Pointing out the obvious

Pointing out the obvious

Some health studies make me wonder if I’m on the receiving end of an April Fool’s joke – even if April 1st is months away.

Researchers at the Medical Care Research Unit at the University of Sheffield in the UK conducted a recent analysis of more than 10,000 cases in which patients were taken to a hospital in an ambulance. Each of the cases involved patients who were seriously ill.

The analysis concluded: “Increased journey distance to hospital appears to be associated with increased risk of mortality.”

“Appears”!?

If you’re dying, your chances of survival are better if you get to the hospital quickly. Do we really need further research to confirm that?

I think it’s time for this research team to go on to other investigations. Such as: Are giant catapults an effective device for coyotes who wish to capture roadrunners? Or: Is there a spike in hangovers on New Year’s Day?

Sources:
“The Relationship Between Distance to Hospital and Patient Mortality in Emergencies: An Observational Study” Emergency Medicine Journal, Vol. 24, No. 9, 9/1/07, emj.bmj.com
“Longer Ambulance Ride, Higher Risk of Death” Ivanhoe Newswire, 8/22/07, ivanhoe.com