September, 2024

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When To Call Your Urology Consultant

The Trauma Pro

Trauma professionals don’t always know everything. Sometimes we have to engage a specialist in the care of our patient. And unfortunately, we don’t always know which conditions demand immediate attention and which can wait. This can lead to overuse of our consultant colleagues and calls at inappropriate times. So what if we diagnose an injury in their area of expertise at 2 am?

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Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): Rebaked Morsel

Pediatric EM Morsels

Diarrhea is one of the most common complaints in the pediatric emergency department, especially in the summer and early fall. Bloody diarrhea makes up approximately 15% of these enteritis presentations and though many causes are benign, some may be harboring something more insidious… Shiga Toxin-producing E.coli ( STEC ) and this may be associated with a terrible problem – Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) !

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The 50-year Failure of American Health Care

Sensible Medicine

Dr. Marty Makary has a powerful new book, BLIND SPOTS: When medicine gets it wrong and what it means for our health , that came out on Tuesday and instantly hit #2 bestselling book on Amazon. I loved the book and highly recommend it. In this piece, he discusses one of those blind spots of the modern medical establishment—America is getting sicker right before our eyes.

Research 145
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A Simple Challenge For Drs. Vinay Prasad and Tracy Hoeg: Denounce Robert Kennedy Jr. For Promoting The Movie Vaxxed 3: Authorized to Kill

Science Based Medicine

If Drs. Vinay Prasad and Tracy Hoeg want to prove they actually care about routine vaccines, they can do what the should have done a long time ago and openly and unequivocally denounce Mr. Kennedy and his fire hose of anti-vaxx disinformation. The post A Simple Challenge For Drs. Vinay Prasad and Tracy Hoeg: Denounce Robert Kennedy Jr. For Promoting The Movie Vaxxed 3: Authorized to Kill first appeared on Science-Based Medicine.

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The Subarachnoid Haemorrhage in the Emergency Department (SHED) Study

St. Emlyn

St.Emlyn's - Emergency Medicine #FOAMed The diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage in the emergency department is a constant source of anxiety. How do we make sure we pick up everyone with a bleed, but not overinvestigate […] The post The Subarachnoid Haemorrhage in the Emergency Department (SHED) Study appeared first on St.Emlyn's.

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Acute chest pain, right bundle branch block, no STEMI criteria, and negative initial troponin.

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

Written by Pendell Meyers A man in his 40s called EMS for acute chest pain that awoke him from sleep, along with nausea and shortness of breath. His history included known heart failure with prior EF 18%, insulin dependent diabetes, and polysubstance abuse. Vitals were within normal limits except for tachypnea. Here are his EMS ECGs along with the Queen of Hearts interpretations below each one: EMS1 0650 EMS2 0707 Click here to sign up for Queen of Hearts Access The ECGs show RBBB and LAFB, with

EKG/ECG 111
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Field Amputation Part 6: The Procedure

The Trauma Pro

Preparation and planning will get you just so far. But then, you actually have to act. There are four phases in this procedure. I’ll break them down one by one. Patient preparation. The area should be shielded from curious onlookers and to control any airborne contaminants (dust, debris) at the scene. Portable monitors should be attached. Good IV/IO access needs to be in place, and the airway controlled via intubation.

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More Trending

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Is there a such thing as 'too little benefit' in oncology?

Sensible Medicine

Recently John Mandrola, once again, stepped out of his lane. About a recent, cancer trial, which was celebrated by oncologists, he said this: In fact, John’s observation is broadly true for this revolutionary class of medications. Although these drugs— checkpoint inhibitors— are great for melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell cancer, they aren’t wonder drugs and many uses are marginal.

Hospitals 118
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Open Letter to Pamela Paul of the New York Times: Watch Some Interviews With Dr. Marty Makary. They Are More Important Than Peanut Allergies.

