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Ken Zafren, MD
Emergency medicine doctor
Clinical Professor, Emergency Medicine
Professional Education
- Internship: Presbyterian/St Luke'S Hosp (1986) CO
- Board Certification: Emergency Medicine, American Board of Emergency Medicine (1995)
- Residency: Kern Medical Center (1994) CA
- Medical Education: University of Washington School of Medicine (1984) WA
- BA, New College / USF, Mathematics (1975)
- MD, University of Washington, Medicine (1984)
Honors & Awards
- Education Award of the Wilderness Medical Society, Wilderness Medical Society (2003)
- Award for Excellence in Peer Reviews, Wilderness and Environmental Medicine (2010)
- Service Award of the Wilderness Medical Society, Wilderness Medical Society (2004)
- Founder's Award, Wilderness Medical Society (2012)
- Governor's Council on Emergency Medical Services - George Longenbaugh Memorial Award, State of Alaska (2012)
- Award for Outstanding Contribution to Mountain Rescue Medicine, Mountain Rescue Association (2012)
- Hero of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians (2008)
Administrative Appointments
- Board of Directors, Wilderness Medical Society (1991 - 1996)
- Board of Directors, Wilderness Medical Society (1999 - 2006)
- Medical Director, Lake Clark National Park (1997 - 2010)
- Medical Director, Alaska Mountain Rescue Group (1994 - 2010)
- Medical Director, Denali National Park Mountaineering Rangers (1997 - 2001)
- Vice President, International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (2001 - Present)
- Associate Medical Director, Himalayan Rescue Association (1993 - Present)
- EMS Medical Director, State of Alaska (2001 - Present)
Publications
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Delayed and intermittent CPR for severe accidental hypothermia
Gordon, L., Paal, P., Ellerton, J. A., Brugger, H., Peek, G. J., & Zafren, K. (2015). Delayed and intermittent CPR for severe accidental hypothermia. RESUSCITATION, 90, 46-49. -
Wilderness Medical Society practice guidelines for the out-of-hospital evaluation and treatment of accidental hypothermia: 2014 update.
Zafren, K., Giesbrecht, G. G., Danzl, D. F., Brugger, H., Sagalyn, E. B., & Grissom, C. K. (2014). Wilderness Medical Society practice guidelines for the out-of-hospital evaluation and treatment of accidental hypothermia: 2014 update. Wilderness & environmental medicine, 25(4), S66-85. -
Wilderness Medical Society practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of acute altitude illness: 2014 update.
Luks, A. M., McIntosh, S. E., Grissom, C. K., Auerbach, P. S., Rodway, G. W., & Hackett, P. H. (2014). Wilderness Medical Society practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of acute altitude illness: 2014 update. Wilderness & environmental medicine, 25(4), S4-14. -
Frostbite: Prevention and Initial Management
Zafren, K. (2013). Frostbite: Prevention and Initial Management. HIGH ALTITUDE MEDICINE & BIOLOGY, 14(1), 9-12.
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D-Dimer Is Not Elevated in Asymptomatic High Altitude Climbers after Descent to 5340 m: The Mount Everest Deep Venous Thrombosis Study (Ev-DVT)
Zafren, K., Feldman, J., Becker, R. J., Williams, S. R., Weiss, E. A., & Deloughery, T. (2011). D-Dimer Is Not Elevated in Asymptomatic High Altitude Climbers after Descent to 5340 m: The Mount Everest Deep Venous Thrombosis Study (Ev-DVT). HIGH ALTITUDE MEDICINE & BIOLOGY, 12(3), 223-227.
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Acetazolamide fails to decrease pulmonary artery pressure at high altitude in partially acclimatized humans
Basnyat, B., Hargrove, J., Holck, P. S., Srivastav, S., Alekh, K., & Swenson, E. R. (2008). Acetazolamide fails to decrease pulmonary artery pressure at high altitude in partially acclimatized humans. HIGH ALTITUDE MEDICINE & BIOLOGY, 9(3), 209-216.
