Category Procedures / Tips

Calculating Dose for Local Anesthetics

Calculating Local Anesthetic Dose

We do complex mathematics every time we evaluate a patient. Risk:Benefit ratios, Odds Ratios and Likelihood Ratios quickly get weighed and measured. Sometimes, however, simple math problems can trip us up (ok… at least trip me up). This is why…

Subgaleal Hematoma from Hair Braiding

Subgaleal Hematoma and Hair Braiding

The diversity of complaints and presentations in the ED keeps us on our toes and requires our continued vigilance. It is not uncommon for me to say, “I did not know that that could happen” during a shift. While we…

Pediatric Trauma Pitfalls

Pediatric Trauma Pitfalls

School is out and Summer is in full swing (at least up here in the Northern Hemisphere) and that means … more pediatric trauma (sadly)! Pediatric Trauma can be very challenging to manage for numerous reasons (many that we have…

Sentinel Bruising & Abusive Injury

Sentinel Bruising and Abusive Injury

A common theme amongst the Ped EM Morsels is remaining vigilant while maintaining a reasonable approach to the care of children. Many devastating conditions can be quite subtle in their initial presentation. Last week, a prior PEM graduate from Carolinas…

Ketamine and Propofol (Ketofol) for Pediatric Sedation

Ketamine and Propofol (Ketofol)

Keeping children comfortable benefits everyone! Patients have less pain and psychological trauma. Their families think you are amazing and… your procedure is easier to do when not also performing professional wrestling maneuvers. Honestly, a successful procedural sedation is one of…

External Ear Lacerations

Ear Lacerations

Lacerations and injuries are pervasive in the Pediatric ED. While lacerations on the arms and legs deserve consideration (at least consideration of whehter they need tetanus prevention?), facial lacerations will often attract a lot of attention. We have discussed other…

Upside Down Vagal Maneuver for SVT

Upside Down Vagal Maneuver

Cardiac arrhythmias and conditions in children certainly warrant our concern. The entire clinical spectrum is challenging to evaluate and manage; from the subtle presentation of heart failure or overt shock. Additionally, management may also warrant concern for other important diagnoses…