Suspected Pulmonary Embolism in the ED: A Simple Diagnostic Algorithm
A practical approach to suspected pulmonary embolism in the ED: assess stability, estimate pretest probability, and select PERC, a D-dimer strategy, or direct imaging.
When the Ultrasound Probe Becomes a Badge
Holding an ultrasound probe is only the beginning. A reflection on peer influence, supervised learning, honest uncertainty, and building a POCUS culture that improves decisions for patients.
Etomidate in the ED and ICU: Hemodynamic Stability Does Not Mean a Stable Intubation
Etomidate may preserve blood pressure better during induction, but it cannot protect a patient from the physiology of intubation. A practical ED and ICU guide to dosing, adrenal suppression, hemodynamic risk, and post-intubation sedation.
Cardiac POCUS: From Basic Views to Bedside Hemodynamics
A step-by-step cardiac POCUS guide for the ED and ICU, from basic views to Doppler and bedside hemodynamics, with practical videos, images, measurement techniques, and clinical pitfalls.
Contrast Media in the Emergency Department: A Practical Guide
A practical, evidence-based guide to contrast reactions, kidney risk, premedication, metformin, fasting, extravasation, pregnancy, gadolinium, and urgent imaging decisions in the emergency department.
Cardiac POCUS: Before You Interpret the Heart, Trust the View
Cardiac POCUS is only useful when the imaging plane is valid. Learn practical corrections for subcostal, PLAX, PSAX, apical, and IVC views before interpreting physiology.
Before You Trust the ECG: A 15-Second Lead-Misplacement Check
Before acting on an unexpected ECG, run a 15-second lead-placement check: Lead I, aVR, V1–V4, then the patient. A practical ED checklist for avoiding lead-reversal errors.
Oxygen and Defibrillation: Should You Remove the Mask Before the Shock?
Should oxygen be moved before defibrillation? This practical review compares ERC 2025, AHA 2025, and new 2026 evidence, then gives a bedside sequence that reduces fire risk without delaying the shock.
Chest Pain, Positive Troponin, and a Difficult ECG
A practical emergency medicine case about chest pain, a positive troponin, and a difficult ECG—showing how to treat ACS risk while the final diagnosis remains uncertain.
Differential Diagnosis of ST Elevation Patterns
By Dr. Abdolghader Pakniyat, peer reviewed by Dr. Sabrina Berdouk ST-segment elevation is an ECG finding—not a diagnosis. The ST elevation differential diagnosis includes acute coronary occlusion, electrolyte disorders, conduction abnormalities, inflammatory disease and other ECG patterns. This guide uses the ELEVATIONS mnemonic and a practical emergency department approach to identify important clues without delaying […]
Understanding RUSH 2.0: Advanced Shock Evaluation
By Abdolghader Pakniyat, peer-reviewed by Dr. Sabrina Berdouk. The traditional RUSH examination gave emergency physicians a rapid way to evaluate undifferentiated hypotension. Its main strength was speed: identify major obstructive, cardiogenic, or hypovolemic causes before the patient deteriorated further. RUSH 2.0 expands that concept. This article explains Scott Weingart’s 2026 EMCrit educational framework; the linked […]
Emergency Airway Management: Preparation and Plans A–D
Emergency airway management is not simply a procedure. It is a physiologic transition under time pressure. I need to preserve oxygen delivery while creating a secure airway. That distinction matters. A tracheal tube is one way to oxygenate. A supraglottic airway can oxygenate. A two-person bag-mask technique can oxygenate. A front-of-neck airway can oxygenate when […]