The mysterious entity of the initial Emergence novel reappears in the deep hydrothermal vent areas of the Pacific Ocean. Rather than merely explore the reality of the surface world, the entity chooses to adventure into our reality. Research in origins of life, geology and Super String Theory merge to produce an intense tale of scientific inquiry that questions our most sacred assumptions and beliefs.

This reference places the latest information at users' fingertips, and a more streamlined format makes it easy to find the exact information quickly and conveniently. Includes access to a companion Web site for additional resources.

Of the estimated 119 million visits to U.S. emergency depts. (ED) in 2006, over 40% were paid for by federally-supported programs -- Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insur. Program. There have been reports of crowded conditions in ED often associated with adverse effects on patient quality of care. In 2003, it was reported that most ED in metropolitan areas experienced some degree of crowding. For ex., two out of every three metropolitan hospitals reported going on ambulance diversion -- asking ambulances to bypass their ED and instead transport patients to other facilities. This report examined three indicators of ED crowding - -ambulance diversion, wait times, and patient boarding -- and factors that contribute to crowding. Illus.

Organized for easy reference, this comprehensive, concise, and clinically focused text covers all aspects of emergency medicine. Chapters follow a consistent, structured format—clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, evaluation, management, and disposition with highlighted critical interventions and common pitfalls. In this edition, the Pain and Pain Management section is now at the front of the book, since a large percentage of emergency department patients present with pain-related complaints. The Trauma section now follows the High-Risk Chief Complaint section. A new two-color design will help readers find critical elements of each chapter easily. A companion Website will include the fully searchable text, more than 400 self-assessment questions with answers, and additional images and tables.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE MANAGEMENT OF OFFSHORE Examines the Deepwater Horizon disaster and offers processes for safety and environmental protection Though renewable energy is a growing piece of the energy “pie,” fossil fuels still dominate our energy supplies and will continue to do so for decades. This makes offshore drilling, especially in places like the Gulf of Mexico and North Sea, extremely important for the future of the world’s energy supply. Unfortunately, the world has been witnessing, over and over again, accidents, deadly explosions, spills, and environmental disasters that could have been avoided with proper safety and environmental processes put in place. The Deepwater Horizon catastrophe is the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history and an ecological nightmare of epic proportions. Emergency Response Management of Offshore Oil Spills aids in the response of this and future disasters by providing this handy reference volume for engineers, managers, and other emergency responders. This timely publication outlines the toxic nature of crude oil, covering properties of crude oil, chemical composition, toxicity to humans and marine life, and investigates the impact of oil spills from historical case studies. The current arsenals available to address oil spills, such as dispersants, absorbing booms, skimming, and other methods, are also discussed. Technologies that are rapidly being developed to address the Gulf Oil Spill are considered, along with extensive information on chemical protective clothing, air monitoring, respiratory protection, management of waste, and much more. The book concludes with a chapter discussing responsible care and takes a critical look at the reasons why the Deepwater Horizon rig catastrophe happened and examines the follow-up that ensued after the incident. Emergency Response Management of Offshore Oil Spills provides: Examples of 26 major oil spills ranked from largest to smallest, describing each incident and the amount of oil spilled Recommendations and guidance on proper air monitoring methods Suggestions related to protective garments such as respirators Comparative product information on chemical dispersants, shoreline bleaching and cleaning chemicals Detailed toxicity data for humans and marine life Discussions in the areas of deficiencies in responding to spills and why the oil industry needs to be more responsive to developing technologies Hazardous materials protocols, including OSHA- and EPA- recommended safe work practices for dealing with hazardous materials