ObjectiveTo evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of methoxyflurane for the treatment of acute pain in patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) with minor trauma.MethodsSTOP! was a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled study conducted at six sites in the UK. A total of 300 patients, 90 of whom were adolescent patients (age 12–17 years), were randomised 150:150 to receive either methoxyflurane via a Penthrox inhaler or placebo. The primary end point of the study was the change in pain intensity as measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) from baseline to 5, 10, 15 and 20 min after the start of study drug inhalation. Patients were supplied with one inhaler containing 3 mL methoxyflurane or 5 mL placebo after enrolment and initial assessments. Age group (adolescent/adult) and baseline VAS score were controlled for in the statistical analyses.ResultsA total of 149 patients received methoxyflurane, and 149 patients received placebo. Demographic and baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. Methoxyflurane reduced pain severity significantly more than placebo (p<0.0001) at all time points tested, with the greatest estimated treatment effect of −18.5 mm (adjusted change from baseline) seen at 15 min after the start of treatment. Methoxyflurane was well tolerated, with the majority of adverse reactions being mild, transient and in line with anticipated pharmacological action.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that methoxyflurane administered via the Penthrox inhaler is an efficacious, safe, and rapidly acting analgesic.Trial registration number:NCT01420159.

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This is the first article in a three-part series detailing the lessons identified during the NHS England clinical debrief meetings which followed the response to the 2017 Manchester and London terrorist incidents. It covers the prehospital phase including the overall key learning points, timeline information, scene challenges, resource utilisation, triage, distribution and helicopter emergency medical service feedback.

The provision of medical care during the reception and definitive care phases of a terrorist incident will likely take place in designated receiving hospitals such as Major Trauma Centres. There is a need for an enhanced capability in such units to receive, initially manage and hold casualties with more serious injuries. Also, even less severely injured casualties may require significant time and clinical input such as risk management in potential bloodborne viruses.The distribution of casualties from the incident scene requires advance consideration of the injury pattern and regional network organisation of specialist services, such as maxillofacial, neurosurgery or severe burns care. Paediatric centres are also more sparsely distributed and often only in large city networks which represents a significant challenge for planners and responders in other regions. An effective response relies on a coordinated multidisciplinary approach including emergency and front-of-house teams, surgical, medical and clinical support services.