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Lightning injuries: prevention and on-site treatment in mountains and remote areas - Official guidelines of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine and the Medical Commission of the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (ICAR and UIAA MEDCOM)
Zafren, K., Durrer, B., Herry, J. P., & Brugger, H. (2005). Lightning injuries: prevention and on-site treatment in mountains and remote areas - Official guidelines of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine and the Medical Commission of the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (ICAR and UIAA MEDCOM). RESUSCITATION, 65(3), 369-372.
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Guidelines for the management of head injuries in remote and rural Alaska.
Sacco, F., Zafren, K., Brown, K., Cohen, T., COOPES, B. J., & Smith, L. (2004). Guidelines for the management of head injuries in remote and rural Alaska. Alaska medicine, 46(3), 58-62.
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Thrombotic complications at altitude
Zafren, K. (2004). Thrombotic complications at altitude. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 15(2), 155-155.
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Trends in the workload of the two high altitude aid posts in the Nepal Himalayas
Basnyat, B., Savard, G. K., & Zafren, K. (1999). Trends in the workload of the two high altitude aid posts in the Nepal Himalayas. JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE, 6(4), 217-222.
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Images - Chilblains (pernio)
Zafren, K. (1999). Images - Chilblains (pernio). WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 10(1), 25-26.
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Gamow bag for high-altitude cerebral oedema
Zafren, K. (1998). Gamow bag for high-altitude cerebral oedema. LANCET, 352(9124), 325-326.
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Hyponatremia in a cold environment
Zafren, K. (1998). Hyponatremia in a cold environment. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 9(1), 54-55.
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High-altitude medicine.
Zafren, K., & Honigman, B. (1997). High-altitude medicine. Emergency medicine clinics of North America, 15(1), 191-222.
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Treatment of high-altitude pulmonary edema by bed rest and supplemental oxygen
Zafren, K., Reeves, J. T., & Schoene, R. (1996). Treatment of high-altitude pulmonary edema by bed rest and supplemental oxygen. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 7(2), 127-132.
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SEASONAL-VARIATION IN BAROMETRIC-PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE IN SUMMIT-COUNTY - EFFECT ON ALTITUDE ILLNESS
Reeves, J. T., Wagner, J., Zafren, K., Honigman, B., & SCHOENE, R. B. (1993). SEASONAL-VARIATION IN BAROMETRIC-PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE IN SUMMIT-COUNTY - EFFECT ON ALTITUDE ILLNESS. CHARLES S HOUSTON.
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MORE ON TETRACYCLINE AND TICKS
Zafren, K. (1983). MORE ON TETRACYCLINE AND TICKS. NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE, 308(7), 403-404.
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Wilderness Medical Society practice guidelines for basic wound management in the austere environment: 2014 update.
Quinn, R. H., Wedmore, I., Johnson, E. L., Islas, A. A., Anglim, A., & Mazzorana, V. (2014). Wilderness Medical Society practice guidelines for basic wound management in the austere environment: 2014 update. Wilderness & environmental medicine, 25(4), S118-33.
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Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for Basic Wound Management in the Austere Environment
Quinn, R. H., Wedmore, I., Johnson, E., Islas, A., Anglim, A., & Mazzorana, V. (2014). Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for Basic Wound Management in the Austere Environment. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 25(3), 295-310.
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Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Lightning Injuries: 2014 Update
Davis, C., Engeln, A., Johnson, E. L., McIntosh, S. E., Zafren, K., & Cushing, T. (2014). Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Lightning Injuries: 2014 Update. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 25(4), S86-S95.
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Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2014 Update
Zafren, K., Giesbrecht, G. G., Danzl, D. F., Brugger, H., Sagalyn, E. B., & Grissom, C. K. (2014). Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2014 Update. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 25(4), S66-S85.
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Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Altitude Illness: 2014 Update
Luks, A. M., McIntosh, S. E., Grissom, C. K., Auerbach, P. S., Rodway, G. W., & Hackett, P. H. (2014). Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Altitude Illness: 2014 Update. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 25(4), S4-S14.
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Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for Basic Wound Management in the Austere Environment: 2014 Update
Quinn, R. H., Wedmore, I., Johnson, E. L., Islas, A. A., Anglim, A., & Mazzorana, V. (2014). Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for Basic Wound Management in the Austere Environment: 2014 Update. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 25(4), S118-S133.
