In this 2014 guest post, Mark Wilson explains the origins of GoodSAM: connecting nearby trained responders with emergencies before an ambulance arrives. He describes the thinking behind the app, its early defibrillator mapping and questions about responder participation, registration and indemnity during the project’s development.
Free Open Access RESUSCITATION – the GoodSamApp with Mark Wilson Read More
Does a lack of evidence for benefit mean paramedic trauma training does not work? This 2014 critique of a Cochrane review examines its small, dated and methodologically limited evidence base, distinguishing uncertainty about educational interventions from a justification for withdrawing investment in training.
JC: Is there any point teaching paramedics? St.Emlyn’s Read More
Louise Cullen and Rick Body debate whether high-sensitivity troponin is friend or foe at SMACC Gold 2014. This post brings together the recording, both speakers’ slides and background resources on troponin interpretation, including why a raised concentration does not always mean acute myocardial infarction.
The Troponin Ashes at SMACC Gold: Cullen v Body Read More
Can CT measurements identify which older patients with acute subdural haematoma need neurosurgical referral? This 2014 journal club examines a proposed decision tool, questioning selection bias, measurement reliability and how a ‘surgical’ bleed was defined, and explaining why promising retrospective findings still need validation.
JC: When a subdural needs surgery in the elderly. St. Emlyn’s Read More
An introduction to planning sample size and understanding statistical power, linking effect size, precision and the risks of false positive and false negative results. Worked examples cover continuous outcomes, proportions and diagnostic accuracy studies, helping readers understand the assumptions behind calculations and ask better questions about research.
An introduction to sample size calculations. St.Emlyn’s Read More
What does ‘high sensitivity’ actually mean when describing a troponin assay? This 2014 explainer and accompanying podcast unpack detection limits, precision and the distinction between analytical and diagnostic sensitivity, while exploring why more sensitive tests still require careful clinical interpretation.
High sensitivity troponin Read More
A 2014 introduction to cardiac troponin, built around common questions from the emergency department. The post introduces Rick Body and Iain Beardsell’s podcast on interpreting results, including causes of elevation, timing, changes between samples and the complications posed by renal failure.
Cardiac Troponin: The basics from St. Emlyn’s Read More
An archived invitation to Victoria Brazil’s Manchester talk on 14 August 2014, ‘Talking, Teaching and Technology’. The post introduces the event and reflects on her presentation skills and educational approach, with a link to her earlier SMACC talk on timing, tribes and STEMIs.
Talking, Teaching & Technology – Victoria Brazil @SocraticEM at St Emlyn’s Read More
