The incidence of opioid-associated out-of-hospital cardiac arrests continues to rise. Current guidelines for the resuscitation of patients with OHCA advise the clinician to consider the administration of naloxone of patients with suspected opioid-associated OHCA. In this podcast, we review a recenlty published study in JAMA that evaluated the assoc…

Timely administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics is a critical pillar in the resuscitation of patients with sepsis. B-lactam antibiotics are an important class of antibiotics commonly administered to patients with sepsis. Typically, B-lactam antibiotics are administered over 30 minutes, but optimal bactericidal activity requires the concentratio…

Patients with COVID-19 can require supplemental oxygen for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. While international guidelines recommend a target SpO2 between 90-96%, a safe oxygenation strategy has not been identified. In this podcast, we discuss the recently published HOT-COVID Trial, which compared a lower oxygenation strategy with a higher oxyg…

Over 1 million critically ill patients are intubated each year in the US. Hypoxemia occurs in up to 20% of patients and can lead to peri-intubation cardiovascular collapse and cardiac arrest. As such, adequate and appropriate preoxygenation is critical in increasing the safe apnea time and decreasing the risk of hypoxemia. At present, the majority …

Timely and appropriate administration of empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics for adult patients with sepsis is critical. Current guidelines recommend an antipseudomonal antibiotic for those at risk of a resistant gram-negative organism. The two most common antipseudomonal antibiotics prescribed in this setting are cefepime and piperacillin-tazobacta…

In recent years, there has been intense focus on delivering high-quality compressions during the resuscitation of patients with OHCA. In contrast, ventilation metrics in OHCA resuscitation have not been well studied. In this podcast, we discuss a recent publication from Circulation that evaluated ventilation waveforms during OHCA resuscitation and …

Critically ill patients commonly develop a dysregulated inflammatory response. Corticosteroids are hypothesized to be beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory properties. In recent years, several studies have been published on the use of corticosteroids in select critical illnesses. In this podcast, we review a recently published clinical update o…

In this podcast we review a few key articles from the 2023 critical care, emergency medicine, and resuscitation literature that pertain to our care of the critically ill ED patient.Critical Care Perspectives in Emergency Medicine

Acute mental status changes after the ingestion of alcohol or other substances are a common presentation to the ED. Those with severe obtundation may require intubation for airway protection while the substance metabolizes. In fact, more than 20,000 patients are intubated each year in the United States for acute poisoning or intoxication. Notwithst…

REBOA is a relatively new and novel technique that in animal studies has demonstrated benefit in controlling hemorrhage. However, the evidence for the efficacy of REBOA in humans remains scant. In this podcast, we discuss the recently published UK-REBOA Trial, which randomized patients to receive REBOA with standard care compared to those randomize…

RSI is one of the most common procedures in critically ill patients. Despite its frequency, there remains significant practice variation on numerous aspects of RSI in the critically ill. In this podcast, we review pertinent recommendations from the recently published SCCM Guidelines on RSI in the critically ill patient.…

Care of the patient with ROSC following OHCA can be complex and typically includes a protocolized approach to optimizing oxygenation, ventilation, hemodynamics, early cardiac catheterization for patients with STEMI, seizure detection, and possibly TTM. In this podcast, we review two recent articles that focused on the use of mild hypercapnia compar…

Central venous catheter (CVC) placement is common in critically ill patients for a variety of indications. Thrombocytopenia is also quite common in critically ill patients. Unfortunately, literature and guideline recommendations vary on the threshold for prophylactic platelet transfusion in patients undergoing a procedure. In this podcast we discus…

Over 1 million critically ill patients undergo intubation each year in the United States. Though direct laryngoscopy remains the most common technique worldwide for intubation, the use of video laryngoscopy has significantly increased. Studies evaluating video to direct laryngoscopy have thus far produced mixed results. In this podcast, we review t…

Both etomidate and propofol are commonly used sedative agents in critically ill patients. Recent literature has suggested that these agents may result in increased harm and mortality. In this podcast, we discuss the most recent two systematic reviews and meta-analyses that evaluated etomidate and propofol in critically ill patients. Do we need to c…

The use of steroids in patients with sepsis and septic shock has been controversial for decades. At present, the Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends the administration of corticosteroids to patients with persistent shock despite fluid and vasopressor administration. In recent years, several trials have evaluated the addition of fludrocortisone, a …

