The FAST is one of the most commonly utilized sonographic examinations in the modern emergency department, which also means that it represents one of the most frequent opportunities for error. In this month’s post, Dr. Owens illustrates the pitfalls you should avoid to become an ultrasound aficionado in trauma.
Read MoreThis week's grand rounds started off with our EMS team represented by Dr. McMullan updating us on new EMS stroke protocols, an upcoming trial for pre-hospital ketamine use, as well as a refresher on notification calls. This was followed by Dr. Shaw, who made his grand rounds lecture debut discussing the diagnostic and clinical utility of lactate. Drs. Harty and Toth then went mano-a-mano in another installment of the CPC lecture series, during which they discuss the presentation, workup and management of carotid cavernous fistula. Dr. Gorder then presented her clinical soap box, using the example of NG tube placement for SBO as a platform for addressing the impact of dogma within medicine. Our peds EM colleagues then steered the ship for the final 2 hours, discussing 2 oral boards cases (fussiness in a newborn and HSP) as well as putting on a pediatric trauma simulation.
Read MoreThe ultrasound machine has quickly become a fixture in the emergency department. For good reason, the machine often lives in the trauma or resuscitation bay, seemingly anxiously awaiting use. In recent years we have seen multiple protocols and algorithms for the use of ultrasound in differentiating trauma patients. There is no doubt that it can be a powerful tool in these patients, but one must be adept with its use and aware of potential pitfalls in order to use ultrasound effectively in these high pressure situations.
Read MoreThis week, Dr. Boyer led us through his R4 case follow up. Drs. Baez and Summers dove deep into the literature on sepsis. Dr. Gauger reviewed toxicologic syndromes. Dr. Axelson hit us with some trauma pearls and we worked through sick respiratory cases during our combined Peds-EM sim.
Read MoreThis week's Grand Rounds started off with a stress-inducing sim written by the R4s that included a pregnant trauma patient with a positive FAST, an imminent delivery and neonatal resuscitation! Drs. Paulsen and Continenza faced off in a great CPC and Dr. DeVries walked us through the history of US use in ED patients. Dr. Golden rounded out our day with a lecture focused on foot and ankle injuries.
Read MoreSRU (pronounced "shrew") = Shock Resuscitation Unit
Training in, and managing, the SRU is one of the crown jewels of our residency. It is where the sickest of the sick patients are found in our ED. It is a crucible, a test of knowledge and strength, and a true manifestation of the tripartite mission of our department: Leadership, Excellence, and Opportunity.
Training in, and managing, the SRU is one of the crown jewels of our residency. It is where the sickest of the sick patients are found in our ED. It is a crucible, a test of knowledge and strength, and a true manifestation of the tripartite mission of our department: Leadership, Excellence, and Opportunity.
