Emergency medicine journal
Audio Summaries

Quantifying the impact of prehospital arterial line insertion on scene time

Sep 18, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the impact of prehospital arterial line insertion on scene time and its potential implications for patient transport to definitive care. Their systematic review of four studies found a consistent association between arterial line insertion and increased scene time, ranging from 4 to 34.4 minutes, but noted that the clinical significance of this delay remains unclear and may vary depending on the context.

Use of point-of-care ultrasound in predicting difficult intubations in the emergency department

Sep 7, 2026

The authors investigate the effectiveness of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in predicting difficult intubations in the emergency department. Their systematic review of four prospective observational studies reveals that while certain ultrasound-derived airway parameters show promise in predicting difficult laryngoscopy, variability in study design limits the generalizability of these findings. They conclude that POCUS should not be used in isolation for airway assessment and call for further research with larger, more diverse populations.

Whiff of doubt: is inhaled isopropyl alcohol (alcohol wipes) an effective treatment for acute nausea in the emergency department?

Sep 7, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of inhaled isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as a non-pharmacological treatment for acute nausea in adults in the emergency department. Their review of six studies indicates that inhaled IPA can provide rapid relief and may decrease the need for traditional antiemetics, although its safety and efficacy in pregnant patients remain unassessed, highlighting the need for further research in this area.

Initial treatment of presumed pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator malfunctions: algorithm and rationale

Sep 2, 2026

This paper addresses the challenge of managing presumed malfunctions of permanent pacemakers (PPMs) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in emergency settings, where access to specialized care is limited. The authors propose practical algorithm-based approaches for the initial treatment of these device malfunctions to ensure timely and effective emergency care until expert consultation can be obtained.

Is intranasal adrenaline effective for the treatment of anaphylaxis?

Aug 28, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intranasal epinephrine compared to intramuscular epinephrine for rapid symptom control in anaphylaxis. After reviewing 113 papers, they found that the evidence is insufficient to establish the efficacy of intranasal epinephrine, concluding that intramuscular epinephrine continues to be the standard treatment for anaphylaxis.

Early management of crush injury and crush syndrome: a Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care consensus statement

Aug 27, 2026

The authors aim to provide updated guidance for UK prehospital care providers on the management of patients with suspected crush injuries to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality. This consensus statement, developed through a structured evidence review, emphasizes practical recommendations and shifts focus away from aggressive fluid administration and concerns about hyperkalaemia, reflecting the specific context of prehospital care. The recommendations may also be applicable to providers in other developed healthcare systems.

Emergency thoracotomy: how to do it in 2026

Aug 24, 2026

The authors aim to provide an updated, practical guide for performing emergency thoracotomy in pre-hospital and emergency department settings, reflecting advancements in practice since the original 2005 guide. They incorporate contemporary indications, survival windows, and operational considerations to enhance decision-making in this critical trauma intervention. This guide serves to equip clinicians with the necessary procedural steps and troubleshooting strategies for effective execution of emergency thoracotomy.

What factors influence ambulance conveyance decisions when dealing with acutely unwell children? A systematic literature review

Aug 24, 2026

This systematic literature review investigates the factors influencing ambulance conveyance decisions for acutely unwell children, aiming to understand how paramedics determine whether to transport patients to emergency departments. The authors identify three main themes affecting these decisions: the health system context, child clinical presentation, and safety considerations related to clinician experience and protocols. They conclude that while conveyance decisions are complex and context-dependent, further research is needed to incorporate family perspectives and develop evidence-based protocols for non-conveyance.

Ambulance clinicians' perceptions and experiences of managing risk during decision-making in care homes

Aug 11, 2026

This study investigates how ambulance clinicians perceive and manage risks during decision-making when responding to health deteriorations in care home residents. Through interviews with 22 clinicians, the authors identify five types of risks considered, the actions taken to manage these risks, and the various factors influencing their decision-making processes. The findings underscore the complexity of these decisions and suggest the need for improved policies and training to support ambulance clinicians in this challenging context.

Paediatric electric-scooter injuries: an emerging public health crisis?

Aug 11, 2026

The authors investigate the rising incidence of electric-scooter injuries among children under 16 in the UK, highlighting a concerning trend in public health. Their retrospective study reveals that most injuries involve riders, predominantly occur on private e-scooters, and often result in serious head and limb injuries, particularly among children from deprived areas. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced public awareness and legislative review to mitigate these injuries and their impact on healthcare resources.