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Does topical tranexamic acid reduce the need for nasal packing when initial epistaxis treatment has failed? This 2021 appraisal of the NoPAC trial examines its negative result, the importance of preceding first aid and vasoconstrictors, and limits to generalising across different types of bleeding.

Iain and Simon's January 2021 round-up brings together clinical evidence, education and staff wellbeing. The linked notes include Ludwig's angina, oxygen targets, moral injury, self-leadership and the evolving evidence on COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.

How much oxygen should critically ill patients receive? This January 2021 review of HOT-ICU examines lower versus higher oxygen targets in adults with hypoxic respiratory failure, the absence of a 90-day mortality difference and uncertainty about applying the findings to different patient groups.

A January 2021 appraisal of REMAP-CAP's early tocilizumab and sarilumab findings in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Dan Horner examines organ support and survival outcomes, strict eligibility criteria and the uncertainties that remained as the results moved rapidly into policy and public discussion.

Rick Body and colleagues discuss the COVID-19 vaccine evidence as the UK rollout gathered pace in January 2021. The episode notes link to the Moderna, Oxford and Pfizer trials, providing a record of the science and questions informing that early stage of vaccination.

How can academics make their work easier to find, understand and discuss online? Simon Carley offers a practical introduction to professional profiles, collaboration, adapting research for different media and curating an online presence, while considering the risks of echo chambers and amplification.

Iain and Simon look back at November and early December 2020 on the St Emlyn's blog. The Christmas round-up covers emerging COVID-19 research, purpura in children, the future of medical conferences and research in emergency medicine.

A November 2020 introduction to the first CODA Zero online sessions. The post highlights global perspectives on sepsis and COVID-19, alongside a discussion of gender equality that moves from recognising problems to ideas for action within the healthcare community.

Trauma and coagulopathy are the focus of Iain and Simon's October 2020 round-up. The episode notes link to appraisals of prehospital TXA, plasma in traumatic brain injury, targeted transfusion testing and other clinical topics, alongside a conversation about coping with the second pandemic wave.

Drawing on Simon Mardel's outbreak experience, this November 2020 article examines infection control during the second COVID-19 wave. It considers crowding, fatigue, workplace hierarchy and the systems needed to help staff protect patients and colleagues, rather than relying on individual vigilance alone.