#FOAMed

Could adjusting D-dimer thresholds to clinical probability reduce ultrasound use for suspected DVT? This 2022 appraisal of the Canadian 4D study examines diagnostic safety, excluded patient groups and the challenges of transferring its algorithm into UK pathways.

Iain and Simon review January 2022 on the St Emlyn's blog. This monthly podcast brings together critical appraisal, a discussion of 'ECG thrusting' and the complex physiology featured that month.

Recordings and commentary from SASEM 2022 on evidence for emergency airway management, including cardiac arrest, video laryngoscopy and surgical airways. The post also includes talks on research from 2021 and troponin-based assessment of possible myocardial infarction.

Simon Carley's SASEM 2022 talk challenges familiar assumptions in resuscitation. The accompanying post explores airway management, chest drainage, calcium, transfusion and team behaviour, asking whether procedures are driven by patient need or clinicians' habits and preferences.

How should patients and clinicians help decide what emergency medicine researches next? This February 2022 post introduces a renewed James Lind Alliance priority-setting exercise, reflecting on earlier funded questions and explaining how ideas were gathered for the next round.

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.