Medical staff in hospital)

Medical Emergencies

Continuous Professional Development Support Scheme

Summary

This is an online modular course presented as a series of recorded one-hour modules, with access released on a rolling monthly basis. Each module, involving a separate specialty theme, will involve case based discussions with a variety of guest speakers.

Slides covering the content are provided, and a short series of MCQs based on the content covered are completed in order to complete the module. The themes covered within each module will be changed on an annual basis.

Note: This CPD course is divided into eight self-contained modules. Each module is worth one CPD point and leads to a certificate of completion.

Course lead

  • Dr Nigel Salter

Delivery

Each module is completed in three steps:

Review the learning materials
Your first task is to have a look at the learning materials for the module. Each module features: an interview with an expert guest, introducing you to a specialty topic in emergency medicine; and a follow-up lecture by Dr Nigel Salter (slides provided). Secondary resources are also provided to increase your understanding of the topic. These are optional — however, it is strongly recommended that you have a look at these to increase your understanding of the topic.

Test your knowledge with the module quiz
Next, you must complete a short MCQ quiz. To pass the module, you must answer all questions on the quiz correctly. There's no time limit on the quiz, and you can attempt it as many times as you need.

Download your CPD certificate
Finally, when you have reviewed all the module materials and successfully completed the quiz, you will be able to download your CPD certificate.

 

Modules

Hyperglycaemia

With a focus on hyperglycaemia, we discuss the diagnosis and management of decompensated diabetes, and review more recent diabetic drug regimens and their potential side effects. 

Adrenal Emergencies 

In this module we will focus on adrenal emergencies. We discuss the diagnosis and management of adrenal insufficiency and adrenal crisis, and review basic adrenal physiology and pathophysiology. In addition, the approach to managing hyponatraemia is discussed.

Acute Severe Headache

The differential diagnosis for an acute severe headache in an emergency department, and how to risk stratify and investigate for suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Seizures

In this module we discuss the semiology of seizures, and focus on the management of refractory status epilecticus in an emergency department. We also discuss managing special types of seizures, including in pregnancy, alcohol withdrawal and hyponatraemia.

Risk Stratification Techniques

Risk stratification techniques and algorithms for the investigation of suspected acute coronary syndrome, including scoring systems and the role of high-sensitivity troponins.

Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

In this module we discuss the triggers and management of acute decompensated heart failure. We look at the evidence for BNP and NT-BNP as part of ED diagnosis. We also discuss an approach to the hypotensive and crashing heart failure patient.

Respiratory Emergencies

A review of the management of obstructive airways disease, including acute severe life-threatening asthma and infective exacerbations of COPD. Non-invasive ventilation and basic invasive ventilator strategies and complications are also reviewed.

Respiratory Infections and Pneumonia

In this module, we focus on respiratory infections and pneumonia. We discuss community-acquired pneumonia and ED-based evidence for scoring systems like CURB-65. We also look at atypical pneumonia, as well as TB. In addition, we discuss differences in approaching infective exacerbations of chronic lung conditions, including COPD and cystic fibrosis. 

Oxygenation

In this module we focus on cases involving challenges in oxygenation in the ED. We review indications and strategies for high-flow nasal cannulae (including AIRVO). We also look at non-invasive ventilation including appropriate indications, set-up and monitoring for deterioration despite NIV. We also look at invasive ventilation re appropriate initial settings and strategies, including how to monitor and adjust according to response.

Sepsis and septic shock

The principles of recognising and managing sepsis and septic shock are reviewed. We will discuss emergency department-applicable strategies for optimising cardiac output, including the use of 'push-dose pressors', inotropic agents and vasopressors.

Sexual Health

A review of current recommendations for assessment and management of needle-stick and sharps injuries, sexual exposure and human bites where there is a risk of bloodborne viruses and other infectious diseases. We discuss a strategy for classifying sexually transmitted infections.

Febrile Traveller

In this module we focus on the febrile traveller. We discuss common types of symptoms encountered, including traveller’s diarrhoea, malaria, dengue fever, and typhoid, among many others. In addition, we discuss resources to assist the EM clinician in managing such patients.

Mono-articular and Poly-articular Arthopathies

In this module, we outline a differential diagnosis for mono-articular and poly-articular arthopathies in the ED. We review the clinical features of SLE, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue diseases, the seronegative arthritides, reactive arthritis, and vasculitis. In addition, we look at strategies to rule out septic arthritis and diagnosing a crystal arthropathy such as gout or pseudogout. We also look at complications of treatments, including methotrexate as well as complications of biological agents.

Rashes

A strategy for the assessment and description of rashes in the Emergency Department. We review differentials and management strategies for erythroderma, cellulitis mimics, and blistering eruptions including Stephens Johnson’s syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Lymphomas and Leukaemias

In this module, we look at how patients with lymphomas and leukaemias may initially present to the ED. We look at differential diagnoses for such presentations, including splenomegaly, thrombocytopaenia and lymphadenopathy. We review the classification system for myeloid and lymphoid leukaemias. We review the features of Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. In addition, we discuss complications seen in patients being treated for leukaemia/lymphoma, including superior vena cava syndrome and tumour lysis syndrome.

Venous Thrombosis

Venous thrombosis assessment and management, as well as management of bleeding in patients on anticoagulation.