Emergency Medicine Mnemonics
by Aaron Tjomsland
Most podcasts are about understanding. This emergency medicine podcast is about knowledge recall. Active learning requires your brain to process actively. Can you withstand sitting with the discomfort of being asked a question until you can answer it easily and readily?I promise you won’t be comfortable listening to each episode, but after you withstand the discomfort, your ability to recall, will be far superior than any other passive, listening.
Episodes
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Sick-Tachy or Tachy-sick: S.T.O.P. Secondary Compensations (Must-consider Differentials)
When the heart rate blasts past 150, our reflex is often to grab a syringe—diltiazem, metoprolol, something to slow things down. But here’s the hard truth: if the patient is in sick-tachy—tachycardia as a secondary compensation—slamming them with rate control can be catastrophic. That racing…
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6 S’s & 6 H’s Heart Score: Chest Pain & Diamond Classification Risk Stratification
Chest pain is one of the most common—and highest risk—complaints in the ED. Missing acute coronary syndrome can be catastrophic, but keeping every patient in the hospital isn’t realistic either. That’s why the HEART score has become the standard of care: a simple, validated tool to help you…
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STEMI ischemic and reciprocal change patterns
In a cardiac emergency, pattern recognition saves lives. The ability to rapidly identify ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMIs) — and recognize their reciprocal changes — is one of the most high-yield clinical skills you can master. But memorizing lead groupings, artery territories, and...
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LBBB Sgarbossa Criteria: 1 Excessive Disc, 2 Concordance Contact Lenses
When a left bundle branch block (LBBB) throws a wrench into your ECG interpretation, how do you know if it’s a STEMI… or just baseline noise? In this unforgettable episode, we ride full throttle into the wild world of wide QRS complexes, Scarbossa criteria, and the modified rules that help unmask...
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EKG Basic Basic Basic Framework for EM Docs: Ischemia, Arrhythmias, Intervals, Anomalies
This is the most basic, essential framework for EKG interpretation — built for emergency medicine clinicians who need clarity, speed, and confidence in the heat of the moment. Our brains are wired for movement and story. Just like remembering your morning routine — wake up, brush teeth, grab...
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Macrocytic Anemia in the ED: My Liver Bleeds a Lot (part 3)
Step into the macrocytic anemia caboose and remember the non-megaloblastic causes with the mnemonic My Liver Bleeds a Lot: • My → Multiple Myeloma (CRAB: Hypercalcemia, Renal failure, Anemia, Bone lesions) • Liver → Liver disease • Bleeds → Hemolysis • A → Alcohol use • Lot → Hypothyroidism We...
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Sickle Cell Crisis: 4 R’s Mnemonic — Recognize, Reverse, Radiology, Refer
In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of emergency medicine, every second matters—especially when it comes to sickle cell crisis. This podcast takes you straight to the heart of what matters most for ED clinicians, walking you through the essential “4 R’s” that can mean the difference between...
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Hemolytic Anemias: TAG My Suitcase mnemonic
Hemolytic Anemias Mnemonic for the ED: TAG MY SUITCASE In this high‑impact episode of Emergency Medicine Mind Palace, we break down hemolytic anemias into a memorable 5‑suitcase system that will stick with you on your next shift. If you’ve ever seen dark urine, anemia, or dropping hemoglobin and...
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Normocytic Anemia in the ED: Mind Palace for Emergency Medicine Rapid Recall (part 2)
Step aboard the Anemia Train and enter the Normocytic Skeleton Car—the middle car of your anemia mind palace—designed specifically for busy ED clinicians who need fast recall without flipping through textbooks. In this episode, you’ll: • 🧠 Visualize the Normocytic Train Car: Skeleton passengers...
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Microcytic Anemia in the ED: What You’re Missing Could Kill Your Patient (part 1)
Microcytic Anemia in the ED: What You’re Missing Could Kill Your Patient 🚨 Episode Summary for the Emergency Clinician: Think you’ve got anemia figured out? Think again. In this high-yield episode, we dissect microcytic anemia from an ED-first perspective and break down what you must recognize…
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Low Platelet Emergencies: TTP, HUS, ITP, DIC, HELLP, HIT thrombocytopenia memory palace
In this high-yield episode, we build a visual memory palace down the “Highway to Hell” of emergency thrombocytopenia syndromes. Each stop reveals a unique and dangerous cause of low platelets you’ll encounter in the ED—brought to life through vivid storytelling, unforgettable characters, and...
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Warfarin vs Heparin: The Clotting Cascade Mind Palace for EM Docs (PT, PTT & TPA Simplified)
In this unforgettable bloody podcast, we bring the clotting cascade to life through a cast of hilarious and high-yield characters designed to make clinical recall effortless under pressure. Play Table Tennis = PTT = Inside = Intrinsic. Play Tennis = PT = Outside = Extrinsic.” You’ll meet: 🟢…
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STEMI Mimics: Elevation mnemonic
In this episode, we tackle STEMI mimics—conditions that mimic ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction on an EKG but aren’t always a heart attack. Why’s it critical? Because ST elevation doesn’t always mean STEMI, and misdiagnosis can waste time or miss critical conditions. ELEVATION…
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Push-dose Epi: One out, One in - Makes 10
How to Mix Push-dose Epi: One out, one in — makes ten Goal concentration: 10 mcg/mL Step-by-Step Mixing: 1. Start with a 10 mL syringe of normal saline (NS) • empty 1 mL to retain 9 mL of NS in the syringe. 2. • This is the standard “cardiac arrest epi” amp (usually 1 mg in 10 mL)…the 1:10,000...
