Welcome to the St Emlyn’s Monthly Podcast, your go-to source for the latest insights, developments, and discussions in emergency medicine and critical care. Each month, Simon and Iain will bring you in-depth analysis, evidence-based practices, and practical advice to enhance your clinical practice and professional development. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just starting your journey in the field, our podcast aims to provide valuable knowledge and foster a community of learning and support.
In this round-up of October and November 2023, we talk about a wide range of issues relating to emergency medicine. In this bumper double edition Simon and Iain chat through all the recent content on the St Emlyn’s blog site, including a review of CRYOSTAT-2 and the DAShED study, a review of the new ILCOR guidelines, flow in the ED and why silence might just be the tonic we all need.
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Listening Time – 27:38
Cryostat – 2
The CRYOSTAT-2 study, evaluated whether early and high-dose cryoprecipitate could improve survival in trauma patients with significant bleeding. The randomized trial found that adding cryoprecipitate to standard care did not reduce 28-day mortality rates among these patients. The study highlights the complexities of managing severe trauma and the need for ongoing research to optimize treatment protocols.
The Annual ILCOR Update
The annual update from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) focusing on adult life support advancements. It discusses updates from various task forces, addressing topics like ECPR for cardiac arrest under specific conditions, and the use of double sequence defibrillation for refractory ventricular fibrillation. The post also critiques the often low certainty of evidence supporting many new recommendations.
The Science of Silence
Liz Crowe discusses the mental and physical health benefits of silence, especially for those in high-stress environments like healthcare. It highlights how continuous noise and overstimulation can lead to burnout and reduced cognitive function. The author shares a personal experiment on embracing silence, finding that reducing sensory input can enhance creativity, focus, and well-being. The post encourages healthcare professionals to integrate periods of silence into their routines to improve mental health and cognitive performance.
Speaking urgent care fluently
“Speaking Urgent Care Flow Fluently” delves into the complexities of patient flow within emergency departments. Authored by Stevan Bruijns, the post emphasizes the need for clear and simple communication of data to effectively manage urgent care operations. It highlights the importance of understanding patient turnover and minimizing delays, which are crucial for preventing harm and optimizing emergency department efficiency. Stevan advocates for streamlined data presentation to enhance decision-making among healthcare professionals.
The DAShed Study
The DAShED Study” details a multicenter observational cohort study focused on improving the diagnosis of acute aortic syndrome (AAS) in emergency departments. The study examines the efficacy of clinical decision rules and the usage of CT aortograms, finding that despite widespread testing, confirmed cases of AAS are rare, underscoring the diagnostic challenges and the low yield of positive results from CT scans.
The Emergency Care Voice Rescued from a Sea of Politics
Emergency care practitionershave a role in advocating for humanitarian principles amidst political conflicts. Sometimes vocal support in global crises seems selective, and what we really need is a consistent and courageous healthcare voice advocating for peace and addressing injustices, regardless of political context.