Without evidence of benefit, an intervention should not be presumed to be beneficial or safe.

- Rogue Medic

Happy Equinox!


The equinox is a much less common celestial event than a full moon and we all know just how crazy things become during a full moon.

If the volume and severity of patients presenting to the ED are based on the mystical effects of the monthly full moon, the predictable union of the 13th day and Friday, or the utterance of the words slow or quiet – then why not the equinox?

Why do we believe that there is any God willing to punish these future patients for the sole purpose of teaching someone in EMS the evils of the words slow and slow?

What kind of godforsaken lunatics do we have in EMS?

It is as if Dr. Deborah Peel has joined our ranks.

Here are only some studies showing the lack of effect of a full moon –

Trauma and the full moon: a waning theory.
Ann Emerg Med. 1989 Jul;18(7):763-5.
Coates W, Jehle D, Cottington E.
PMID: 2735596 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
Abstract

The full moon and ED patient volumes: unearthing a myth.
Am J Emerg Med. 1996 Mar;14(2):161-4.
Thompson DA, Adams SL.
PMID: 8924138 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
Abstract

Effect of lunar cycle on temporal variation in cardiopulmonary arrest in seven emergency departments during 11 years.
Eur J Emerg Med. 2003 Sep;10(3):225-8.
Alves DW, Allegra JR, Cochrane DG, Cable G.
PMID: 12972900 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
Abstract

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