Doody's Review Service Review by Mark Bergstrand, MD(Regions Hospital and Level 1 Trauma Center)
This is the second edition of an emergency procedural refresher, initially published in 2007 and now updated with seven new chapters and additional pearls. Each of the 92 short chapters describes a single emergent procedure in brief, bullet-style text. This edition also includes access to an electronic version. The authors aim to provide a quick refresher on common (and a few not so common) procedures at the bedside. There is a clear market for a book of this type, both for providers who perform some of these procedures infrequently and for trainees looking for a quick reference just before attempting the procedure. Although written for anyone performing an emergency procedure, the book is aimed in particular at those who are already familiar with a procedure but need a quick refresher. This audience includes both trainees (residents, medical students) and staff physicians who seldom perform these tasks. Those who use these procedures frequently will likely find the information basic and those who are altogether unfamiliar may find details somewhat lacking. The book presents brief bullet-style descriptions of the steps involved for most common emergency department procedures , along with some limited pictures and/or diagrams. These are arranged by system/specialty type (e.g. respiratory, cardiac, musculoskeletal, trauma, pediatric, etc.). Examples of the breadth of procedures include common ones such as intubation, LPs, joint aspirations, fracture/dislocation reductions as well as less commonly performed shoulder dystocia reduction, thoracotomy, saphenous vein cutdown, and DPL. Each procedure includes a brief introduction, indications/contraindications, and quick review of relevant anatomical landmarks. Many (primarily elective) procedures include a risks/consent section suggesting topics to discuss when obtaining consent. This is followed by a list of required equipment for the technique, then the technique itself. Frequently, more than one possible technique/approach is discussed. Next is a section listing possible complications, followed by a nice section of pearls. All chapters include at least one or two color pictures and/or diagrams, though I would have appreciated more diagrams or pictures detailing landmarks and procedural steps. Using this book for about a month, I became more and more impressed. The chapters are short, easy to follow, and provide just the right amount of refresher. As noted previously, those who are completely unfamiliar with these procedures might want a more thorough explanation. I would love to see more diagrams/pictures detailing procedural landmarks and technique, and video tutorials would be a welcome addition to the ebook/app. Still, having the book easily accessible on my iPhone greatly enhances its usability. Overall, I would recommend it.