TOTAL EM - Tools Of the Trade and Academic Learning in Emergency Medicine

​Every time we transfer the care of a patient, we are performing in many ways a high risk maneuver.  It is so second nature to many that we do not think about the risks.  However, according to the Joi...

6 Mar 20189min

We are medical professionals and we want to help our family and friends as much as we help our patients.  However, there is a real challenge to balance how you help a family member or friend when they...

27 Feb 20188min

​Most of us are having issues with using opiates in general given problems with misuse and abuse.  However, more recently we are experiencing significant shortages.  We discuss some key articles in re...

20 Feb 201818min

​We are no stranger to controversial subjects here at TOTAL EM, but one that already has a significant division in emergency medicine is the use of pelvic exams.  Most people fall into one of two camp...

13 Feb 201846min

​​Night shift can be rewarding and some of us choose to do it all the time.  There is little to no administration, the crew tends to be more relaxed (but obviously place variant), the cases can be a b...

6 Feb 201814min

​What do you do when the dead are awake?  It is confusing terminology, but patients may develop consciousness and be alert during cardiac arrest while receiving chest compressions.  In the literature,...

30 Jan 201813min

Most of us working any length of time in emergency medicine are either familiar with or perform the (extended) Focused Assessment of Sonography in Trauma (eFAST).  Some keep with the original FAST exa...

23 Jan 201812min

Back in April 2017 we went to SEMPA 360 and we have been saving some pearls just for a reminder of what SEMPA can offer when it comes to a conference.  The long wait is over and to help support our SE...

16 Jan 20185min