Could a simple cold-water stimulation technique shorten the wait for an infant’s urine sample? This 2017 appraisal of Quick-Wee examines the randomised trial, collection success, uncertain contamination findings and the practical challenge of providing uninterrupted attention in a busy ED.
JC: The Quick-Wee Method for Faster Clean Catch Urine Collection Read More
What does critical illness feel like to a child? Eimear and her mother Rachel share their experience in a smaccMINI conversation, with written takeaways about fear, clear explanations, the ICU environment and preparing patients and families for recovery and discharge.
Critically Ill in PED – the Patient Perspective at #smaccMINI #smaccDUB Read More
Natalie May’s notes accompanying her 2015 smaccMINI talk explore assessment of the previously well child with altered consciousness. The post covers protecting the brain and organising possible causes through the ‘5MF’ framework, including infection, metabolic illness, medication effects and seizures.
You Snooze, You Lose? #smaccUS The Child with Altered Consciousness Read More
Recognising possible child abuse is only the start of safeguarding in the emergency department. This 2016 overview explores concerning presentations, listening to children, seeking senior help, sharing information and approaching parents with humility while keeping the child’s safety central.
Thinking the Unthinkable: Child Protection in the Emergency Department Read More
What should we make of a frightening episode in a baby who now looks well? This 2016 teaching post explores the change from ALTE to BRUE terminology, careful history-taking, alternative explanations and risk assessment, with attention to parents’ concerns and safety-netting.
Apparent Life Threatening Events in Babies – Trouble BRUEing Read More
Natalie May’s 2015 EuSEM teaching notes explore why treating children’s pain involves more than choosing a drug. The discussion brings together analgesia, preparation for procedures, communication, parental support and distraction, with particular attention to the fear and distress surrounding an emergency department visit.
Paediatric Pain and Sedation – Tips to Change Your Practice from #EuSEM15 Read More
A rapid review of selected paediatric emergency medicine papers from 2015, presented at the Irish Association of Emergency Medicine conference. Natalie May examines research on trauma assessment, serious infection, cardiac arrest, bronchiolitis and procedural anxiety, highlighting limitations as well as possible implications for practice.
PEM Review – PEMLit at #IAEM15 Read More
Do vein-finding devices improve first-attempt cannulation in children? This 2015 appraisal compares ultrasound, near-infrared imaging and standard practice in a Canadian emergency department trial. It examines staff training, sample size and generalisability, asking whether better vein visualisation translates into better outcomes.
JC: Gadgets and Gizmos for gaining IV access in kids. St.Emlyn’s Read More
