#FOAMed

Can inhaling an alcohol swab ease nausea in the emergency department? This 2018 appraisal examines a small trial comparing isopropyl alcohol and oral ondansetron combinations. It considers symptom relief, difficulties with blinding and sampling limitations, explaining why the findings do not establish a replacement for established antiemetic treatment.

This archived announcement introduces Manchester’s Teaching Co-Operative Course on 10–12 October 2018. It outlines a practical approach to clinical education, connecting learning theory with bedside teaching, presentations, simulation, feedback and wellbeing, and introduces the international faculty behind the three-day programme.

A film of a 1970s casualty department prompts reflection on how emergency medicine has changed. Simon Carley contrasts advances in staffing, skills and facilities with familiar pressures, while noticing calm teamwork, teaching and public health advice in a very different clinical environment.

Why choose emergency medicine when others question the decision? Medical student Claire Bromley describes the variety, teamwork, teaching and immediate problem-solving that draw her to the specialty. Written for RCEM’s 50th anniversary, her reflection also looks towards global emergency care and learning beyond the UK.

Intranasal ketamine or fentanyl for children with painful fractures? This 2018 appraisal compares pain relief and reported side effects in a small randomised trial. It explains why similar pain scores do not prove equivalence, and why the selected patient group limits how widely the results can be applied.

Iain and Simon revisit January 2018 on the St Emlyn’s podcast. The linked discussions include devastating brain injury, dizziness, clinical reflection, CRYOSTAT-2 and the ADRENAL trial, alongside conference reports and working in Africa. The episode brings together that month’s clinical evidence, education and professional perspectives.