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This study explores the patterns and features of methamphetamine‐related presentations to emergency departments (EDs) in Queensland. Despite an overall decrease in the use of methamphetamine in Australian, an increase in the use of the crystalized form of methamphetamine has been noted over recent years. A descriptive observational study was utilized to analyse emergency department (ED) injury surveillance data sourced from Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit (QISU) from 2005 to 2017. Data were analysed for presentations related to stimulants (n = 564) with methamphetamine (n = 250) included as a subcategory. Descriptive statistics were used to identify patterns and features of presentations related to methamphetamines. The relationship between demographic variables, service type variables, and drug type was assessed using chi‐square and z‐tests. Results included the following: 84.4% of methamphetamine‐related presentations were allocated a triage score of 1, 2, or 3; 14.8% of all methamphetamine‐related presentations required police involvement; 18% were brought in by ambulance; and 15.6% exhibited behaviour that was either, agitated, aggressive, or violent in nature. Methamphetamine‐related presentations more frequently required police or ambulance services and more often included aggression or agitation. Methamphetamine‐related presentations to ED have a high acuity and often require other emergency resources (police and ambulance). There is a need to develop policy for managing aggressive and agitated people presenting to EDs as a result of methamphetamine use and to further explore the experience of personnel (police and ambulance) managing persons under the influence of methamphetamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol is the cause of many injury presentations to the emergency department. There has been little research on alcohol-related falls in the broader adult population, which represent a substantial proportion of the total alcohol-related injury presentations to emergency departments. A population-based retrospective analysis of public hospital emergency department presentations for Victoria for 2003–2015 was undertaken. Alcohol-related fall presentations have increased by 96% over the 13-year period, a rate of growth exceeding non-alcohol-related falls, all ED presentations, and Victorian population growth. Alcohol-related fall presentations are most prevalent in the 20–24 year age group, and among males. The severity of alcohol-related fall presentations is greater than non-alcohol-related fall presentations, based on triage scale ratings and admission rates, with head injuries being the most frequent type of injury. Public health warnings about the risks of alcohol-related fall injuries and the need to seek medical treatment for head injuries in particular are necessary to raise awareness among younger people. Emergency staff vigilance with neurological assessments is needed for early diagnosis of traumatic brain injury in alcohol-related fall presentations to help prevent adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To review the clinical impact methamphetamine has on emergency departments by assessing the available research on the rates and features of methamphetamine‐related presentations. Background: Globally, methamphetamine availability, distribution and use have rapidly increased. As a result, the number of methamphetamine‐related presentations to emergency departments has also increased. In this context, it is timely to review the rate and features of methamphetamine‐related presentations to understand the impact of methamphetamine on emergency departments and facilitate the allocation of services, staff and resources. Design: An integrative literature review. Methods: This study presents an integrated literature review, following the systematic review process as outlined in the PRISMA flow chart. Several databases were searched using a combination of search terms. Articles were measured against inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the final ten articles were subjected to quality appraisal and outcomes reported. Results: Methamphetamine accounted for 2.3% or less of all emergency departments presentations. The majority of methamphetamine users presenting to emergency departments were males, with a mean age 31–37. Methamphetamine‐related presentations to emergency departments were more likely to present with trauma, psychosis, and be placed on 24‐hr psychiatric hold. Methamphetamine‐related presentations were more likely to present with agitation, aggression and homicidal behaviour and present to emergency departments out of hours and accompanied by police compared with other emergency departments substance‐related presentations. Conclusions: Several important themes were highlighted in this review that has an impact on emergency departments services, resources and staff. Understanding the rate and patterns of methamphetamine‐related presentations can help to provide evidence for policy development and staff education in emergency departments. Relevance to clinical practice: Methamphetamine‐related presenters are more aggressive and agitated and more likely to be brought in by police. There is a need for policy development and staff training around these issues and further research in this area using stronger study designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]