What happens when an ECG is requested or handed over for a signature 'just in case'? Iain Beardsell examines targeted testing, clinical context, interruptions and respectful teamwork, questioning routine habits without arguing that patients should stop having ECGs.
A 2022 appraisal of a randomised trial comparing etomidate and ketamine for emergency intubation. It considers seven-day and 28-day survival, cardiovascular outcomes and the limits of applying results from a single US centre to other patients and airway systems.
Why might a bleeding trauma patient have a slow heart rate? Rich Carden explores the Bezold-Jarisch reflex, its proposed role in bradycardia during haemorrhage and the danger of assuming that an absence of tachycardia means an absence of blood loss.
A January 2022 appraisal of a randomised trial of routine calcium in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Laura Howard examines return of circulation, survival and safety concerns, including the implications of stopping the trial early and excluding patients with specific indications for calcium.
The St Emlyn's team look back on 2021: clinical work, pandemic research, teaching and life beyond medicine. Personal reflections sit alongside favourite books, music and podcasts, with thoughts on connection, learning and the year ahead.
How should emergency care respond when demand exceeds available resources? Drawing on civilian and military experience, Simon Horne explores the tension between capacity and quality, arguing for honest priorities, less low-value activity and reliable delivery of the best care resources allow.
Practical perspectives on trauma care and team leadership.
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