Personal Development

Telling a family about a sudden death is a defining moment in emergency care. This personal reflection explores preparing yourself, using clear and compassionate language, allowing space for grief and questions, returning to the family afterwards and supporting colleagues involved in the conversation.

How can emergency clinicians protect their sleep around night shifts? This 2015 discussion explores the sleeping environment, preparation and recovery, breaks during a shift and the risks of travelling home tired, encouraging readers to reflect on how fatigue affects their health and performance.

An archived preview of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s September 2015 conference in Manchester, themed ‘24-Hour EM People’. It introduces the planned speakers, ultrasound workshops, simulation activities and social programme, alongside reflections on how conferences can strengthen learning and professional community.

Liz Crowe explores the question grieving people often ask: ‘Am I normal?’ Written to accompany her podcast with Iain Beardsell, this reflection describes the varied, unpredictable experience of loss and the importance of connection, gentleness towards yourself and seeking help when needed.

After attending SMACC Chicago in 2015, Janos Baombe reflects on what an in-person conference offered beyond its online coverage. His five reasons centre on learning, meeting colleagues, reconnecting with friends, finding motivation for change and taking part in workshops, with practical reflections for first-time delegates.

Are emergency departments giving people with mental health problems the attention and compassion they need? This 2015 reflection challenges dismissive attitudes, considers assessment and follow-up for adults and children, and argues that stretched services do not remove the responsibility to treat patients with dignity and respect.