Science Based Medicine

I think some respected newspapers could do a better job of being honest with their readers about some pretty basic and pretty important things. The post Open Letter to Pamela Paul of the New York Times: Watch Some Interviews With Dr. Marty Makary. They Are More Important Than Peanut Allergies. first appeared on Science-Based Medicine.

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The Dirty Adrenaline (Epi) drip.

St. Emlyn

St.Emlyn's - Emergency Medicine #FOAMed Case series of dirty epi drips in Australia. A potentially useful tool in austere/remote settings, but lots of caveats and cautions before we all start doing this! Be careful, but do learn about this potential therapy. #FOAMed @stemlyns The post The Dirty Adrenaline (Epi) drip. appeared first on St.Emlyn's.

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An elderly male with shortness of breath

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

A 70-something y.o. male presents to triage with shortness of breath. He reports significant chest pain at the base of his scapula on the right side along with new shortness of breath. ECG 1 at time zero EARLY REPOLARIZATION ABNORMAL ECG ED final official overread: "early repol vs hyperacute T, minimal changes from previous (previous shown below)" What do YOU think?

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Field Amputation Part 2: Indications

The Trauma Pro

There are basically four indications, two absolute and two relative : Absolute #1 : entrapped extremity with a lengthy extrication and a physiologically impaired patient who does not respond to fluids. In this case, there is occult blood loss in other areas that is killing your patient, and they need to get out quickly for definitive management. Absolute #2 : entrapped extremity with a lengthy extrication and an unstable physical environment.

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Tasty Morsels of Critical Care 083 | Chylothorax

Emergency Medicine Ireland

Welcome back to the tasty morsels of critical care podcast. Today we look at quite a niche topic, that of chylothorax. We are used to many things in the pleural space, like simple fluid or blood or air but the presence of the myseterious substance chyle is a much more unusual and note worthy event. As a reminder of the basics which I of course knew implicitly and definitely did not have to resort to wikipedia to check… Chyle is largely formed in the small intestine as the gut transports fr

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Elle Macpherson Made a Reasonable Choice, and Naturopathic Medicine Did Not Help

Sensible Medicine

The lay media is abuzz with stories about Elle Macpherson, who admits in a new memoir to declining chemotherapy seven years ago. Although precise details are not provided, it sounds like Ms. Macpherson had localized or regional breast cancer and underwent surgery. We learned something about the risks of commenting on the health of celebrities over a decade ago when an OpEd we published in Washington Post about former president George W.

Outcomes 117
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Hopkins Business School to Platform COVID-19 Contrarians at Health Policy Symposium

Science Based Medicine

Bhattacharya, Atlas, and Makary are also set to speak at Stanford next month The post Hopkins Business School to Platform COVID-19 Contrarians at Health Policy Symposium first appeared on Science-Based Medicine.

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Non-invasive or arterial pressure monitoring in PHEM?

St. Emlyn

St.Emlyn's - Emergency Medicine #FOAMed This blog post reviews a study comparing non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) and invasive blood pressure (IBP) monitoring in pre-hospital critical care. Using a retrospective cohort design, the study found that NIBP measurements are often inaccurate in patients with haemodynamic instability, particularly in hypotensive and hypertensive states.

Hospitals 112
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The Computer and Overreading Cardiologist call this completely normal. Is it?

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

This is another case sent by the undergraduate (who is applying to med school) who works as an EKG tech. The undergraduate is now willing to identify himself: Hans Helseth. A 56 year old male with a history of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and coronary artery disease presented to the emergency department with sudden onset weakness, fatigue, lethargy, and confusion.

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Field Amputation Part 5: The Equipment

The Trauma Pro

We’ve covered all the preparation for field amputation. Now, it’s time to do it! But wait, exactly what equipment is needed? There are two principles that you must adhere to: figure it all out in advance, and keep it simple. It is crucial that the trauma program design and assemble equipment and drug packs in advance, otherwise critical equipment may not make it to the field.

