Approach to the High Risk Blunt Trauma Patient
A question and answer review of this month's EM Critical Care article on High-Risk Scenarios In Blunt Trauma: An Evidence-Based Approach.
A Case of Epistaxis
Case Study A 34 female presents to ED at 2am, post waking up with blood all over her pillow, and a continuos ooze of blood from her right nostril. On examination the patient is alert and oriented, BP 110/60, pulse…
Behavioural Emergency Management
Behavioural disturbances and aggression in the emergency department is an increasing problem confronting emergency clinicians every day.
Case of Acute Severe Asthma
A 25-year-old lady Miss. Poor Compliance is rushed into your Emergency Department as a Priority 1. She is a brittle asthmatic and has been given 3x 5mg salbutamol nebs, and 0.5mg of adrenaline IM prehospital. On arrival Miss PC is…
Choosing Life or Death
Everyone who works in ED or ICU should read Alicia von Stamwitz’s brief but moving account of her father’s last visit to the emergency department: The doctor explains what I already know: my father’s heart is weak, his kidneys are…
Kia Kaha Christchurch
To all affected by the Christchurch earthquake, the thoughts of the Life in the Fast Lane team are with you.
A Stroke of Insight
A few years ago I was looking after an elderly woman in the emergency department who had suffered a stroke. She was aphasic --- unable to understand speech or create comprehensible sentences.
Kokoda Medicine
The popularity of the Kokoda Trail has increased dramatically over the last decade. More and more Australians are making the arduous trek through the muddy, steep terrain of the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea.
Nail Gun Injuries
Mr Ivor Plank attended the Emergency Department on the weekend having developed a painfully strong bond with an expensive piece of skirting board...Clinical review of nail gun injuries presenting to emergency departments and the management of penetrating nail injury.
Patellar dislocation
A 32 male presents to the ED following a hefty collision with another player during a football game. During the altercation he sustained a direct blow to the medial aspect of his left knee. On examination the patient is lying…
Clavicle fractures
Case study: 16 year old boy arrives at triage holding his left arm adducted close to his chest and supporting it with his right hand. He sustained an injury to his left shoulder during a ‘wrestling’ encounter with his older…
Tooth Avulsion
Teeth avulsion is a medical/dental emergency that require prompt recognition and treatment in the emergency department.