How feasible is a definitive trial of lidocaine patches for older patients with rib fractures? This appraisal examines recruitment, treatment crossover and follow-up in a randomised feasibility study, explaining why its clinical findings cannot establish whether patches improve pain or recovery.
How do hybrid closed-loop insulin pumps work, and what happens when children using them attend the ED? This PREMIER 2024 podcast uses paediatric cases to explore vomiting, ketones, device failure and the challenges posed by cannula problems, connectivity and intercurrent illness.
A London Air Ambulance cohort study explores partial REBOA for trauma patients with life-threatening bleeding and recent or imminent cardiac arrest. This appraisal considers feasibility, survival and patient selection, alongside the limits of a small observational study and the training and systems needed to deliver the technique.
This 2024 article reviews intercollegiate guidance on non-fatal strangulation in adults and adolescents. It covers assessment, red flags and imaging alongside safeguarding and sensitive communication, emphasising the importance of considering both physical injury and the patient's continuing safety.
A podcast with Steve Smith ECG educator extraordinaire where we discuss occlusive myocardial infarction and the future of AI and ECG interpretation.
How well do MACS, T-MACS and HE-MACS perform in emergency department patients with suspected cardiac chest pain? This appraisal examines a systematic review of their diagnostic accuracy, differences between study populations and the importance of external validation, while acknowledging the St Emlyn's team's involvement in developing the scores.