Emergency Department Management

An archived account of the 2016 campaign for a physician-paramedic helicopter service in Northern Ireland, inspired by Dr John Hinds. The post explains the staffing argument and includes a subsequent update reporting the health minister’s support for a physician-based model.

Ambition, setbacks and fatigue can all affect a career in emergency medicine. This reflection explores realistic training goals, fear of failure, the move to consultant practice and life outside work, with attention to colleagues both within and outside formal training programmes.

Recognising possible child abuse is only the start of safeguarding in the emergency department. This 2016 overview explores concerning presentations, listening to children, seeking senior help, sharing information and approaching parents with humility while keeping the child’s safety central.

What makes emergency medicine trainees feel valued and supported? Reflecting on conversations with trainees in 2016, this post argues for meaningful feedback, supervisors who understand the curriculum, accessible consultant support and fairer rotas as investments in the specialty’s future.

When might withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment be considered in the emergency department? Using hypothetical cases and the 2008 UK code of practice, this 2016 discussion explores uncertain prognosis, reversible causes, patient wishes and the need for senior colleagues and families to be involved.

Janos Baombe shares experience-based suggestions for preparing for night shifts, coping during them and recovering afterwards. The post covers sleep, food, caffeine, breaks, team interactions and getting home safely, while recognising that clinicians need to find an approach that fits their own circumstances.