Why might the immediate fear of a missed diagnosis outweigh the less visible harms of unnecessary testing? Simon Carley explores ‘risk proximity’, distinguishing risks to patients from risks to clinicians and asking how their timing can distort decisions in the emergency department.
Emergency medicine, a risky business part 7: Risk proximity Read More
Could inhaling vapour from an isopropyl-alcohol wipe reduce nausea in the emergency department? This 2016 appraisal examines a small randomised trial, weighing its short-term symptom findings against concerns about blinding, patient selection and the lack of a direct comparison with other antiemetics.
JC: Can alcohol relieve nausea. St.Emlyn’s Read More
When might an early CT scan change the need for lumbar puncture in suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage? This 2016 discussion reviews the evidence available then, scanner and reporting requirements, and conversations with patients about uncertainty, further investigation and the risks of testing.
Let’s talk about subarachnoid haemorrhage Read More
Janos Baombe shares experience-based suggestions for preparing for night shifts, coping during them and recovering afterwards. The post covers sleep, food, caffeine, breaks, team interactions and getting home safely, while recognising that clinicians need to find an approach that fits their own circumstances.
Tips on how to prepare and survive your night shifts Read More
An introductory 2015 overview of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents for emergency clinicians. The post considers recognising unusual presentations, triage, broad patterns of exposure and sources of specialist help, encouraging further preparation rather than presenting itself as a complete incident-management guide.
CBRN: An Introduction. St Emlyn’s Read More
This December 2015 update introduces the James Lind Alliance’s emergency medicine priority-setting partnership with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. The post and accompanying podcast explain an effort to bring patients, carers and clinicians together to identify important unanswered research questions.
James Lind Alliance update. St.Emlyn’s Read More
How can emergency and critical care teams support families facing tragedy at Christmas while caring for themselves? Liz Crowe explores acknowledging grief, responding to the contrast with celebrations at home and helping colleagues make the transition between work and family life, with an accompanying podcast.
Grief at Christmas. Liz Crowe at St.Emlyn’s Read More
Chris Gray reports from the 2015 London Cardiac Arrest Symposium, covering adrenaline, care after resuscitation, mechanical CPR and survivors’ experiences. This conference archive captures the questions and uncertainties discussed at the time, before the results of the PARAMEDIC2 trial were available.
London Cardiac Arrest Symposium #LTC2015 St.Emlyn’s Read More
