Sat.Jan 20, 2024 - Fri.Jan 26, 2024

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EM Quick Hits 54 Button Battery Ingestion, C. difficile, ECG in Tox, Bed Bugs, Fibrinogen in Trauma, Cold Air for Croup

Emergency Medicine Cases

Olivia Ostrow on the management of button battery ingestions, Brit Long on C difficile infection, Jesse McLaren on an approach to ECG's in the tox patient, Joe Mullally on the identification and treatment of bed bug bites, Andrew Petrosoniak on fibrinogen replacement in bleeding trauma patients, Justin Morganstern on Cold Air for Croup. The post EM Quick Hits 54 Button Battery Ingestion, C. difficile, ECG in Tox, Bed Bugs, Fibrinogen in Trauma, Cold Air for Croup appeared first on Emergency Medi

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Malignant Catatonia

Core EM

Patient Case: History: A 60-year-old male with history of schizophrenia and depression on multiple unknown antipsychotic medications presents with unresponsiveness x 1 day. One week prior to ED arrival, the patient was becoming progressively despondent, less interactive with peers, exhibiting slow speech and movements, and was not eating. Physical exam: Vital signs – febrile, tachycardic, hypertensive General – posturing with arms stretched out in front, eyes open without blinking, akinetic, no

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SAEM Clinical Images Series: A Rare Case of Purpura

ALiEM

An 88-year-old female presented to the ER with a chief complaint of cough, vague abdominal pain, and a rash. The patient stated that she was started on Cipro eyedrops 1 or 2 days prior to presentation for a possible eye infection. A day prior to presentation she developed a purple purpuric rash on her lower extremities that gradually progressed up her legs, and was present on her buttocks thighs, and lower legs.

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SGEM #427: I Want a Treatment with a Short Course…for Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections

The Skeptics' Guide to EM

Reference: Zaoutis T, et al. Short-course Therapy for Urinary Tract Infections in Children: the SCOUT randomized clinical trial. JAMA Pediatr. Aug 2023 Date: October 30, 2023 Guest Skeptic: Dr. Ellie Hill is a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at George Washington University […] The post SGEM #427: I Want a Treatment with a Short Course…for Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections first

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Recent Announcements and New Resources on EMS.gov

American Ambulance Association

From EMS.gov on January 24, 2024 Recent Announcements TODAY: Rural Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Training Grant Pre-Application Webinar The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is hosting a webinar […] The post Recent Announcements and New Resources on EMS.gov appeared first on American Ambulance Association.

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Podcast 185.0: Anticoagulation Reversal

Core EM

How and when to reverse anticoagulation in the bleeding EM patient. Hosts: Joe Offenbacher, MD Audrey Bree Tse, MD [link] Download Leave a Comment Tags: Anticoagulation , Critical Care , Resuscitation Show Notes Coagulation Cascade: Algorithm for Anticoagulated Bleeding Patient in the ED: Indications for Anticoagulation Reversal: References: Baugh CW, Levine M, Cornutt D, et al.

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SAEM Clinical Images Series: Fever with Rash

ALiEM

A 40-year-old male, tailor by occupation, was brought to the Emergency Department with complaints of high-grade fever for the past 11 days. Fever was documented to be 102°F and was not associated with any chills or rigors. The patient also complained of shortness of breath for one week associated with a dry cough, as well as an altered sensorium for one day.

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In Memory of the Crew of Air Evac Lifeteam N295AE

American Ambulance Association

Statement from Global Medical Response Air Evac Lifeteam is heartbroken to report that three crew members have perished in an incident that occurred on Saturday, January 20. At 11:23 pm […] The post In Memory of the Crew of Air Evac Lifeteam N295AE appeared first on American Ambulance Association.

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Stercoral Colitis

Core EM

Background & Pathophysiology: An inflammatory colitis caused by fecal impaction Marked distension and increased intraluminal pressure leads to ischemic pressure necrosis of the colonic wall and compromise of vascular supply and mucosal perfusion Risk of progression to colonic perforation and peritonitis Multiple areas of ulceration occur adjacent to the fecaloma; most commonly in the rectosigmoid colon Diagnosis: Lab findings are non-specific – may reveal increased WBC and/or acute phase rea

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Mechanical Ventilation Basics

EMOttawa

Mechanical ventilation has a lot of nuance associated with it, but a lot of reference guides focus on care in the ICU. There is certainly a need for more practical application for the ED doc or initial setup of patients on the vent. With both ER and ICU experience, this post acts as a quick […] The post Mechanical Ventilation Basics appeared first on EMOttawa Blog.

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Answers for ECG case for the 17th of January 2024

EMergucate

This ECG represents fever induced Brugada syndrome. Needs aggressive treatment of the fever and Cardiology referral for ICD.

