Can procalcitonin reliably guide antibiotic decisions in the emergency department? This 2017 review traces the biomarker’s evidence across adults, children and intensive care, explaining why different populations, study questions and uncertain effects on outcomes complicate apparently promising results.
Are you PROcalcitonin? St.Emlyn’s goes bug-hunting. Read More
This 2016 companion to the upper gastrointestinal bleeding podcast covers recognition, resuscitation, transfusion, risk assessment and referral for endoscopy. It also discusses variceal bleeding and rescue measures, reflecting the guidance and unresolved research questions available at the time.
Upper Gastro Intestinal Bleeding at St.Emlyn’s. Read More
Could augmented reality change clinical practice and medical education? This 2016 overview moves from vein imaging to surgical training and proposed uses in emergency care, distinguishing early applications from future possibilities and noting where evidence of benefit remained uncertain.
A new view on life. Augmenting Reality at St.Emlyn’s. Read More
A participant’s report from the airway masterclass at SMACC Dublin in 2016, covering intubation, surgical airway practice, nasendoscopy and scenario simulation. The account emphasises rehearsal, teamwork and shared understanding alongside the technical skills, with links to further teaching resources.
#smaccAIRWAY – Airway Masterclass at #smaccDUB Read More
When does confidence in the emergency department become overconfidence? Prompted by personal feedback, this reflection explores diagnostic uncertainty, missed opportunities to learn from patient outcomes and practical ways to seek advice, follow up decisions and invite honest feedback from colleagues.
Overconfidence in the ED Read More
A historical review of the 2016 RCEM guidance on acute behavioural disturbance in the emergency department. The post discusses de-escalation, the risks of restraint, sedation, assessment for underlying illness and early senior involvement when severe agitation accompanies physiological instability.
Managing Acute Behavioural Disturbance Read More
Why does a diagnosis seem to appear everywhere just after we learn about it? This exploration of the Baader–Meinhof phenomenon connects selective attention and confirmation bias with history-taking and investigation, asking clinicians to test alternative explanations and seek another perspective when needed.
The Illusion of Frequency. Baader-Meinhof storm St.Emlyn’s Read More
When might an early CT scan change the need for lumbar puncture in suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage? This 2016 discussion reviews the evidence available then, scanner and reporting requirements, and conversations with patients about uncertainty, further investigation and the risks of testing.
Let’s talk about subarachnoid haemorrhage Read More
