Essentials 1 The emergency department (ED) provides a rich learning environment despite the constraints of service provision and time pressure. 2 Understanding individual learners by exploring their prior experience and learning goals, then tailoring teaching to address these goals will…
Essentials 1 Check and follow the journal’s suggested format and length. Pay particular attention to the abstract, text and references. 2 Make sure that the objectives, methods, results and conclusions are logically consistent. 3 Be clear and concise. Introduction Sharing…
Essentials 1. Research projects should be designed and undertaken in a structured, predetermined fashion. 2. During the study design phase, assistance from a statistician is highly recommended. 3. The study protocol should be written in advance of data collection and…
Essentials 1 The majority of marine-related presentations can be effectively managed with attention to basic life support (BLS) and the provision of supportive therapy. This includes aggressive analgesia and meticulous wound management. 2 Pain associated with barbed fish stings can…
Essentials 1 Australasia has a number of venomous spiders, but the majority of bites cause only minor problems. 2 Redback spider (a widow spider) bite is the most common cause of medically significant human envenoming in Australia. It can cause…
Essentials 1 Exotic snakebite is a growing issue worldwide, especially with the growth in illegally held snakes. 2 Symptoms and signs may be different to those seen in Australian snakebites. 3 As many non-Australian snakes, especially the vipers, cause local…
Essentials 1 Australia has a number of medically important venomous snakes. All are elapids (front-fanged). New Zealand has no snakes of medical importance. 2 All patients giving a history of possible snakebite should be assessed and observed for at least…
Essentials 1 In overdose, any of the oral anticoagulants will elevate the international normalized ratio (INR), although not always in a direct dose-dependent manner. 2 Activated charcoal decreases the absorption following the ingestion of apixaban and is probably also effective…
Essentials 1 In overdose, chloroquine is a highly toxic drug with a high mortality rate. 2 Cardiac toxicity occurs early and may manifest before arrival at hospital. 3 Good supportive care and the use of adrenaline are the principles of…
Essentials Anticholinergic (anti-muscarinic) toxic syndrome Anticholinergic toxic syndrome (ACTS) occurs as a result of the blockade of post-synaptic muscarinic receptors and/or a reduction or inhibition of cholinergic transmission at muscarinic receptor sites by drugs. Serotonin toxicity Clonus (spontaneous, inducible and…