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Transient quadriplegia developed in a man, a short time after, he sustained a cervical spinal fracture in a surfing mishap. The neurological deficit appeared complete, and developed some 30 min after the initial injury in the presence of moderate hypotension. It resolved over a further period of 1–2 hours following restoration of normotension. This case highlights the importance of the maintenance of spinal perfusion pressure in the acute management of traumatic spinal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this case, we describe a novel approach to achieving temporary haemostasis in acute massive haemorrhage from a bleeding tracheoinnominate fistula. We report the case of a 42-year-old man admitted to hospital after suffering 80% body surface area burns. Thirty days following the percutaneous insertion of a tracheostomy, spontaneous massive haemorrhage occurred via the tracheostomy stoma, the tracheostomy tube and the mouth. After hyperinflation of the tracheostomy cuff which controlled airway contamination, effective tamponade was achieved using a hyperinflated balloon on a Foley catheter that was introduced by direct laryngoscopy into the upper larynx above the tracheotomy stoma. This provided temporary control of the bleeding until definitive management through ligation of the innominate artery via median sternotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient age has increased slightly (median age is now 65 years), while the burden of comorbidities and illness severity have not changed substantially.[1] Current Australian ICU admission diagnoses are summarised in Box 2. Almost all solid organ donation opportunities arise from within ICUs and are unique situations in that a single ICU admission can result in multiple ICU survivors. BoxDistribution of adult intensive care unit (ICU) beds and admissions across Australia and New Zealand Bed numbers: ANZICS CORE Adult Patient Database Critical Care Resources and Minimum Dataset surveys 2017-18 (note: bed numbers are for paediatric ICUs and general/adult ICUs). [Extracted from the article]