Emergency medicine journal
Audio Summaries

Effects of age, sex and body anthropometry on needle thoracostomy in a Singapore paediatric cohort: a chest CT study

Mar 23, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate how age, sex, and body anthropometry influence chest wall thickness (CWT) at common needle thoracostomy (NT) landmarks in a pediatric population, as well as to assess the adequacy of needle lengths used for the procedure. Through a retrospective review of chest CT scans from children aged 0-17 years, they found that CWT varies significantly by age and recommended specific needle lengths for successful NT: 25 mm for infants, 32 mm for children, and 50 mm for adolescents.

Spatial clustering of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in northern France and its association with social deprivation: a population-based registry study

Mar 19, 2026

The authors aimed to identify spatial clusters of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) incidence in northern France and investigate the association between these clusters and social deprivation. Their study found significant geographic variability in OHCA incidence, with high-incidence areas correlating with greater socioeconomic deprivation, lower bystander support, and poorer survival outcomes. The findings suggest a need for targeted interventions in these vulnerable communities to improve OHCA care and outcomes.

Ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group block versus intravenous morphine for pain management in older adults with hip fractures: a randomised controlled trial in the emergency department

Mar 19, 2026

This study aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block versus intravenous morphine in managing acute hip fracture pain in older adults presenting to the emergency department. The results indicated that the PENG block provided significantly greater pain relief at 30 minutes and required no rescue analgesia, suggesting it is a more effective and safer alternative to intravenous morphine for this patient population.

The infusion after the bolus: a quality improvement programme to support emergency department airway governance in Ireland

Mar 19, 2026

The authors aimed to develop and evaluate a sustainable airway governance framework for emergency departments (EDs) in Ireland, addressing the variability in training and governance of intubation procedures. Through a quality improvement project involving structured interventions, they demonstrated that implementing leadership, standardized checklists, and continuous feedback led to a first-pass success rate of over 90% and low complication rates across multiple cycles. This framework not only maintained high performance metrics despite staff turnover but also offers a replicable model for establishing airway governance standards in other EDs.

Investigating the association between received support and perceived support: a cross-sectional study among 389 Danish ambulance personnel

Mar 18, 2026

This study investigates the relationship between various types of received support and the overall perception of support among Danish ambulance personnel, aiming to clarify how specific support types influence perceived support. The findings reveal that certain forms of support, including debriefing, formal peer support, and informal managerial and collegial support, are significantly associated with higher perceived support levels. The authors emphasize the importance of implementing a multifaceted support strategy to enhance mental health outcomes in this high-stress profession.

Fall risk prediction in older adults at the emergency department: where the guidelines do not fit

Mar 18, 2026

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new algorithm, adapted from the World Falls Guidelines, in predicting the risk of recurrent falls in older adults visiting the emergency department after a fall. Despite classifying a majority of patients as high risk, the algorithm demonstrated poor discriminatory capacity, with only a 13% cumulative probability of new falls in the high-risk group and low specificity overall. These findings suggest that the algorithm may not be suitable for accurately identifying patients at high risk for future falls in this setting.

Prospective patient-reported reasons for delayed diagnosis of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage

Mar 18, 2026

The authors aimed to identify patient-reported reasons for delayed diagnosis of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) to improve timely recognition and treatment. Through structured interviews with patients who experienced delayed diagnoses, they found that a significant number did not seek immediate medical attention due to misconceptions about symptom severity, and many faced diagnostic errors after seeking care. These findings highlight critical areas for enhancing clinician awareness and public health strategies to facilitate earlier diagnosis of SAH.

Qualitative study of reflective practice groups for emergency medicine resident doctors

Mar 11, 2026

The authors aimed to explore the impact of Balint groups on third-year emergency medicine resident doctors in the UK, particularly in addressing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction. Through qualitative interviews, they found that participants reported significant benefits, including the development of a psychological toolkit and improved management of emotional challenges, which contributed to better job satisfaction and potential retention in the training program. The study supports the continuation and expansion of Balint groups for resident doctors and suggests potential applicability to other medical professionals.

Prevalence and associated factors of burnout and workplace stressors among emergency department healthcare workers in Uganda

Mar 11, 2026

The authors aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout and associated workplace stressors among emergency department healthcare workers in Uganda. They found that 9.7% of participants met the criteria for burnout, with high emotional exhaustion reported by 48.7% of respondents, and identified key stressors such as work overload and poor communication. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve the well-being of ED healthcare workers and enhance emergency care in Uganda.

Hospital CBRN preparedness in Lebanon: a modified Delphi-based assessment tool

Mar 4, 2026

This study aims to develop a comprehensive assessment tool to evaluate hospital preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents in Lebanon, a country facing significant risks and resource limitations. Utilizing a modified Delphi method with expert consensus, the authors identified 88 key items across nine categories essential for CBRN preparedness. The resulting tool is intended to enhance readiness in Lebanese hospitals and guide policymakers in strengthening health sector responses to CBRN threats.