should be protected legally by applying the exceptive clauses thoroughly regulated in special case clauses because ambulance cars are used for the purpose of saving the human life. 2) On the traffic accidents occurred during the transfer of emergency cases, the special insurance system is created for treating the ambulance car accidents, not to bind the emergency staff's mistake to traffic law and the victims are compensated by the nation on the basis of insurance system and emergency staffs have the systematic security. 3) On the road over six lanes, emergency lane is set on the center and ambulance car should be used as the exclusive lane. 4) Ambulance car drivers must have the habit of transferring emergency cases rapidly within the range of legal operation.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.399-408
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• 2021

The emergency medical service system in Korea was built upon the Emergency Medical Service Act, 1995 to respond adequately to be much in demand for emergency medical services. In addition, the government recognized the importance of the trauma care system and set out to plan for the designation and establishment of the regional trauma center by 2012. This study aimed to investigate features of quality management and trauma fee schedule on better understanding of trauma care system. First, quality management of the regional trauma center has been implemented by several quality programs involved in quality assessment, committee on trauma quality management, and mortality and morbidity conference. Second, the trauma fee schedule has reflected a specific quality of severe traumatic conditions and added the result to it, which are graded A, B, and C according to quality assessment. Although the government has contributed to instituting a trauma quality assessment program and trauma fee schedule for the regional trauma center, it could not lead to such a fixed standard for quality management of them. Therefore, it will promote discussion on the sustainability of the regional trauma center that requires reducing preventable trauma death rate and the way to apply comprehensive quality management.