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Bubble Wrap Live from DFTB24

Don't Forget the Bubbles

Can’t get enough of Bubble Wrap? This year, four wonderful speakers shared their thoughts on what was important. Here are their recommendations for a little light reading. 1.Neonatal Bubble Wrap from Brian Dunn Seidler AL, Aberoumand M, Hunter KE, Barba A, Libesman S, Williams JG, Shrestha N, Aagerup J, Sotiropoulos JX, Montgomery AA, Gyte GM. Deferred cord clamping, cord milking, and immediate cord clamping at preterm birth: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

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Thickened Liquids for Older Adults is Likely a Useless Therapy, but a Current Study Cannot Prove It.

Sensible Medicine

Few things interest my writing brain more than when a common practice gets overturned. That’s why I was drawn to Paula Span’s column in the New York Times titled, Three Medical Practices That Older Patients Should Question. One of these practices is the prescription of thickened liquids to older patients with swallowing problems. The idea goes like this: aspiration pneumonia is a common cause of death in the frail and elderly.

Outcomes 112
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We Want Them Infected Doctors Sanewashed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Will He Reward Them With Appointments at the CDC, FDA, and NIH?

Science Based Medicine

Maybe this isn't a drill. The post We Want Them Infected Doctors Sanewashed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Will He Reward Them With Appointments at the CDC, FDA, and NIH? first appeared on Science-Based Medicine.

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Using AI to improve scientific literature search results

First 10 EM

Readers of First10EM will know that I spend way too much time on PubMed searching the medical literature. I use the website daily. It is probably the most used link on my computer. Despite that, I am more than willing to admit that PubMed – and specifically the search function – sort of sucks. It […] The post Using AI to improve scientific literature search results appeared first on First10EM.

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When is emergency endoscopy required for caustic ingestions?

St. Emlyn

St.Emlyn's - Emergency Medicine #FOAMed This is the first of a series of blog posts on new research in emergency toxicology. We deal with all sorts of poisons here in Virchester, so be prepared for […] The post When is emergency endoscopy required for caustic ingestions? appeared first on St.Emlyn's.

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Field Amputation Part 1: Introduction

The Trauma Pro

Field amputation is not thought of very often, and for good reason. It is unpleasant, uncommon, and not very safe for trauma professionals due to the austere environment. I will dedicate the next several posts to the topic, starting with some of the facts. First, let’s start with definitions. Two distinct procedures are discussed here. The first and most commonly described is field amputation.

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HEMS Debrief #15 – PreCare (ECPR) Trial: Update and reflections

Greater Sydney Area HEMS

Hello and welcome back to The Sydney HEMS Debrief, episode 15! It has been a while since our last episode, and today we are back with the Pre-Care team to discuss this world-leading trial. Joining us are Nat, Jackie, Andrew and Pete. Together, we will discuss the experiences of clinicians involved in this trial, specifically highlighting the importance of maintaining good ALS prior to the arrival of, as well as during the presence of, the pre-care team as well as how the pre-care trial is impact

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A (re)Visit to an Old-Fashioned Doctor

Sensible Medicine

A great irony of Twitter/X, a site that epitomizes 21 st century ephemerality, is that it can also engender the persistence, or rebirth, of a work. On the one hand, studies that authors worked on for years, or essays that were wrestled with for weeks, are only tweeted for a day or two before disappearing into our collective amnesia. On the other, articles will sometimes find second life on the site.

Radiology 104
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A “Biosafety” Organization Partnering With Dr. Jay Bhattacharya To Guard Against Viruses Is Like A Zebra Teaming Up With A Lion To Promote Vegetarianism

Science Based Medicine

Biosafety Now is fine working with a pro-virus, misinformation doctor to prevent a potential pandemic. What about a doctor who worked with patients and countered misinformation during an actual pandemic? The post A “Biosafety” Organization Partnering With Dr. Jay Bhattacharya To Guard Against Viruses Is Like A Zebra Teaming Up With A Lion To Promote Vegetarianism first appeared on Science-Based Medicine.