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PulmCrit hot take: VAP prophylaxis (PROPHY-VAP trial)

EMCrit Project

background: ANTHARTIC trial Prophylaxis against VAP (ventilator associated pneumonia) has is already supported by a few studies in the literature, perhaps most notably the ANTHARTIC trial. That was a multi-center RCT evaluating 48 hours of therapy with ampicillin-sulbactam for patients intubated following cardiac arrest. Antibiotic therapy reduced early-onset VAP, with a trend towards more ventilator-free […] EMCrit Project by Josh Farkas.

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Geriatric Trauma

Core EM

Background and Pathophysiology: Comorbidities, physiologic changes, and medication-associated effects leave elderly patients more susceptible to injury from “minor” mechanisms. Diminished functional reserves decrease compensatory ability for any injury, regardless of severity. 1 Despite adjustments for injury severity, significantly increased mortality occurs ≥70 years regardless of mechanism, compared to younger counterparts.

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You don’t understand non-inferiority trials (and neither do I)

First 10 EM

Over the last few years, I have seen a steady increase in the number of non-inferiority trials being published. This makes some sense, as they generally require fewer participants, and are therefore cheaper and easier to run. However, it presents a problem, as most of us (including myself) don’t really understand the statistics being performed, […] The post You don’t understand non-inferiority trials (and neither do I) appeared first on First10EM.

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Lab case 436

EMergucate

58-year-old lady with history of COPD presented with fever. Her venous blood gases showed the following: PH = 7.

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Leadership Track Now Available in the NVFC Virtual Classroom

NVFC

Fire and emergency service leaders have many responsibilities, from recruiting and managing personnel, to budgeting and administration, to community relations, to setting the culture and ethical tone for the department, and much more. Whether new or established, leaders are constantly needing to learn and grow in their roles. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has released a new Leadership training track in the Virtual Classroom, designed specifically for fire and EMS department leaders,

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Updates in High dose Insulin and Euglycemia Therapy (HIET) for the treatment of Beta-adrenergic Receptor and Calcium Channel Antagonists Overdose

Core EM

Background: An update to our 2015 post on HIET for beta-adrenergic receptor and calcium channel antagonists overdose. Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists (Beta blockers, BB) and calcium channel antagonists (calcium channel blockers) are common drugs that can produce profound cardiac depression and shock when taken in overdose. 2020 National Poison Data System report: 10,994 beta blocker overdoses 18 deaths 6,132 calcium channel blocker overdoses 45 deaths High case fatality rate, behind only ac

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Randomized Trial Comparing Low- vs High-Dose IV Dexamethasone for Patients With Moderate to Severe Migraine

EMOttawa

Methodology: 3.5/5 Usefulness: 4/5 Friedman BW, et al. Neurology. 2023 Oct 3;101(14):e1448-e1454. Question and Methods: This double-blinded RCT of 209 patients presenting to the ED with moderate to severe migraines compared high- to low- dose dexamethasone (16 mg vs 4 mg) on sustained headache relief 48 hours post discharge. Findings: There was no significant difference in sustained […] The post Randomized Trial Comparing Low- vs High-Dose IV Dexamethasone for Patients With Moderate to

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Imaging Case of the Week 581

EMergucate

Wrist x-ray from a patient with FOOSH injury. What can be seen? Answer will be posted later.

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Images in Emergency Medicine Competition: A Showcase of Diversity and Representation

CanadiEM

?Calling all photography enthusiasts and advocates for diverse representation in healthcare!? What it is: A first-ever CAEP photography competition designed to promote equity, representation, and inclusivity in emergency medicine education by showcasing images that reflect the diversity of healthcare providers and patients in Canada. Accepted photographs will be showcased in CAEP’s new open access Images in Emergency Medicine webpage.

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Ultrasound Guided Lumbar Puncture

Core EM

Background: The lumbar puncture (LP or spinal tap) is a procedure that has been in the medical arsenal since first described in 1891 by German physician Heinrich Quincke. It can be both diagnostic and therapeutic, utilized in the diagnosis (meningitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, subarachnoid hemorrhage) and symptomatic treatment (idiopathic intracranial hypertension, normal pressure hydrocephalus) of diseases of the central nervous system, respectively.

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Case Study: Arkansas EMS Dept. Enhances Pediatric Behavioral Health Services

Pulsara

With a new protocol and Pulsara, Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services can now transport eligible pediatric behavioral health patients directly to behavioral health facilities—resulting in a 44% decrease of pediatric behavioral health patients transported to the ED. Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) is a public, non-profit EMS entity serving Little Rock, Arkansas, and its surrounding counties.

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Lab case 435 interpretation

EMergucate

Answers PH = 7.507, that is alkalaemia pCO2 = 28 mmHg. So, we have respiratory alkalosis.

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TIRBO 53: Who needs an arterial line?

Critical Care Scenarios

Arterial lines are resuscitative tools. Arterial lines are resuscitative tools.

