All Episodes - TOTAL EM - Tools Of the Trade and Academic Learning in Emergency Medicine
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.
View Podcast Details40 Episodes
Podcast #244 - Updated Guidelines on Anorectal Emergencies
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 #243 - ATLS Episode 8: Musculoskeletal Trauma
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 #242 - 10 Key Pearls for Cluster Headaches
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 #241 - TXA in the Prehospital Setting
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 #240 - PAs are Associates?
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 #239 - Book Review: The Resuscitation Crisis Manual (RCM)
There are countless guides and references that can be used in emergency medicine. However, some books prove to be better resources than others and it is vital to identify them. In this post, we review one of the books you should seriously consider having if you work in emergency medicine.
Podcast #238 - AHA 2020 Updates for BLS, ACLS, and PALS
Last year, the American Heart Association (AHA) provided updates to their basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) programs. Mike Sharma is helping again by reviewing some of the key updates and changes to guidelines. We also provide some additional feedback and information to consider with these new guidelines.
Podcast #237 - Celebrating Women in Medicine
March is Women's History Month and we wanted to celebrate some of the accomplishments of women in medicine. While there are countless women that could be mentioned, we wanted to focus on a few that have been seen as pioneers in medicine.
Podcast #236 - Understanding Wells' Criteria for Pulmonary Embolism and the PERC Rule
Recently there was commentary in a forum that suggested the Pulmonary Embolism Rule-Out Criteria (PERC Rule) was essentially useless for detecting a pulmonary embolism (PE). It started with an anecdote, which is a logical fallacy (post hoc ergo propter hoc) and went wild from there. This led to the realization that many still do not understand how to use the Wells' Criteria for Pulmonary Embolism (referred to from here simply as the Wells' Criteria) and the PERC Rule.
Podcast #235 - ATLS Episode 7: Spine and Spinal Cord Trauma (Chapter 7)
Injuries to the spine can occur both in blunt and penetrating trauma. They can also be with or without neurological deficits. For this reason, they should be considered in all patients with multiple injuries. In this podcast, Chip Lange and Mike Sharma review the pearls and pitfalls of this disease process.
Podcast #234 - Pediatric Lung Exam Demonstration with EMS
We are able to provide a sneak peak at some updated content with Practical POCUS. Over the last few months, Practical POCUS has been working to improve its content with the plan to help further promote point of care ultrasound (POCUS) to a broader audience. One audience in particular is with EMS. This 10 minute video is an excerpt from the updated course worth 24 hours of CME. Make sure to check out PracticalPOCUS.com to learn more.
Podcast #233 - Osteogenesis Imperfecta
A little while back, we asked for help on getting out more content. David Wright and Kate Randolph answered that call and provided a special podcast on osteogenesis imperfecta. We hope you enjoy this unique podcast and encourage you to reach out if you want to contribute, as well.
Podcast #232 - 10 Key Reminders to Avoid Missing Neonatal Sepsis
Neonatal sepsis can be subtle, especially early on. It can rapidly progress to multisystem organ failure, meningitis, and death. Given the real dangers of neonatal sepsis, we will focus on 10 key points to remember when evaluating for this lurking terror.
Podcast #231 - Salt Vs Sugar: Hypertonic Saline Versus Mannitol for Elevated ICP
Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) was just discussed in our last podcast on head injuries. However, we briefly mentioned how there is a certain amount of controversy on this subject. This separate podcast is to act as a supplement to the Chapter 6 ATLS podcast on head trauma that was just covered. We find this particularly important given how long our ATLS podcasts run in general.
Podcast #230 - ATLS Episode 6: Head Trauma (Chapter 6)
The newest Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) blog and podcast is here! This time we talk about head trauma. Get the key pearls and pitfalls as provided by Chip Lange and Mike Sharma.
Podcast #229 - COVID-19 Variants and the Impact on Vaccinations
We received quite a bit of feedback with the last podcast and requests to discuss specifically the variants and their potential impacts on the current COVID-19 vaccines. It is worth noting that at the time of this publication there is still limited data but we discuss the key concepts and takeaways with the current knowledge we have on the topic.
Podcast #228 - A Primer to COVID-19 Vaccinations
There have already been many podcasts discussing COVID-19 vaccines, so what makes this one different and worth listening to now? This podcast is more about some of the key highlights and frequent questions asked to help listeners get the right resources and information.
Podcast #227 - ATLS Episode 5: Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma (Chapter 5)
We are back at it again with our newest ATLS podcast. This time we are focusing on the abdomen and pelvis which can be host to a wide range of severe pathology. Given its many intricacies, we focused most on the highlights from ATLS Chapter 5 including the key "red text" that it emphasizes.
Podcast #226 - 10 Key Points from the CDC's Update on Gonorrhea Management
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released updated guidelines for treating gonococcal infections. Given the increase in antibiotic resistance, this provides an important change in the recommended management for not only gonorrhea but also chlamydia.
Podcast #225 - A New Year and New Us
2020 was a very different year and now it is time to start into 2021. As always this time of year we want to provide everyone with an update and our plans. This is especially true given how the last couple of months have been particularly challenging with COVID-19.
Podcast #224 - Never Fear We Are Here
It has been a while (a month) since we last posted. We apologize, but wanted to explain why and remind you that we are still here and ready to help. Take a listen to the podcast to understand more.