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Postpartum Hemorrhage: E-MOTIVE
E-MOTIVE Mnemonic for Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Lifesaving Strategy The E-MOTIVE mnemonic stands for a six-component bundle aimed at tackling postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), a major cause of maternal death, especially in low-resource settings. This approach, tested in a cluster-randomized trial…
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Neonatal Resuscitation Algorithm flowchart: NRP
This is a Neonatal Resuscitation Algorithm flowchart, specifically the NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program), published by the AHA in 2020. It provides a step-by-step guide for healthcare providers to follow during the resuscitation of a newborn immediately after birth, focusing on stabilizing the...
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Hyperkalemia: STABILIZE, SHIFT, SEND-IT (I C BIG K DROP)
The 3-Step Approach to Acute Hyperkalemia 1. Stabilize: the Heart (If ECG changes) → Calcium 2. Shift: K+ Into Cells → Insulin + Glucose, Albuterol, Bicarb (if acidotic) 3. Send-it: Remove K+ From Body → Diuretics (if making urine), Kayexalate (if GI motility intact), Dialysis (if...
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USED CARS non-anion gap metabolic acidosis: high chloride low bicarbonate
USED CARS mnemonic for non-anion gap metabolic acidosis (NAGMA): Why “USED CARS”? • Ureterosigmoidostomy • Saline & Chloride infusion (excessive).. chloride offsets AG • Endocrine disorders (Addison’s disease aka adrenal insufficiency, hypoaldosteronism) • Diarrhea • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors…
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GOLD MARK (better than MUDPILES): Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis Mnemonic (7,440.12 MRRM)
The GOLD MARK causes are divided into three major pathophysiologic groups based on the source of the acid production: Alcohols (Toxic Ingestions) → Emergency Toxins Glycols → Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) and propylene glycol Methanol → Windshield washer fluid, homemade alcohol substitutes ...
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7,440 MR RM: Blood Gas ABG interpretation
Mister Ronald McDonald (MR RM) is a helpful flowchart for interpreting acid-base disorders, specifically for determining whether a patient’s condition is due to a metabolic (M) or respiratory (R) cause: 1. Check the pH (7.4 is the cutoff) • pH > 7.4 → Alkalosis • pH < 7.4 → Acidosis 2. Assess...
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Glasgow-Blatchford Score (Glass Cow Black Ford): Upper GI Bleed indications for hospital admission
To determine if the patient requires admission or can be discharged, the Glasgow-Blatchford Score (GBS) is used. Here’s the ABCDEF mnemonic and why these factors increase the risk of an upper GI bleed: A - Active: Conditions like syncope or melena indicate ongoing or significant bleeding,...
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CENTOR criteria Fever PAIN: Strep Throat mnemonic
CENTOR criteria Fever PAIN: Strep Throat mnemonic
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H’s and T’s mnemonic: OKTV, THROW TEN TOXIC TAMPONS
The “H’s and T’s” refer to a mnemonic used in medicine to help healthcare professionals quickly recall the most common causes of cardiac arrest during a code (a medical emergency requiring CPR). Memorizing these is crucial because identifying and addressing these causes rapidly can improve the...
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Adventitious Lung Sounds: Everyone Can Always take in STRIDE, Fine CCHAP with fire crackers
These are the adventitious lung sounds Mneumonics. Strider: Everyone can take in stride. Crackles: A fine chap with firecrackers. Wheezing: Just ask any whale: Can you HAC the wheeze? Rhonchi: I BOPped the wrong guy Plural friction rub: PPP (3 words 3 P’s)
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KEEP: UTI organisms & antibiotic treatment mnemonic (I KEEP getting UTIs)
The “KEEP” mnemonic is a tool to remember the most common organisms causing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Here’s how the mnemonic breaks down, followed by key information relevant for emergency medicine boards: K - Klebsiella species • Relevance: Klebsiella is the second most common organism...
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SPIT: pediatric altered mental status mnemonic (ancient healing spittle is all you need)
The **SPIT** mnemonic is used to help remember common causes of **altered mental status in children**. Here's what each letter stands for: - **S**eizures: Includes both febrile and non-febrile seizures that can cause confusion or unconsciousness. - **P**oisoning: Exposure to toxins or ingestion…
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IMPACTS: timeout mnemonic pre-procedure (your smooth professional timeout impacts everything)
Procedure Timeout Mnemonic: This mnemonic covers the key elements to verify before starting, ensuring patient safety and team communication. Here's what **IMPACTS** stands for: 1. **I – Identify**: - **Verify the Patient's Identity**: Confirm the patient's full name, date of birth, and medical...
