Abdominal pain is among the most frequent presentations to the Emergency Department, accounting for approximately 5–10% of all attendances. Its causes span a broad spectrum from mild, self-limiting conditions to time-critical, life-threatening emergencies. Abdominal pain is a complex ED presentation because it involves multiple organ systems and a wide range of potential causes, making it
A fascia iliaca block (FIB) is a regional anaesthetic technique where local anaesthetic is deposited beneath the fascia iliaca to block the femoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, and often obturator nerves. It is commonly used for analgesia in hip and proximal femur fractures, particularly neck of femur fractures. Approaches include the landmark (anatomical) technique, which will be
Intercostal chest drains (ICD) are used for therapeutic purposes to remove air and/or fluid from the pleural space (e.g. pneumothorax and haemothorax in trauma cases).  ICD insertion is a complex procedure that should only be carried out by trained practitioners with skilled assistance, and trainees must perform it under supervision until competent. Contraindications Complications Complications include
A central line is a catheter placed into a major central vein, typically the internal jugular, subclavian, or femoral vein, with the tip positioned in the superior or inferior vena cava. Types include central venous catheters, dialysis catheters, tunnelled lines (e.g., Hickman), and ports. Indications Contraindications Absolute contraindications include: Relative contraindications include: Complications Early complications:
On a night when ghosts roam and pumpkins glow, few things are truly as terrifying as the sudden onset of anaphylaxis. Unlike the imagined horrors of Halloween, this real-life medical emergency strikes without warning, transforming a festive moment into a fight for survival. This severe, rapid-onset allergic reaction can transform an ordinary moment into a
As the nights grow darker and Halloween approaches, tales of vampire bites might seem like pure fiction. Yet for pre-hospital clinicians, catastrophic haemorrhage is an all-too-real horror, and every minute counts. Whether caused by a fanged fiend or a high-speed crash, rapid recognition and control of bleeding can mean the difference between life and death.
Chest pain accounts at least 5% of presenting complaints of patients attending the Emergency Department (ED) and as a resident doctor working in the ED, it is vitally important to have a systematic approach to help differentiate between benign and life-threatening presentations. Our Webinar This article is based on the brilliant webinar by EM ST6
Wounds are a very common presentation to A&E and minor injuries departments. Wound management is very clinician dependent and there is a lot of variation in practice. It is important to be accurate when assessing and documenting wounds as it can have medico-legal implications, should your assessment later come up in a court case. Types
In the webinar below, Dr Henry de Boer (radiology registrar) provides a structured approach to CT abdomen & pelvis interpretation, with an overview of common cases & pitfalls.
In the webinars below, Dr June Lau & Dr Henry de Boer (radiology registrars) provides a structured approach to interpreting shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist & hand x-rays, with an overview of common cases & pitfalls.
