#FOAMed

A March 2020 exploration of lung ultrasound in suspected COVID-19, from scanning patterns and interpretation to equipment cleaning and training. Cian McDermott examines the emerging evidence and practical tradeoffs, including staff exposure, alternative diagnoses and the limits of using ultrasound in isolation.

How can a hospital improve patient flow when beds, staff and resources are stretched? This appraisal examines Yeovil's whole-hospital design science project, including shared goals, multidisciplinary routines and reported improvements in flow, while considering how the approach might translate to other hospitals.

The February 2020 roundup became a conversation about preparing for COVID-19 as the first cases arrived. Simon Carley and Iain Beardsell compare their hopes and worries, discussing difficult decisions, support for redeployed colleagues and the need to keep caring for patients with other illnesses.

In this March 2020 podcast, Roberto Cosentini shares experiences from Bergamo during Italy's first COVID-19 surge. The accompanying notes highlight preparation, staff training, patient flow and psychological support, capturing lessons being shared while other emergency departments were still preparing for their first wave.

A March 2020 account of preparing an emergency department for COVID-19. The Virchester team discusses leadership, PPE and simulation training, staffing, difficult conversations and service capacity, showing how local plans developed while the likely scale and course of the outbreak remained uncertain.

Iain Beardsell shares his experience of preparing for the Diploma in Immediate Medical Care, with revision resources, practice questions and practical exam tips. This personal 2020 account covers the written and practical components and points readers to the Faculty for official examination requirements.