Smartphone application use during cardiac arrest has the potential to provide what is termed cognitive offloading which is necessary for optimal care in medical emergencies. We review 3 applications here that may be useful for your next code.
Steroid Selection In Pediatric Asthma
Pediatric asthma exacerbations account for a significant portion of trips to the emergency department (ED), comprising 2-4.5% of ED visits each year. As a common disease of the pediatric population, effective ED management is key. The current mainstay of treatment is beta-agonist and corticosteroid administration. Here we discuss the evidence behind steroid selection in the pediatric asthmatic presenting to the emergency department.
The GRIEV_ING MNEMONIC: A Simple Approach To Death Notification In The ED
Death notification in the ED is not easy. Using the simple steps in the GRIEV_ING mnemonic, Dr. Hobgood found a significant increase in residents’ confidence with and competence in delivering a death notification. Here we simplify how to incorporate this effectively into your practice.
Simple Steps To Auricular Hematoma Drainage
A step-by-step guide to management of auricular hematoma.
A Highly Gifted Juice
An Evidence Based Approach To Opening Pressure in CSF Analysis and its Role in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Diagnosing Pneumothorax With Bedside Ultrasound
Ultrasound is superior to chest x-ray in diagnosing pneumothorax, especially in the supine trauma patient, so consider adding it to your armamentarium of diagnostic tools in the trauma bay. Read on to learn how.
LVAD Management In The ED
Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) are surgically implanted pumps that essentially “take over” the job of the failing left ventricle, restoring normal blood flow to the body. While they sound complicated, learning a few key pearls can help you successfully management LVAD patients in your emergency department.
The Rockets' Red Glare: Tips For Firework Safety
For many Americans, the Fourth of July holiday brings parades, cookouts, and of course, fireworks. While the colorful displays are enjoyed across the country, fireworks can be dangerous and require a special attention to safety.
Quick Guide To Minor Facial Trauma: Part 2
In the emergency department, we commonly encounter minor injuries to the face and mouth. In a two part series, we will provide a short overview of some helpful strategies for dealing with these cosmetically sensitive injuries in an effective manner.
Perimortem Procedures: Yes or No?
We delve into the heated topic of perimortem procedures specifically concerning the ethics, legality, and repercussions of performing procedures on the recently deceased.
Owning The Ankle Arthrocentesis
As ER doctors, we stick a lot of needles into a lot of different body parts. Sometimes into vessels, sometimes into the area around the spinal cord, and of course, sometimes into hot, swollen joints. The ankle is included in this which can often prove difficult to access. To help you through your next angry ankle, here are a couple of pointers.
Incorporating Diagnostic Testing Into Your Clinical Decisions
Understanding the mathematical breakdown of how we incorporate testing into our medical decisions is tough. This post will provide you with some structure and understanding into the processes behind the decisions you make and the tests you order.
The Best Agent For Digital Nerve Blocks
Explore the evidence behind previously held beliefs regarding local anesthetic use in digital nerve blocks.
Quick Guide to Minor Facial Trauma: Part I
In the emergency department, we commonly encounter minor injuries to the face and mouth. In a two part series, we will provide a short overview of some helpful strategies for dealing with these cosmetically sensitive injuries in an effective manner.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation: Not Your Ovarian Average Cyst
Pregnancies resulting from assisted reproduction are more complicated, with higher rates of ectopic, heterotopic and multifetal pregnancies, in addition to higher rates of abortions and premature deliveries. Other complications include venous thromboembolism as well as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. These are high risk pregnancies that will present to your emergency department and you should be aware of key management principles.
Complications of Central Venous Catheters
We review the recent randomized-controlled trial by Parienti et al in the New England Journal of Medicine which sought to determine the complication rate of central venous catheters (CVC) at the 3 primary sites of insertion.
Transfusion Reactions In The ED
Blood products, despite what may be commonly believed, are a scarce and valuable resource. While overall, there are many systems to ensure the safety of the products, any transfusion poses a certain degree of risk. We review the spectrum of transfusion reactions, from the common to the uncommon.
Wet, Wacky Lungs: A Quick Look At Pleural Effusions
According to the National Cancer Institute, there are 100,000 pleural effusions diagnosed every year. Read on to optimize your management of this very common ED presentation and know whether or not you should "tap that."
The New And Improved Valsalva: The Revert Trial
Consider upgrading your Valsalva manoeuvre for supraventricular tachycardia. Don't believe it will work? Read our analysis of the REVERT trial for yourself and let us know what you think!
Journal Club: Coronary CT Angiography Versus Traditional Care
Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA) has shown promise in three major randomized controlled trials evaluating its safety in risk-stratifying low- to intermediate-risk patients. Additionally, CCTA-based screening was shown to increase rate of discharge directly from the ED, and decreased length of stay. The study discussed in this Journal Club Review contributes to the growing body of evidence regarding use of CCTA and its role in screening patients with lower risk chest pain.