A fluorescence-based sensor for detecting explosives, based on a conjugated polymer coated with an ormosil layer, has been developed for use in aqueous environments. The conjugated polymer Super Yellow was spin-coated onto glass substrates prior to a further spin-coating of an MTEOS/TFP-TMOS-based ormosil film, giving an inexpensive, solution-based barrier material for ruggedization of the polymer to an aqueous environment. The sensors showed good sensitivity to 2,4-DNT in the aqueous phase at micromolar and millimolar concentrations, and also showed good recovery of fluorescence when the explosive was removed.

As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, paramedics in the UK face unprecedented challenges in the care of acutely unwell patients and their family members. This article will describe and discuss a new ethical dilemma faced by clinicians in the out-of-hospital environment during this time, namely the delivery of bad news to family members who are required to remain at home and self-isolate while the critically unwell patient is transported to hospital. I will discuss some failings of current practice and reflect on some of the ethical and practical challenges confronting paramedics in these circumstances. I conclude by making three recommendations: first, that dedicated pastoral outreach teams ought to be set up during pandemics to assist family members of patients transported to hospital; second, I offer a framework for how bad news can be delivered during a lockdown in a less damaging way; and finally, that a new model of bad news delivery more suited for unplanned, time-pressured care should be developed.

An analytical model was developed for thin film chemical sensors which provides insight into the sensor dynamics and potential strategies to develop chemical recognition.

No abstract

Vaccines are advocated as the best defence against COVID-19. While most NHS staff, including ambulance clinicians, have been vaccinated, some remain hesitant. All health and social care staff, with some exemptions, were originally expected to be fully vaccinated by 1 April 2022. However, this is currently on hold due to the recent reconsideration by the Secretary of State. There are ethical arguments against and in favour of mandatory vaccination. Arguments against include potential harm and loss of autonomy. Coercing staff may be interpreted by the public that health professionals do not trust vaccines. A mandate may also be seen as authoritarian, which may embolden the anti-vaccine movement. Compulsory vaccination is also opposed by Royal Colleges, professional bodies and trade unions. Arguments to support mandatory vaccination include that society has a legitimate interest in regulating behaviour that harms others, even if this limits individual choices and that people live in groups so their rights and powers are limited by the rights of others. Paramedics deal with a diverse population, and often encounter clinically vulnerable patients as well as those who are COVID-19 positive. It can be argued that patients' right to be safe from unnecessary risk usurps that of a practitioner to refuse vaccination. Having all health and social care staff fully vaccinated will increase the health service's resilience. Future decisions on any vaccine mandates must incorporate various ethical arguments and support with additional effort to address underlying issues related to vaccine hesitancy.