recent articles

practice updates

R.E.B.E.L. EM – Xanthochromia Detection: Visual Inspection vs. Spectrophotometry

An LP gives providers the ability to perform CSF analysis for red blood cells and detect xanthochromia by visual inspection or spectrophotometry. In most of the world, including the United States, the predominant approach to identifying xanthochromia is visual detection. However, this technique is subjective and considered unreliable by many. Spectrophotometry is a more objective test but, has lower specificity, carries a higher cost and is unavailable in the majority of hospitals.

practice updates

Protein Shakes and Dietary Supplements: What are their ingredients and how much is too much?

Many active adults are interesting in boosting their athletic performance with supplements. While there have been a few proven benefits, there are many drawbacks of these supplements that may actually impair performance and compromise health. This article reviews a number of supplements, their benefits, their drawbacks and their potential for toxic adverse effects.

EM MINDSET

Reflections on Leadership and Resilience in Emergency Medicine

Who are the people you consider the biggest leaders and influencers of change in our profession? What traits do they have that seem to make them a natural for their role? How did they get there? Perhaps even better questions to ask – what makes some people more engaged in their job? Why do some people bounce back from the stress of our jobs better than others do? Are there common traits that overlap leadership and resilience?

PEM Playbook

PEM Playbook – Adventures in RSI

Pediatric airway management is a skill that integrates the three types of knowledge as described by the ancient Greeks: Episteme — theoretical knowledge Techne — technical knowledge Phronesis — practical wisdom — also called prudence. Here we’ll invoke each type of knowledge and understanding as we go beyond the anatomical issues in pediatric airway management – to the advanced decision-making aspect of RSI and the what-to-do-when the rubber-hits-the road.