Emergency Medicine

A selection of resuscitation papers discussed at the Big Sick Conference in Zermatt in 2024. These personal appraisals examine airway management, haemorrhage and cardiac arrest, considering the findings, their limitations and the questions still facing clinicians and researchers.

What makes emergency department staff stay, and what makes their work harder? This appraisal examines a UK qualitative study of staff experiences, exploring workplace culture, leadership and support, with barriers and opportunities for improving working conditions and retention.

Does a low Glasgow Coma Scale score in acute poisoning always require intubation? This appraisal examines a randomised trial of a conservative airway strategy, focusing on patient selection, criteria for intervention and the importance of assessing the clinical trajectory.

Why do New Year's resolutions so often fade? Liz Crowe explores the difference between motivation and habit, using cues, behaviour and rewards to think about change. Her reflection offers practical examples of starting small, shaping routines and responding kindly to setbacks.

Could selective aortic arch perfusion become a future resuscitation technique? This appraisal examines a feasibility study using perfused human cadavers, explaining the procedure and its limitations. It considers the research and practical questions that remain before clinical use.