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CATS Hypocalcemia Signs and EKG mnemonic (Southern California cool cats)
This is the CATS mnemonic to remember the signs for hypocalcemia. ### **Causes of Hypocalcemia** - **Hypoparathyroidism**: Often due to surgical removal of parathyroid glands. - **Vitamin D deficiency**: Impaired calcium absorption. - **Renal disease**: Reduced conversion of Vitamin D to its…
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ADEK: fat soluble vitamins mnemonic
In emergency medicine education, understanding the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K (ADEK) is important because they play crucial roles in the body, and both their deficiency and toxicity can have serious health consequences. Here's a breakdown: ### Vitamin A: - **Function**: Important for...
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TORCH: ol’ VPs (old vice presidents) congenital infections mnemonic
TORCH: ol’ VPs congenital infections mnemonic
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C-MOPS: Strep Infections (custodian mops) mnemonic for Streptococcus common pathology
The C-MOPS mnemonic represents conjunctivitis, meningitis, otitis media, pneumonia and sinusitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae classically causes rusty colored sputum, which can help identify the pathogen.
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Kocher criteria: WWef septic hip VS transient synovitis
Think of a WWF player getting hit by a Coke bottle in the hip. WWef - Weight bearing issues - WBC >12 - ESR >40 - Fever >38.5 Score of 1 = 3%, 2=40%, 90+ for 3 and 4 ALSO, REMEMBER TO GET A CRP!
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BAD ANT: Drugs leading to hyperkalaemia
B blockers ACE Diuretics (K sparing) ARB NSAID Trimethoprim
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Pain Out Of Proportion: Messy Neck Kid (Messy NEC CID) remember the poop prank
Remember the IG poop toilet paper exchange prank…kids got pain way out of proportion screaming & running to the sink. Imagine wiping peanut butter on the kids neck…. Messy NEC CID Messy( risk factors atherosclerotic disease = mess) NEC -nuts -extremity -“C” food… seafood Comp Ischemic limb...
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4 'W's of circulation
Wakefulness Warmth Wee Wactate If BP low these show adequate circulation
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GCS Score: MAJOR TOM SONG coma score EVM mnemonic
My absolute favorite podcast of all time! Classification of brain injury via GCS: <8 = severe brain injury 9-12 = moderate 13-15 = minor
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LADS: Drugs that cause hypokalaemia
LADS: Laxitives Adrenaline Diuretics Steroids
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DANISH: Cerebellar signs
Dysdiadochokinesia / Dysmetria Ataxia Nystagmus Intention tremor Slurred speech Hypotonia Dysdiadochokinesia, also known as adiadochokinesia, is the medical term for the inability to perform rapid, alternating muscle movements. The term comes from the Greek words dys, meaning "bad", diadochos,...
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HM TRAMPS: Elevated Troponin 8 Causes
Heart failure (acute/chronic) MI Tachyarrhythmia Renal failure Aortic dissection Myocarditis PE Sepsis (think of homeless coming in claiming chest pain)
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SEPSIS Mnemonic
SEPSIS Mnemonic
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PERC Score: HAD CLOTS mnemonic for pulmonary embolism rule out criteria
The PERC (Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out Criteria) Rule is a "rule-out" tool – all variables must receive a "no" to be negative.
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Headache: Deadly Differentials & Red Flags
Headache: Deadly Differentials & Red Flags
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Asthma & Croup Quiz: basic meds knowledge
Asthma & Croup Quiz: basic meds knowledge for educational purposes only!
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Normal Lab Values Mnemonic: CMP, CBC, ABG, Coags
Normal Lab Values Mnemonic: CMP, CBC, ABG, Coags
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BMP Fishbone: Normal Lab Values Mnemonic
Remember the Chem7 by the mnemonic: Salty Bun (Na/Cl, BUN), Pot of Hot Coffee, Cream (K, HCO3, Cr), and Sugar (glucose)
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Hs And Ts: Reversible Cardiac Arrest
Hippo and Thor. That’s all you need to remember the reversible causes of cardiac arrest.
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STROKE ALGORITHM: Last Known Normal
Shout out to Dr Jared Ross for laying the foundation knowledge for this episode about Stroke.
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EKG Flowchart: Is there a P Wave
EKG Flowchart: Is there a P Wave
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ACLS Basic Basic Basic framework
On a piece of paper, draw three lines horizontally to divide four unique approaches to ACLS: Shockable, unshockable, bradycardia, tachycardia. Of course, the entire paper represents CPR. These four unique approaches are how to handle the electrical and chemical aspects. You’ve got this!
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The 6-Ps of Dyspnea: Critical Pulmonary Differential
The 6-Ps of Dyspnea: Critical Pulmonary Differential
About this show
Most podcasts are about understanding. This emergency medicine podcast is about knowledge recall. Active learning requires your brain to process actively. Can you withstand sitting with the discomfort of being asked a question until you can answer it easily and readily?I promise you won’t be comfortable listening to each episode, but after you withstand the discomfort, your ability to recall, will be far superior than any other passive, listening.
Hosted by
Aaron Tjomsland