Podcast #223 - ATLS Episode 4: Thoracic Trauma (Chapter 4)
We are finally back with another ATLS podcast. Mike Sharma and Chip Lange together discuss the complex but important subject of thoracic trauma. They break it down this time by addressing key aspects that come up during the primary and secondary assessments. This topic also broaches how to manage the traumatic circulatory arrest patient without a pulse.
Podcast #222 - The Concept Behind Plasma First Resuscitation in Trauma
We have mentioned in previous podcasts that if you have questions or special requests to send them our way. Another one of our listeners did just this after listening to part of our ATLS series. This has been a very popular series and we are so glad you enjoy it so much. The discussions that have been built off of this as a result has led to even more great podcasts.
Podcast #221 - Comparing Images of the Butterfly iQ and the iQ+
With the recent release of the Butterfly iQ+, we wanted to provide everyone with comparison images and review some of the changes the new device and the original Butterfly iQ. We will continue to work on comparing images and review cases with the new Butterfly iQ+ with Practical POCUS.
Podcast #220 - Surprise Reveal: The New and Improved Butterfly iQ+
For the first time ever, we delayed our normal podcast release to coincide with a very special reveal by Butterfly Network: the new and improved version of their device called the Butterfly iQ+. Practical POCUS was able to get their hands on the brand new device so that you can see what it looks like. There are videos to help compare the two devices and the unboxing of the Butterfly iQ+. Stay tuned for updates as videos come out demonstrating the improvements when comparing the original to the new device.
Podcast #219 - Volume Resuscitation: It's All About the Flow!
In resuscitation situations, such as trauma and sepsis, it is important to appropriately replace the patient's lost volume and be able to give medications in a quick and successful manner. However, what is the best way to accomplish this and why?
Podcast #218 - FOAMfrat Crossover: The Future of PAs in EMS
Sam Ireland from FOAMfrat invited me on to their podcast to talk more about PAs in EMS. This was a fantastic conversational piece that is well worth listening to in order to learn more about what it means to have PAs in EMS and the potential future of such as role.
Podcast #217 - Hocus POCUS - How Ultrasound Can Save the Day
There are many people who are still uncertain how point of care ultrasound (POCUS) can benefit them in their practice. This podcast will give you five examples of how POCUS can significantly change your patient care (in a very positive way) and what you can start doing to to improve your patient care by using POCUS.
Podcast #216 - Vasopressin in Trauma?
On our last blog and podcast, part of the ATLS series, we covered shock. In that last post, it was briefly mentioned how vasopressin could be used in hemorrhagic shock. We want to build on that discussion today with a more detailed review on using vasopressin (and other vasopressors) in such a situation.
Podcast #215 - ATLS Episode 3: Shock in Trauma (Chapter 3)
Shock, especially in trauma, is an absolute killer. Defined as an abnormality of the circulatory system that results in inadequate organ perfusion and tissue oxygenation, shock must be recognized and treated accordingly. Here to help us with this discussion is Mike Sharma.
Podcast #214 - Top 5 Pearls for Scaphoid Fractures
Scaphoid fractures are often missed but important fractures due to their potential complications including non-union, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, and potential for avascular necrosis (AVN). These complications can even lead to lawsuits which further emphasizes the need to identify and properly treat these fractures whenever possible.
Podcast #213 - ATLS Episode 2: Airway and Ventilatory Management (Chapter 2)
Airway management is a commonly discussed topic in emergency medicine and there are some challenges that are unique with trauma. Mike Sharma co-hosts again with our ATLS podcast series on this topic. Take the time to listen both to better prepare for your ATLS course but also to better manage your future trauma patients.
Podcast #212 - Why Tramadol is Tramadont
To some, this may feel like spaced repetition. However, the discussion with tramadol today is a common and recurring issue. We will highlight the problems with tramadol and why it may be better to think of it as "tramadont" moving forward.
Podcast #211 - Rapid Review of Blast Injuries
With the blast that occurred in Beirut earlier, this is a good time to do a rapid review on blast injuries. This can be a rather complex topic but we will focus on conventional explosives.
Podcast #210 - Jellyfish Stings: To Pee or Not to Pee?
Summer is often a time that people visit the beach for vacation. While this may be different with the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is still worth learning how to manage one common injury at the beach: jellyfish stings.
Podcast #209 - ATLS Episode 1: Initial Assessment and Management (Chapter 1)
It is time to dive into some core Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) content. Mike Sharma is back to co-host the podcast and help us cover the first chapter of ATLS which discusses the initial assessment and management of trauma patients.
Podcast #208 - Updates on Missouri EMS Legislation for PAs
This is probably one of the most niche blog and podcast that has been done for a while, but it is a special one given the work that has been put into this particular topic. This has been a long term goal that has finally made some real progress recently.
Podcast #207 - Myths on Masks for COVID-19
Since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of masks has been discussed. As this pandemic continues, there has been a great deal of debate on this issue. This post is meant to help address some of the more common myths surrounding masks for COVID-19.
Podcast #206 - ATLS Episode 0: The Beginning of an Adventure
This is a project that has been in the works for a long time. We have finally been able to coordinate and introduce a new podcast series covering ATLS. This is only the beginning.
Podcast #205 - Return of Dexamethasone: Appraisal of the Pre-Print COVID-19 Article
Surprisingly, we are back already to talk about dexamethasone. Our last podcast, #204, covered the press release from the RECOVERY (Randomised Evaluation of COVid-19 thERapY) trial and their mentioning of results regarding dexamethasone. Now, the study is available in a pre-print form. It is important that this has not yet been peer-reviewed and is still preliminary, but we now have some real information that we can review!