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Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia
Zafren, K., Giesbrecht, G. G., Danzl, D. F., Brugger, H., Sagalyn, E. B., & Grissom, C. K. (2014). Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 25(4), 425-445.
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Resuscitation of avalanche victims: Evidence-based guidelines of the international commission for mountain emergency medicine (ICAR MEDCOM) Intended for physicians and other advanced life support personnel
Brugger, H., Durrer, B., Elsensohn, F., Paal, P., Strapazzon, G., & Boyd, J. (2013). Resuscitation of avalanche victims: Evidence-based guidelines of the international commission for mountain emergency medicine (ICAR MEDCOM) Intended for physicians and other advanced life support personnel. RESUSCITATION, 84(5), 539-546.
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"Performance enhancing" drugs at high altitude.
Zafren, K., Berghold, F., & Hillebrandt, D. (2013). "Performance enhancing" drugs at high altitude. Wilderness & environmental medicine, 24(2), 173-4.
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Prophylaxis for Acute Mountain Sickness
Zafen, K. (2012). Prophylaxis for Acute Mountain Sickness. ANNALS OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, 60(5), 671-672.
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Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Lightning Injuries
Davis, C., Engeln, A., Johnson, E., McIntosh, S. E., Zafren, K., & Cushing, T. (2012). Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Lightning Injuries. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 23(3), 260-269.
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Public Access Defibrillation
Zafren, K. (2012). Public Access Defibrillation. ANNALS OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, 59(6), 558-558.
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Does Ibuprofen Prevent Acute Mountain Sickness?
Zafren, K. (2012). Does Ibuprofen Prevent Acute Mountain Sickness?. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 23(4), 297-299.
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Prediction of Acute Mountain Sickness by Pulse Oximetry: What Are the Right Questions?
Zafren, K. (2012). Prediction of Acute Mountain Sickness by Pulse Oximetry: What Are the Right Questions?. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 23(4), 377-378.
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In Response to "Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Frostbite"
Zafren, K. (2011). In Response to "Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Frostbite". WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 22(4), 364-365.
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In Response to Bradford Washburn's 1962 NEJM Article "Frostbite: What It Is-How To Prevent It-Emergency Treatment"-Historical Background and Commentary
Zafren, K. (2011). In Response to Bradford Washburn's 1962 NEJM Article "Frostbite: What It Is-How To Prevent It-Emergency Treatment"-Historical Background and Commentary. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 22(4), 366-368.
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Avalanche Triage: Are Two Birds in the Bush Better Than One in the Hand?
Zafren, K. (2010). Avalanche Triage: Are Two Birds in the Bush Better Than One in the Hand?. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 21(3), 273-274.
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Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Comparison of Acetazolamide Versus Ibuprofen for Prophylaxis Against High Altitude Headache: The Headache Evaluation at Altitude Trial (HEAT)
Gertsch, J. H., Lipman, G. S., Holck, P. S., Merritt, A., Mulcahy, A., & Zafren, K. (2010). Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Comparison of Acetazolamide Versus Ibuprofen for Prophylaxis Against High Altitude Headache: The Headache Evaluation at Altitude Trial (HEAT). WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 21(3), 236-243.
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Wilderness Medical Society Consensus Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Altitude Illness
Luks, A. M., McIntosh, S. E., Grissom, C. K., Auerbach, P. S., Rodway, G. W., & Hackett, P. H. (2010). Wilderness Medical Society Consensus Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Altitude Illness. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 21(2), 146-155.
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Clinical Images
Zafren, K., Basnyat, B., & Basnyat, G. (2009). Clinical Images. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 20(1), 81-82.
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Fluid Management in Traumatic Shock: A Practical Approach for Mountain Rescue
Sumann, G., Paal, P., Mair, P., Ellerton, J., Dahlberg, T., & Brugger, H. (2009). Fluid Management in Traumatic Shock: A Practical Approach for Mountain Rescue. HIGH ALTITUDE MEDICINE & BIOLOGY, 10(1), 71-75.
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The Most Dangerous Catch: Fisherman Caught by Halibut Hook
Zafren, K. (2009). The Most Dangerous Catch: Fisherman Caught by Halibut Hook. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 20(4), 375-377.
