LITFL Update 056
Sending you free open-access medical (FOAM) content from around the globe. We keep an eye on all the trends and best articles and share them with you so that you stay on top of your field.
Romberg’s Sign: Romberg’s sign refers to postural instability on eye closure in a patient who is otherwise stable when eyes are open, revealing sensory ataxia due to impaired proprioception. Clinical significance, caveats, history, and more.
Serratus Anterior Plane Block: The serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is an ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia technique that can transform rib fracture care. This package contains a simple 7-step pathway, and covers everything from indications and local anaesthetic dosing, to ultrasound anatomy and video walkthroughs.
Peter Safar: Peter Josef Safar (1924-2003) was an Austrian physician and innovator, recognised as the “father of modern resuscitation” and “founder of critical care medicine.” He was the driving force behind the development of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the establishment of intensive care units.
Latest updates from the #FOAMed world
IV access can be deceptively challenging in the ED—especially with patients who are “DIVA” (Difficult IV Access). This post shares non-technical, high-impact tricks from Dr. Casey Parker to improve patient experience, save time, and boost your success rate.
Functional neurological disorder (FND) is often overlooked—or worse, dismissed—in paediatric emergency settings. This article shines a light on what FND really is, how it presents, and how we can manage it better. It’s a must-read for ED staff, paediatricians, and anyone caring for kids with unusual neurological symptoms.
Retained Products of Conception can be subtle, time-critical, and easy to miss. Early detection is essential to prevent complications like severe haemorrhage, infection, or long-term fertility issues.
In this episode, host Melody Bishop (RRT, CCAA) takes listeners through the core principles of mechanical ventilation—especially how to simplify what often feels like complex “vent wizardry.” The focus is on practical, physiology-based decision-making, ideal for the transport, pre-hospital or emergency settings where the pace is fast and the margin for error small.
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Emergency nurse with ultra-keen interest in the realms of toxicology, sepsis, eLearning and the management of critical care in the Emergency Department | LinkedIn |
BA MA (Oxon) MBChB (Edin) FACEM FFSEM. Emergency physician, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Passion for rugby; medical history; medical education; and asynchronous learning #FOAMed evangelist. Co-founder and CTO of Life in the Fast lane | On Call: Principles and Protocol 4e| Eponyms | Books |