Emergency Medicine

A contemporary review of NICE’s January 2014 head-injury guideline, CG176. The post explores what changed for emergency clinicians, including CT decisions in adults and children, anticoagulation, cervical spine imaging and discharge information, while discussing the evidence and uncertainties behind the recommendations.

A look back at preparations for the St Emlyn’s team’s appearance in SimWars at SMACC Gold 2014. The post introduces the team’s trailer for the live resuscitation competition and links to other contributions, including a James Bond-themed version.

Does giving prasugrel before angiography help patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes? This 2014 appraisal of ACCOAST examines the balance between ischaemic outcomes and major bleeding, alongside patient selection, the composite endpoint and the limits of applying the findings more widely.

An introduction to the evidence-based medicine workshop at SMACC Gold 2014, led by St Emlyn’s and Critical Care Reviews. It sets out an approach to asking useful questions, finding relevant research and translating evidence into care, with a self-assessment quiz on everyday EBM habits.

How do experienced trauma team leaders know whether they are performing well? This reflection makes the case for peer observation and feedback, describes a practical process using a TEAM assessment sheet, and explores how colleagues can help each other develop beyond formal training.