A December 2013 update on efforts to address emergency medicine recruitment in the UK. The post points readers to a Health Education England document, an EMJ commentary and a podcast with Cliff Mann, then president of the College of Emergency Medicine.
Cliff Mann on UK Emergency Medicine recruitment. St.Emlyn’s Read More
Does the precordial thump deliver the dramatic benefit its image suggests? This 2013 journal club examines Australian cardiac-arrest registry data, considering rhythm deterioration, the small number of treated patients and the limitations of using observational records to judge an intervention.
JC: There’s no jump with a precordial thump. St.Emlyn’s Read More
Do intravenous fluids shorten an emergency department stay for uncomplicated alcohol intoxication? This 2013 journal club reviews a randomised trial, examining its selected patient population, length-of-stay findings and uncertainty, and asks whether an impulse to intervene is supported by evidence.
JC: IV Fluids for alcohol intoxication. St.Emlyn’s Read More
Could online estimates of pre-test probability help clinicians choose investigations for pulmonary embolism and acute coronary syndromes? This initial 2013 discussion examines a trial of web-based decision support, exploring radiation exposure, gaps in the calculator’s data and unanswered questions about diagnostic safety.
JC: I’ll just ask Dr Google..for some PE/ACS investigation advice @ St.Emlyn’s Read More
Should a displaced ankle fracture be X-rayed before reduction? This 2013 journal club challenges the conclusions of a retrospective study, exploring differences between patient groups, missing documentation and the limitations of repeat manipulation as an outcome before accepting a proposed change in practice.
JC. Should we X-ray before manipulating a displaced ankle fracture? St.Emlyn’s Read More
What happens when colleagues, relatives or public figures arrive expecting different treatment in the emergency department? This reflection examines fairness, pressure to prioritise, over-investigation and incomplete assessment, and considers how teams can handle personal connections while keeping care consistent with clinical need.
There’s a vIP in the ED at St.Emlyn’s Read More
What did the original trial comparing temperature targets of 33°C and 36°C after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest establish? This 2013 appraisal explores sample size, uncertainty and the distinction between failing to detect a difference and demonstrating equivalence, placing the debate in its historical research context.
JC: What’s the target temperature for OOHCA cooling. St.Emlyn’s Read More
Could viscous lidocaine help children with painful mouth ulcers drink more? This 2013 journal club examines a placebo-controlled trial, discussing oral intake, the small sample and safety concerns, and separating a plausible treatment idea from evidence of meaningful benefit.
JC: Lidocaine for paediatric mouth ulcers at St.Emlyn’s Read More
