The St.Emlyn’s Podcast

Hosts share insights from major medical conferences, exploring critical care's 'Goldilocks moments' for life-saving interventions. They discuss innovative training methods like shadowboxing for decision-making under pressure. The conversation highlights a pivotal smoking cessation trial in emergency departments, linking it to broader public health initiatives. Pain management strategies are examined, particularly comparing intranasal and intravenous Ketorolac. They also critique the traditional peer review process in medical research, advocating for more accessible and open practices.

Explore the innovative use of simulation in trauma care and its impact on blood delivery and resuscitation protocols. Discover the idea of 'intelligent failure' and how it helps reduce cognitive overload for medical professionals. Learn about significant improvements, including a 50% decrease in blood delivery times. The discussion highlights the integration of performance data in CPR evaluation and clinical space design, advocating for constructive views on failure and the scalable application of these practices in healthcare.

Kevin Cyr, a commander in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, shares insights on leadership and resilience in crisis situations. He recounts a heartbreaking hostage incident that resulted in tragedy, emphasizing how failure can foster growth and learning. Kevin discusses the need for visible leadership and emotional support after trauma, highlighting the balance between vulnerability and strength. He also explores the challenges in recruiting for high-stress professions, underscoring the importance of understanding the realities beyond the glamor.

Discover the latest in emergency medicine with insights on the Manchester Acute Coronary Score, which effectively stratifies risk for chest pain patients. Explore how artificial intelligence is enhancing ECG interpretation and learn about innovative techniques like REBOA. Delve into managing eating disorders and diabetes technology, and the promising use of lidocaine patches in elderly care. Finally, understand the critical nature of swift interventions for pediatric emergencies, particularly concerning button battery ingestions.

Dan Horner, a consultant in Emergency Medicine and Neurocritical Care, and Tom Roberts, an Emergency Medicine Registrar and clinical lecturer, discuss their SHED study on diagnosing subarachnoid haemorrhage. They reveal findings about the effectiveness of CT scans in emergencies, especially within 18 hours of headaches. The conversation dives deep into the challenges of diagnosing severe headaches, methodologies used in the research, and the vital role of prompt imaging for better patient outcomes in emergency settings.

Ed Langford, a Specialist Trainee in Emergency Medicine and co-founder of Enhanced Care Services, shares insights on prehospital neuroprotection, particularly in pediatric cases. He recounts a gripping real-life incident involving a 13-year-old with a traumatic brain injury. The discussion covers critical strategies for airway management, advanced interventions, and the importance of teamwork among paramedics and critical care teams. Ed emphasizes the evolving approaches to stabilize patients and prevent neurological damage while showcasing the remarkable recovery achieved.

Dr. Tim Warlow, a consultant in Paediatric Palliative Care, sheds light on the challenging landscape of caring for children with life-limiting conditions. He clarifies that palliative care enhances quality of life rather than withdrawing treatment. The discussion delves into the increasing prevalence of medically complex cases in emergency departments, addressing the impact of informed parents and struggling community services post-COVID. Warlow offers practical strategies for ED staff, emphasizing collaboration and recognition of these delicate situations.

Dive into the world of emergency medicine with a look at nebulised ketamine as a new analgesic option, comparing its effectiveness to traditional IV methods. Explore the risks of emergency intubations and the significance of effective presentation skills in medical training. Discover new insights from the DOSE VF trial on cardiac arrest management and learn about innovative pre-oxygenation techniques that could enhance patient care. Plus, get excited about upcoming conferences in Sweden and Spain, promising invaluable networking and learning opportunities.

Francesca Steadman, a consultant paediatric surgeon at Southampton Children's Hospital, dives into the alarming issue of button battery ingestion in children. She reveals the various types of batteries commonly found in household items, particularly the hazardous CR2032. Steadman discusses the rapid onset of severe injury when a battery lodges in the esophagus, emphasizing the subtle symptoms that can easily go unnoticed. Personal stories highlight the urgent need for awareness and immediate medical action to prevent lasting damage.

Dive into the essential concepts of positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) in diagnostic testing. Discover their critical roles in clinical decision-making and how they differ from sensitivity and specificity. The discussion includes a real-life clinical scenario that highlights the importance of contextual interpretation for urgent cases in cardiac care. Learn why understanding these values is key to enhancing patient outcomes and making informed assessments in practice.