Horrible Histories – The Dance Plague of 1518

June 1, 2015

Medieval Dance Fever The year was 1518. Dancing mania is at hold in the Holy Roman Empire city of Strasbourg. Part of modern France, Strasbourg is an important seat of government in European politics. Over the years this bizarre phenomenon of ‘sporadic dancing’, allegedly involving over 400 people, has also been referred to as “Dancing Plague” and “Saint Vitus’ Dance”. The dancing outbreak … More Horrible Histories – The Dance Plague of 1518

We Suck – 6 Tips for Controlling Pain in the Emergency Department

May 14, 2015

Bloody Pain Management! I was thinking today we suck at pain management.  I can definitely manage this patient’s pain better.  So why don’t I?  Why do I struggle to manage my patient’s analgesia? Am I too busy? What’s the problem? Why does my medical student think giving pain relief is a bad idea? If this is an issue … More We Suck – 6 Tips for Controlling Pain in the Emergency Department

Emergency Intubation and Airway Management

April 3, 2015

Making Emergency Intubation Safer   The ideal emergency intubation should have first pass success, no desaturation (as far as possible) and minimal haemodynamic compromise as the result of the use of drugs or the trauma of laryngoscopy. Training, procedural technique and standardisation of the process can all help with achieving safe intubation. So, how do … More Emergency Intubation and Airway Management