Author Archives: EMERGPA

05.21.13
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ECG of the week 20th May

A 25yr old lady presents via ambulance. She has a decreased level of consciousness with a GCS of 12 (E3V4M5). Her vitals signs are BP 90/50, SpO2 100% on 10L O2. You note an AV fistula on her arm. Describe and interpret (50%) Describe initial management (50%)
04.24.13
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Fellowship Exam Prep Page Updated

The Fellowship Exam Preparation page has been updated with the FE 2012.2 feedback and questions. As discussed yesterday during the session, keep a careful eye on the calendar as there will be a few minor changes coming up over the next few weeks pending a few shift swaps so that those with special interests in [...]
04.19.13
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Happy Friday

Just to cheer you up today, a “talk” describing an emergency visit. Interesting take on pain control. I also think the valet parking idea has legs.
04.19.13
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Master Class

A new page has been added under the education heading where I will collect the master class presentations as we do them and link them here. Congratulations to Becky for giving  me the first one. Don’t forget to send them to me after your talks. Find them here.
04.16.13
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Clinical Examination Series

Starting Thursday May 2, at 07:00 each Thursday morning, we will be aiming to give a 1 hour tutorial on clinical examination skills in the ED.  The tutorials will be held on the floor, with patients in the ED at that time.  The effectiveness of these tutorials will be dependent on trainee attendance.  I hope [...]
04.16.13
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AIRWAY MODULES

The Airway Programme is back! Beginning Thursday May 2, the 8 week Airway Module will begin at 08:30 in the small groups training slot. It is expected that the SHOs attend when possible.  Registrars are also welcome and encouraged to attend. There is required pre-reading for some of the modules.  These are not too onerous [...]
04.15.13
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ECG of the Week 15/4/2013

A 53 yo female with a history of hypertension presents to hospital after a collapse. She is currently asymptomatic. PR 72 BP 120/80 RR 16 Sats 97% RA GCS 15/15. This is her initial ECG. a) Describe and interpret (50%) b) Outline your management (50%) ECG emerg pa
04.14.13
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ECG of the week 14/4/13

A 20 year old man is brought to your ED by ambulance after being found collapsed at home folling a large polypharmacy drug overdose that includes venlafaxine. He has been intubated and recieved 500mls normal saline prior to arriva. The time of ingestion is not known. Obsetvations: BP 80/60, SpO2 100%, T 38.5. An ECG [...]
03.27.13
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Blog Comments- Hopefully working :)

I think that the comments should start working again as from now. It should work automatically if you are logged in. I would encourage those who wish to take part in the questions to get a log in rather that just use email, it will also allow you to take part in discussions in the [...]
03.19.13
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Blog Comment Issues

Some of you may have noticed some problems with question commenting. It appears that migrating to a more social media experience is playing havoc with this. Fortunately it still seems to be working via the activity stream (under the Member menu option)- you can comment on questions from here at the moment while I attempt [...]
03.12.13
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ECG of the week

A 40 year old man presents following a car accident in which he was the driver. He is clinically well with normal vital signs. Your registrar shows you this ECG, what is your. Describe and interpret this ECG.
03.07.13
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Site Updates

Hi all, Some of you may have noticed some site adjustments recently. The most significant is the addition of a social media component. You will notice that you are being asked to login to comment or to parts of the site. You may do this via email and username or using Facebook. Facebook is likely [...]
03.07.13
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Cardiac Updates

In conjunction with the presentation that you heard this morning I have collected some of the relevant information here. SmartEM Coronary CT SmartEM Stress Testing SmartEM Chest Pain SmartEM Update (includes update too Chest Pain podcast) The NNT Chest pain Under 40 The NNT Chest pain Over 40 The NNT Heparin for ACS plus a [...]
03.05.13
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Question of the Week 05/13/13

A 54 year old male arrives via ambulance.
On arrival he has a seizure followed by a bradysystolic arrest.
This is his initial VBG. Describe and interpret.

pH 6.69
pCO2 71 mmHg
pO2 22 mmHg
O2 Sat 20%
p50 19.9 mmHg
HCO3 8 mmHg
AME -27.9 mmol/L

Hb 109 g/L

Na 123 mmol/L
K 7.7 mmol/L
Cl 91 mmol/L
Ca 1.2 mmol/L (ionised)
Glu 26 mmol/L
Lact 3.5 mmol/L

02.07.13
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Updates

There have been a few updates to the site this week.

I have added some interesting cardiac papers here, a combination of which could be practice changing and coming to an ED near you soon.

There are new education resources with orientation videos, and Introduction to Rapid Cardiac Assessment and finally a new trauma module focussing on the Elderly.

There is also an interesting article on the EMCrit Blog suggesting that ondanstron suppresses the gag reflex and may be useful in awake intubation.