ST EMLYN’S · FRCEM REVISION GUIDE
Your revision guide
A practical guide to preparing for the FRCEM examinations.
Work through the chapters in order, or go straight to the skill you want to practise. Open a chapter’s topic list to find a particular section.
GETTING READY
Exams and preparation
CHAPTER 01
The FRCEM SBA
Prepare for the written examination, plan your revision and find adult and paediatric learning resources.
Read chapter 1CHAPTER 02
The FRCEM OSCE
Understand the examination, explore station types and prepare for the day itself.
Read chapter 2Browse 9 topics in chapter 2
BUILDING THE CONSULTATION
Assessment and communication
CHAPTER 03
History taking
Build a structured history, explore the patient’s concerns and practise focused questions.
Read chapter 3Browse 6 topics in chapter 3
CHAPTER 04
Communication
Practise difficult conversations, clear handovers, consent and major-incident communication.
Read chapter 4Browse 14 topics in chapter 4
- Core approach
- Complaints and upset patients or relatives
- Conflict resolution
- Difficult referrals
- Difficult conversations with colleagues
- Breaking bad news: a new diagnosis
- Breaking bad news: a patient’s death
- CDU and short-stay handover
- Major-incident concepts
- Managing a major incident
- Needlestick injuries
- Departmental crowding and queues
- Obtaining consent
- References
CHAPTER 05
Psychiatry, substance use and safeguarding
Explore psychiatric assessment, self-harm, capacity, mental health legislation, substance use and safeguarding.
Read chapter 5Browse 7 topics in chapter 5
CHAPTER 06
System examination
Work through focused examinations, from cardiovascular and respiratory systems to neurology and specialist examinations.
Read chapter 6CHAPTER 07
Musculoskeletal examination
Revise joint examinations, the spine and GALS screening with a consistent approach.
Read chapter 7Browse 10 topics in chapter 7
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
Care and practical skills
CHAPTER 08
Resuscitation
Develop your approach to leading the station and practise adult, paediatric, trauma and environmental scenarios.
Read chapter 8CHAPTER 09
Procedures
Find practical skills by specialty, with preparation, safety and the approach to performing a procedure.
Read chapter 9CHAPTER 10
Teaching
Plan a short teaching session, teach colleagues and patients, and practise feedback and checking understanding.
Read chapter 10