keep on learning
I’m not sure I’ve written here before about Life in the Fast Lane.
But I should have.
Such a great resource for junior doctors. And not so junior doctors as well.
Tonight, while on night shift, I’ve been reading a post about the 6 true emergencies, which is gold for new docs. Of course we get taught about approaches to MET calls and following the ACLS guidelines in an arrest - and i’m sure everyone has a way of remembering the Hs and Ts to find reversible causes of arrest - but this post makes it even more straightforward for determining emergency treatment.
1. Is the airway obstructed?
2. Is there a tension pneumothorax?
3. Do they have a ventricular dysrhythmia?
4. Are they bleeding out?
5. Do they have a pericardial tamponade?
6. Are they hypoglycaemic?
These 6 things all require immediate treatment/management - everything else can be a little more leisurely. What is great about the post though is that for each condition they’ve given a guide to prevalence (how likely is it going to be this), the basic problem and solution, how long it takes to address, and the difficulty. Like I said, gold for the new doctor.
The one thing it doesn’t mention, and I think it’d always worth remembering, is that in any emergency situation you’re never alone. Always ask for help, and always work with the other healthcare professionals who are there. Particularly as a junior doctor.
