Emergency Medicine

A 2014 review of button battery ingestion and insertion in children, with an accompanying podcast. Natalie May explains why these small objects deserve particular attention, discussing unwitnessed events, radiographic clues, complications that may appear after removal and the importance of clear advice to parents.

During the 2014 Ebola outbreak, emergency physician Sarah Payne puts practical questions to an infectious diseases and virology clinician. Their discussion explores UK preparedness, simulation, travel history, protective equipment and staff exposure, recording the concerns and guidance of that outbreak rather than current operational advice.

A critical response to NICE’s 2014 acute heart failure guidance, questioning whether varied presentations can be treated as one condition. The author examines the evidence behind diuretics, nitrates and non-invasive ventilation, and argues for clearer definitions and research that better reflects the sickest emergency department patients.

Should ultrasound or CT be the first investigation for suspected renal colic? This 2014 appraisal examines a trial comparing emergency physician ultrasound, radiologist ultrasound and CT, focusing on patient outcomes, missed diagnoses, cumulative radiation and the need for additional imaging after the initial test.

An archived appeal from October 2014 to support African emergency medicine clinicians attending AFCEM in Addis Ababa. The post highlights the value of sharing experience across countries and resource settings, and the difficulties funding delegate participation during the Ebola outbreak.

How do you make simulation work in the department where your team actually practises? Simon Carley shares lessons on choosing learning goals, finding simple equipment, involving the whole team, protecting patients and participants, and using debriefs to turn everyday scenarios into improvements in teamwork and systems.