Comparative analysis of five methods of emergency zipper release by experienced versus novice clinicians

Manipulation of the zipper using mineral oil lubricant was the most successful technique in novice (94%) and experienced (100%) clinicians. Because of the small number of successful procedures, the individual times in student and EM physician groups were pooled. If the skin is blocking the median bar, attempts at cutting the bar may prove more injurious to the patient. Because mineral oil and other lubricants will lead to making the zipper and area of the wound slippery, physicians may choose to try an alternate method first even though in our study this was the most preferred method. Technique Skin damage Preferred technique Novice(N=18) Experienced(N=12) Novice(N=18) Experienced(N=12) Cutting median bar 77% 43% 6% 14% Rotating screwdriver 35% 71% 6% 0% Mineral oil 24% 14% 41% 57% Lateral compression 71% 71% 0% 0% Cutting zipper, pulling teeth apart 18% 0% 47% 29% 1 G.E. Tasian, H.S. Bagga, P.B. Fisher, Pediatric genitourinary injuries...