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ULTRASOUND
Emergency physician performed ultrasound is talked about frequently. The benefits are well documented and take-up between and within countries is variable. Mclaughlin et al, conclude that although most emergency physicians are in favour of ED ultrasound, the reality of trying to implement it is quite different. If it is to become a genuine part of contemporary ED practice a lot of work is still needed. The addition of ultrasound skills to the UK curriculum is an important step but this alone will not be enough. See p 553
ULTRASOUND GUIDANCE FOR CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER PLACEMENT
Chikunga writes in to contribute to the ultrasound debate, believing that ultrasound guidance is not the be all and end all for catheter placement. His letter also criticises NICE and it’s financial analysis of investigation costs. NICE has recently been severely criticised for similar reasons after their Head Injury Guidelines were published. See p 608
MEDICAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Cheung et al write in with the results of their study into patients’ attitudes to medical photography. The ease with which digital images are captured and distributed raises concerns about consent. How is Informed Consent for photography consistently applied and recorded? How is Informed Consent for much of what we do applied and recorded? See p 609
RICKETS
A series of case reports from Rennie et al remind us that rickets is not a disease of the past or only seen in the developing world. They remind us that it can present in several ways but is normally diagnosed radiologically. See p 534
CASE BASED LEARNING
The educationalists amongst you will know about case based learning. A paper from Melbourne by Brett Williams offers a literature review of this educational principle, and describes how it will be of benefit in prehospital care education. See p 577
PARAMEDIC DELIVERED THROMBOLYSIS
Macharotu et al, in a retrospective observational study, compare prehospital and in-hospital thrombolysis. They conclude that paramedic-delivered therapy can be given safely and effectively. Time gains are substantial. See p 582
PARAMEDIC PAEDIATRIC EQUIPMENT
A questionnaire study by Roberts et al highlights inconsistencies across the country in prehospital care (in both equipment and skills) for the management of sick children. National guidelines are in place but many ambulance trusts do not comply with them. The authors conclude that children’s lives are at risk. See p 572
ACUTE HEADACHE
The case report from Navaratne et al reminds us that not all acute headache decision making is CT dependant. Sagittal sinus thrombosis is rare but needs to be considered. MRI scanning is critical to detection and CT is not the investigation of choice in this condition. See p 586
FINALLY...............
C-reactive protein as a ‘routine’ ED investigation has both supporters and critics. Huntley and Kelly present a case which may fan the flames on both sides of the debate. See p 602
Linked Articles
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