Transient loss of consciousness

Cardiology · CP4

This topic appears in the RCEM clinical syllabus. Start with a relevant resource below, then use a case or practice activity to test what you have learned.

View this area in the official clinical syllabus

Discuss

Syncope: a normal appearance is not the diagnosis
Lesson plan · Induction · Early-career EM · Preparation about 15 min · 45-minute session · 30-minute option · Paired practice available
Reconstruct a blackout, identify concerning cardiac features and discuss monitoring, referral and advice.
Learner preparation Facilitator guide
Assessing a blackout or unexplained fall
Lesson plan · Medical students · Preparation about 12 min · 45-minute session · 30-minute option · Paired practice available
Build a witness-based blackout history, recognise cardiovascular red flags and avoid reassuring labels that hide risk.
Learner preparation Facilitator guide

Practise

One learner performs. One checks the key steps and gives feedback. Then swap roles. These are practice tools, not official RCEM mark schemes.

Cardiovascular examination
Paired practice · FRCEM
Practise cardiovascular examination as part of the blackout assessment.
Cardiovascular examination
Paired practice · MLA
Practise cardiovascular examination as part of the blackout assessment.

Teaching programmes

Medical Student Emergency Medicine Placement
Teaching programme
1 relevant session in this programme.

Lesson links are St Emlyn’s educational mappings. Their individual clinical-review status still applies; attending a session does not demonstrate curriculum competence.