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Procedure: Pericardiocentesis

Life in the Fast Lane

James Miers and John Mackenzie Procedure: Pericardiocentesis Emergency Procedure: Pericardiocentesis. one of the most difficult and risky emergency procedures, but one you already have the ultrasound and line skills to perform well.

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The Promises, Pitfalls & Personalization of AI in Healthcare

NRC Health

Healthcare experiences are human experiences, and the use of advanced technology has often come at the expense of human connections – until now. The post The Promises, Pitfalls & Personalization of AI in Healthcare appeared first on NRC Health.

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Field Amputation Part 3: Who Performs It?

The Trauma Pro

Various trauma professionals (prehospital, emergency physician, surgeon) may provide this “service” at various places around the world. In the US, it is usually a physician and typically a surgeon. In my opinion, anyone can be trained to do a basic field amputation. Much depends on local policies and procedures, training, as well as availability. In most cases, prehospital providers are on the scene, so it makes sense that they could do a field amputation with appropriate training.

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Texted from a former EM resident: 70 yo with syncope and hypotension, but no chest pain. Make their eyes roll!

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

A former resident texted me this case: "Hey Dr. Smith. Hope you’re doing well! How excited would you have been about this case?" Here is the case: Report from EMS was witnessed syncope, his son did CPR, but the patient had pulses when EMS arrived. When the patient arrived in the ED, he was still hypotensive in 70s, slowly improving with EMS fluids. No Chest Pain, but somnolent.

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Weak Evidence Can Hurt Important Ideas

Sensible Medicine

JAMA-IM has published an observational study that sought causal effects from stopping blood-pressure-lowering drugs in older adults who were in long-term care. The UCSF-led team asked a specific question: did deprescribing of BP-lowering meds lessen cognitive decline? They didn’t write their question that specifically; instead they wrote that their purpose was to investigate the association of deprescribing antihypertensive medication with changes in cognitive function in nursing home resi

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Biosafety Now: Releasing The Virus Was Mass Murder. Intentionally Spreading It Was Forgivable.

Science Based Medicine

I suppose it's my turn to be called a fraudster, liar, perjurer, felon, grifter, stooge, imbecile, and maybe even murderer. What I won't get is a reasonable explanation as to why supposedly releasing a deadly virus was mass murder, but intentionally spreading it was a forgivable "policy position". The post Biosafety Now: Releasing The Virus Was Mass Murder.

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Empowering Staff to Address Skin Issues in Assisted Living 

American Medical Compliance

In assisted living, one of the most critical aspects of resident care is the prevention and management of skin issues. For instance, one of the most common risk factors associated with the development of pressure ulcers is being 70 years of age or older. Skin health is not only a matter of comfort and well-being but also a key indicator of a resident’s overall health status.

Teamwork 102
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Even with AI, healthcare must be in ‘the humanity business’

NRC Health

In a joint discussion, they offered their perspectives on AI’s potential, the need for ethical safeguards and building trust in AI. The post Even with AI, healthcare must be in ‘the humanity business’ appeared first on NRC Health.

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EM is a great job. After 11 years is Cliff Reid still right?

St. Emlyn

St.Emlyn's - Emergency Medicine #FOAMed A reminder of a great lecture from Cliff Reid on why emergency medicine is a great (but really challenging) job. This talk is 11 years old but is arguably still true today. #FOAMed @stemlyns The post EM is a great job. After 11 years is Cliff Reid still right? appeared first on St.Emlyn's.

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First10EM Journal Club: August 2024

Broome Docs

Welcome to another month of nerdy journal jam goodness. This month Justin has served up an eclectic collection of evidence, ethics and educational excellence. As always – we have the full PDFs liked below and you can read more deep thoughts over at First10EM where Justin likes to inconvenience a lot of electrons in his pursuit of educational elegance.

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