I​​ntraosseous (IO) devices are traditionally used in the initial stages of resuscitation when peripheral intravenous (IV) access is not readily obtainable.  This can happen for a variety of reasons such as edema, burns, obesity, or IV drug abuse among others.  Although ultrasound can be used to obtain peripheral or central venous access, the most rapid route is the IO.  The device has been used both in adults and children with great success.  It can safely facilitate the delivery of fluids, medications, and blood.  There are very few contraindications and it is rare to have a complication.

Podcast #110 - IO Devices and Lab Values

We are a FOAMED project devoted to providing TOTAL care everywhere. This is done by sharing the Tools Of the Trade and Academic Learning in Emergency Medicine (TOTAL EM). We believe in education for emergency medicine professionals and the public.

Science & Medicine

Natural Sciences

Social Sciences

Medicine

Health & Fitness

There are a variety of anorectal emergencies that present to the emergency department.  Recently, there were updated guidelines made by the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST).  In this post, we review some of the updated guidelines including for anorectal abscess, perineal necrotizing fasciitis (Fournier's gangrene), bleeding anorectal varices, complicated rectal prolapse (irreducible or strangulated), and retained anorectal foreign bodies.

Podcast #244 - Updated Guidelines on Anorectal Emergencies

We are back to providing our ATLS content and we are picking up where we left off.  Our last ATLS podcast was on spine and spinal cord trauma.  Somewhat similar in nature is musculoskeletal trauma.  This is a very common form of trauma.  However, delayed recognition and  treatment can result in life-threatening hemorrhage or limb loss.

Podcast #243 - ATLS Episode 8: Musculoskeletal Trauma

Cluster headaches are often considered one of the most painful human experiences.  They are short (lasting usually 15-180 minutes), frequent (up to 8 a day), unilateral headaches behind or around the eye often with ipsilateral autonomic symptoms and restlessness.  While migraines and tension headaches are seen frequently in the emergency department, cluster headaches are much less frequently seen and often are harder to identify as a result.  There are certain points to remember with patients that are experiencing cluster headaches and we list 10 of them here.

Podcast #242 - 10 Key Pearls for Cluster Headaches

The use of tranexamic acid (TXA) has expanded with growing evidence in its use for a variety of clinical situations.  However, not all evidence is created equal and not all applications show benefit.  In this blog and podcast we discuss the various uses of TXA and the surrounding evidence.

Podcast #241 - TXA in the Prehospital Setting

For decades, there has been a major name debate regarding the appropriate title for PAs.  However, on May 24, 2021 the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) House of Delegates (HOD) came to a vote.  Over 100 possible titles were considered, but ultimately the winning vote was for "physician associate" which has led to a significant amount of discussion.  What is the history behind this decision and why now?  What has been the response?  We discuss this and more in this new blog and podcast.

Podcast #110 - IO Devices and Lab Values

Download our free app to listen on your phone