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The use of extrication devices in crevasse accidents: official statement of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine and the Terrestrial Rescue Commission of the International Commission for Alpine Rescue intended for physicians, paramedics, and mountain rescuers
Winterberger, E., Jacomet, H., Zafren, K., Ruffinen, G. Z., & Jelk, B. (2008). The use of extrication devices in crevasse accidents: official statement of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine and the Terrestrial Rescue Commission of the International Commission for Alpine Rescue intended for physicians, paramedics, and mountain rescuers. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 19(2), 108-110.
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When searches become futile
Fortini, A., Zafren, K., Sharp, F., & Shimanski, C. (2008). When searches become futile. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 19(1), 73-73.
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A reference correction.
Zafren, K. (2007). A reference correction. Wilderness & environmental medicine, 18(4), 323-?.
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Management of blunt trauma victims with significant hemoperitoneum with normal examination
Zafren, K. (2003). Management of blunt trauma victims with significant hemoperitoneum with normal examination. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, 21(6), 513-513.
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Clinical images. Wound care in the wilderness.
Zafren, K. (2001). Clinical images. Wound care in the wilderness. Wilderness & environmental medicine, 12(3), 201-203.
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Effect of insurance on admission for head injury
Zafren, K. (2001). Effect of insurance on admission for head injury. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, 19(5), 460-460.
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Warnings in the wilderness
Anonymous. (2001). Warnings in the wilderness. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 12(2), 129-133.
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Poison oak dermatitis.
Zafren, K. (2001). Poison oak dermatitis. Wilderness & environmental medicine, 12(1), 39-40.
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How useful is on-mountain sonography?
Zafren, K. (2001). How useful is on-mountain sonography?. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 12(4), 230-231.
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Unusual presentation of a fracture and possible early compartment syndrome.
Zafren, K. (2000). Unusual presentation of a fracture and possible early compartment syndrome. Wilderness & environmental medicine, 11(3), 199-200.
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Clinical images
Zafren, K. (2000). Clinical images. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 11(4), 269-271.
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Images - Erythema nodosum
Zafren, Z., & Kercher, E. (1999). Images - Erythema nodosum. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 10(3), 171-173.
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Images - Answer
Zafren, K. (1999). Images - Answer. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 10(2), 115-116.
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Presentation of the case. Lighting injuries.
Zafren, K. (1999). Presentation of the case. Lighting injuries. Wilderness & environmental medicine, 10(4), 253-255.
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Tragedy on Ptarmigan Peak
Zafren, K. (1998). Tragedy on Ptarmigan Peak. WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 9(3), 188-190.
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Migratory pain in appendicitis
Zafren, K. (1998). Migratory pain in appendicitis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, 16(4), 437-438.
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Telemedicine revisited
Zafren, K. (1998). Telemedicine revisited. ANNALS OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, 31(6), 790-790.
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Brown recluse spider bite (necrotic arachnidism)
Zafren, K. (1998). Brown recluse spider bite (necrotic arachnidism). WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, 9(4), 211-212.
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Re: Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Events during Travel.
Zafren, K. (1997). Re: Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Events during Travel. Journal of travel medicine, 4(3), 152.
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Outcome assessments and air ambulance services
Zafren, K. (1996). Outcome assessments and air ambulance services. LANCET, 347(9018), 1843-1843.
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Warning! Long commute.
Zafren, K. (1996). Warning! Long commute. Science , 272(5269), 1726a-?.
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ALTERNATIVE TRAINING IN EMERGENCY-MEDICINE
Zafren, K. (1993). ALTERNATIVE TRAINING IN EMERGENCY-MEDICINE. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, 11(1), 97-98.
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BASE DEFICIT AS A DIAGNOSTIC-TEST FOR ABDOMINAL INJURY
Zafren, K., & Purcell, T. (1992). BASE DEFICIT AS A DIAGNOSTIC-TEST FOR ABDOMINAL INJURY. ANNALS OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, 21(11), 1406-1406.
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OPEN AND CLOSED PERITONEAL-LAVAGE
Zafren, K., & Purcell, T. (1992). OPEN AND CLOSED PERITONEAL-LAVAGE. ANNALS OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, 21(10), 1298-1298.