RCEM Learning

Happy September! This month for the September 2025 episode of the RCEM Learning Podcast Andy and Dave are talking about AI interpretation of ECG findings and managing acute asthma exacerbations. We are then going back to Becky and Chris rounding off the second part of their guideline on atrial fibrillation. We’ll then end with New Online. If you'd like to email us, please feel free to do so here. After listening, complete a short quiz to have your time accredited for CPD at the RCEMLearning website! (02:13) New in EM - AI vs doctor in cath lab activations Accuracy of cath lab activation decisions for STEMI-equivalent and mimic ECGs: Physicians vs. AI (Queen of Hearts by PMcardio) (Shroyer et al., 2025) (18:00) Guidelines for EM - ESC Atrial Fibrillation (Part Two) ESC - 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) (ESC, 2024) (39:03) New in EM - Management of acute asthma exacerbations As-Needed Albuterol–Budesonide in Mild Asthma (LaForce et al., 2025) Combination fixed‐dose beta agonist and steroid inhaler as required for adults or children with mild asthma (Cochrane Library, 2021) (54:00) New Online – new articles on RCEMLearning for your CPD Understanding Medical Cannabis: Mechanisms, Indications and Clinical Integration - David Tang Safe Sedation Procedures in Adults - Duncan Russell and Shobhan B Thakore Unusual Agitation in Final Year Student - Cathy Wield and Mark Horowitz

Matt Reed, Chair of the research committee at RCEM, discusses the highly anticipated Flagship Conference set for 2026. He shares insights on integrating scientific presentations with interactive simulations. The conversation also covers the latest guidelines for managing acute coronary syndrome and atrial fibrillation, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices and community health. Reed highlights innovative formats for conferences that promote participant engagement and professional development in emergency medicine.

In this lively discussion, experts dive into the role of parental concern in predicting pediatric critical illness, highlighting its impact on clinical decision-making. They also tackle the management of acute behavioral issues in children, emphasizing de-escalation techniques. Additionally, the conversation shifts to innovative approaches in clearing pediatric C-spine injuries with CT imaging. Listeners gain insights into the importance of thorough documentation and collaborative care in high-risk scenarios, all while exploring the latest in emergency medicine research.

In this engaging discussion, guest Dave McCreary, an emergency medicine expert, delves into the intricacies of HALO procedures. He shares insights on the impact of pre-hospital resuscitative thoracotomy for traumatic cardiac arrest, revealing impressive survival outcomes linked to timely interventions. The conversation shifts to managing acute behavioral disturbances, emphasizing effective communication and de-escalation techniques for volatile patients. Additionally, Dave reviews the promising results of resuscitative hysterotomies, shedding light on maternal and neonatal outcomes in critical scenarios.

In this episode, a systematic review reveals that metoprolol may have fewer adverse effects than diltiazem for treating atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. The hosts explore new guidelines for managing suspected poisoning in the emergency department, emphasizing a structured assessment approach. Practical tips for handling toxicology in adolescents are shared, along with humorous anecdotes. The conversation wraps up by highlighting new medical articles that cover crucial topics such as urgent eye conditions and informed consent.

Maegan Ladell, a pediatric emergency medicine physician and patient safety researcher, shares her insights on fostering a culture of patient safety. She delves into the complexities of diagnostic errors, emphasizing the influence of hindsight bias in high-stakes decision-making. Ladell critiques traditional error analysis methods and advocates for a systems-thinking approach that considers the interplay of human behavior and healthcare systems. This engaging discussion highlights the necessity for a more nuanced understanding of medical errors to improve patient care in emergency settings.

Happy March! This month for the March 2025 episode of the RCEM Learning Podcast starts with an update from Rob. We have Andy and Dave talking about oxygen targets in trauma in the TRAUMOX2 RCT. Becky and Chris talk about a BOAST orthopaedic guideline for the management of lateral patella dislocation. We interview Raine Astin-Chamberlain about sex, gender and pregnancy in research and then finally, as always, New Online. If you'd like to email us, please feel free to do so here. After listening, complete a short quiz to have your time accredited for CPD at the RCEMLearning website! (02:26) New in EM - Oxygen targets in trauma Early Restrictive vs Liberal Oxygen for Trauma Patients: The TRAUMOX2 Randomized Clinical Trial (Arleth et al., 2025) (18:59) Guidelines for EM - BOAST guidelines for lateral patella dislocation BOAST - Assessment and Management of First Time Lateral Patellar Dislocation (FTLPD) (BOAST, 2024) (45:09) Sex, gender and pregnancy in research - Raine Astin-Chamberlain Sex and gender reporting in UK emergency medicine trials from 2010 to 2023: a systematic review (Astin-Chamberlain et al., 2025) (01:03:37) New Online – new articles on RCEMLearning for your CPD Psychological support in the ED - Charlotte Davies Beyond the Tick Box - Embracing Reflective Practice - Chris Walsh Foreign Bodies in Ears and Noses: Practi cal Tips for ED Management - Charlotte Davies and Olu Adenugba Retaining ED staff: Policy, practice and research perspectives Retaining ED staff: Policy, practice and research perspectives - book your tickets

In a festive twist for Valentine’s Day, hosts explore the PERC-35 rule for diagnosing pulmonary embolism in younger patients, highlighting key studies and their implications. They also dive into guidelines for handling glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency, emphasizing the complexities faced by healthcare professionals. Discussions include the challenges of serum glucocorticoid management in emergencies and the vital importance of careful monitoring. Lastly, they touch on pediatric care insights, particularly on dehydration assessment and evaluating pregnant patients.

Becky Maxwell, an expert in emergency medicine, and Chris Connolly, an emergency medicine physician, dive deep into the updated NICE guidelines on acute kidney injury (AKI). They emphasize the importance of timely imaging and collaboration across specialties for improved patient outcomes. The duo also navigates the challenges of diagnosing kidney issues, including creative alternatives for obtaining ultrasounds. Additionally, they tackle the complexities of assessing febrile infants and the evolving clinical decision aids that support physicians in pediatric emergency care.

In this festive discussion, the hosts explore innovative surgical techniques for treating hemorrhagic strokes, including minimally invasive methods. They tackle the pressing issues of acute pain management in emergency settings, stressing the importance of a pain-vigilant culture and effective communication among healthcare professionals. The revival of the BestBETS project aims to enhance evidence-based practices in emergency medicine. Listeners are also invited to reflect on the past year while looking forward to 2025 and upcoming conferences.