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Podcast 186.0: Hypocalcemia

Core EM

A quick primer on hypocalcemia in the ED. Hosts: Joseph Offenbacher, MD Audrey Bree Tse, MD [link] Download Leave a Comment Tags: calcium , Critical Care , Endocrine Show Notes Swami’s CoreEM Post Hypocalcemia Repletion: IV calcium supplementation with 100-300 mg Ca2+ raises serum Ca2+ by 0.5 – 1.5 mEq For acute but mild symptomatic hypocalcemia: 200-1000mg calcium chloride IV or 1-2g IV calcium gluconate over 2 hours For severe hypocalcemia: 1g calcium chloride IV or 1-2g IV calcium gluc

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Oral Herpes: The 5 Key Takeaways

Paramedics World

Many people today have oral herpes and don’t know it. They never show symptoms, so they aren’t tested for it. This viral infection may affect the lips, mouth, or gums.… The post Oral Herpes: The 5 Key Takeaways appeared first on Paramedics World.

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ECG case for the 24th of January 2024

EMergucate

71 y old male is coming with palpitations, haemodynamically stable.

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emDOCs Podcast – Episode 93: BRASH Syndrome

EMDocs

Today on the emDOCs cast we cover BRASH syndrome and what you need to know regarding diagnosis and treatment. Episode 93: BRASH syndrome Background: Brash syndrome has 5 components: bradycardia, renal failure, AV nodal blocker, shock, hyperkalemia. Patients at risk of renal insufficiency are the primary population, as well as those on certain medications: AV nodal blockers : any of this class but specifically atenolol, nadolol, labetalol ACE-I and ARBS : increase risk of hyperkalemia and renal d

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Ultrasound Diagnosis of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections

Core EM

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing soft tissue infections are a rare but potentially lethal condition that can quickly lead to severe morbidity and mortality if not identified by clinical history and physical exam. It is a rapidly progressing infection that moves along fascial planes, often evading the immune system. This is a tricky diagnosis that can often be inconspicuous, so clinical gestalt is key.

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Why It’s Essential to Find a Burn Injury Lawyer You Can Rely On

Paramedics World

Burn injuries result from exposure to sources such as flames, hot surfaces, chemicals, or electricity that cause harm to both skin and underlying tissue. According to World Health Organization data,… The post Why It’s Essential to Find a Burn Injury Lawyer You Can Rely On appeared first on Paramedics World.

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REBEL Core Cast 116.0 – Achilles Tendon Rupture

REBEL EM

Take Home Points Achilles tendon rupture is a clinical diagnosis. The Thompson Test should be applied in all suspected cases. Remember to brace or splint a rupture, even if suspected, in the resting equinus position for optimal healing and prevention of further injury. Schedule follow up with orthopedics within 1 week for discussion of operative management vs early rehab protocols.

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Acute chest pain in a patient with LVH and known coronary disease. What does the ECG show?

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

A 40-something with severe diabetes on dialysis and with known coronary disease presented with acute crushing chest pain. Here is his ED ECG: What do you think? There is a flat and downsloping ST segment in V2 and V3. This could be due to posterior OMI. Is there an old ECG for comparison? Here is the most recent previous ECG: Indeed, there was some normal ST elevation in V2 and V3 , discordant to a relatively deep S-wave which could be due to some LVH.

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Post-Intubation Sedation and Analgesia

Core EM

Background: The immediate post intubation period in the ED is a critical time for continued patient stabilization. While physical adjuncts like securing the tube, in line suctioning, and head positioning are part of general post intubation management, a better understanding of analgesics and sedatives have offered newer approaches and improved outcomes down the line during the patient’s hospital stay.

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7 Surefire Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

Paramedics World

Are you worried about your safety while riding a motorcycle? Well, you’re not alone. The NHTSA reports that out of 5,114 motorcycles in 2019, 2,811 (or 55%) were involved in… The post 7 Surefire Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents appeared first on Paramedics World.

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The Critical Role of a Portable Suction Machine in Dental Trauma

SSCOR

It was the third vehicle crash of the shift. The first two were minor – low-speed fender benders with minor injuries. This one was different: a high-speed impact involving an unrestrained driver. The facial injuries were extensive.

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Medical Malpractice Insights – Warfarin is poison – and not just for rats

EMDocs

Here’s another case from Medical Malpractice Insights – Learning from Lawsuits , a monthly email newsletter for ED physicians. The goal of MMI-LFL is to improve patient safety, educate physicians and reduce the cost and stress of medical malpractice lawsuits. To opt in to the free subscriber list, click here. Stories of med mal lawsuits can save lives.

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ED Management of Minor Thermal Burns

Core EM

Written By: Kaitlynn Tracy, MD Edited By: Sean Schnarr, MD and Gregg Chesney, MD Definition/Background: Burns are classified as being major, moderate, or minor in severity. The American Burn Association classifies a burn as “minor” if it meets the following criteria: 2 Partial thickness < 15% BSA in a patient between the ages of 10-50 Partial thickness < 10% BSA in a patient younger than 10 or older than 50 Full thickness < 2% BSA In general, a “minor” burn should also be without a

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