Humour

Can experiencing physiological stress make blood gas results more meaningful to learners? This account describes an exercise-based teaching experiment using lactate measurements, then examines the value and limits of comparing healthy volunteers with critically ill patients. It also discusses consent, organisational approval and the absence of patient-outcome evidence.

What if the Nativity had unfolded in a modern emergency department? This Christmas 2012 satire reimagines Mary and Joseph's journey through hospital transfers, crowded services and social media, with a resuscitation trolley standing in for the manger.