In recent years, numerous trials have investigated the administration of corticosteroids in patients with pneumonia and have produced mixed results. In this podcast, we discuss the latest randomized trial, the CAPE COD trial, that evaluated whether the administration of hydrocortisone to ICU patients with severe CAP reduced mortality. Is this a …

In recent years, several single center trials have demonstrated positive outcomes in patients with OHCA randomized to receive ECPR compared with patients who received standard resuscitation.  Not surprisingly, these single center studies have limitations that impact the generalizability of these results.  In the current podcast, we discuss the …

Intravenous fluid (IVF) administration is a central tenet to the resuscitation of patients with sepsis and sepsis-induced hypotension. At present, the administration of large volumes of IVF is common, though based on low quality of evidence. In this podcast, we review and interpret the recently published CLOVERS Trial, which compared the use of a l…

Given the increase in critically ill patients who present to the ED in need of resuscitation, along with the increase in those who board in the ED awaiting an ICU bed, it is imperative that the emergency physician be knowledgeable about recent literature in resuscitation and critical care medicine. In this podcast, we discuss important articles pub…

More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur each year in North America. Approximately 100,000 of these arrests are due to shockable rhythms. Unfortunately, many patients have refractory ventricular fibrillation and do not respond to many attempts at standard defibrillation. In this podcast, we discuss a recent study that evaluated double sequential …

Approximately 3 million critically ill patients are intubated and initiated on mechanical ventilation each year in the United States. A critical component of mechanical ventilation is the adjustment of FiO2 to maintain adequate arterial oxygen saturation.  However, the optimal oxygenation target in critically ill adult patients receiving mechanic…

The emergency department resuscitation of patients with sepsis focuses on early recognition, timely administration of appropriate antibiotics, appropriate fluid resuscitation, early vasopressor initiation for patients with sepsis-induced hypoperfusion, and hemodynamic monitoring. Source control is also an important component in the resuscitation of…

The care of patients with return of spontaneous circulation following cardiac arrest centers on optimizing oxygenation and ventilation, optimizing hemodynamics, identifying patients that require immediate coronary angiography, detecting seizures, and targeted temperature management.  In recent years, numerous articles have evaluated various compo…

The care of patients with return of spontaneous circulation following cardiac arrest centers on optimizing oxygenation and ventilation, optimizing hemodynamics, identifying patients that require immediate coronary angiography, detecting seizures, and targeted temperature management.  In recent years, numerous articles have evaluated various compo…

Approximately 2 million adult patients undergo intubation in the United States each year. Hypotension and cardiovascular collapse may occur in up to 40% of critically ill patients in the ICU who undergo intubation. Guidelines and expert recommendations often suggest the administration of IVFs during RSI to prevent cardiovascular collapse. Howeve…

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is now more common than open surgical replacement and may be associated with lower mortality. Given the significant increase in TAVRs it is imperative to be knowledgeable on the complications that may occur following TAVR and result in patients presenting to acute care settings for evaluation and treatment. …

IVF administration is central to the management of patients with sepsis. Though the Surviving Sepsis Campaign recently downgraded its recommendation on the amount of initial fluid administration, there are currently no recommendations on a fluid strategy for septic patients who continue to demonstrate hypoperfusion after the initial fluid bolus. In…

Approximately 2 million patients present each year to EDs in the United States for acute asthma exacerbations. Of these, up to 50,000 may require ICU admission for continued care and resuscitation. The management of critically ill asthmatic patients can be fraught with peril. In this podcast we discuss the assessment and management of patients pres…

In a recent podcast we reviewed the ARREST Trial, which demonstrated significant improvement in survival among OHCA patients at a single center randomized to ECPR and early coronary angiography upon arrival. In this podcast we discuss the latest trial to investigate whether a bundle of early transport, ECPR, and coronary angiography improves favo…

Though low-tidal volume ventilation has been shown to decreased mortality in patients with ARDS, the use of these settings in mechanically ventilated ED patients has been variable. In this podcast, we discuss a recent systematic review that examined the effect of low-tidal volume ventilation in the ED on clinical outcomes including mortality, leng…

Though we've discussed the use of balanced solutions in the resuscitation of critically ill patients numerous times on CCPEM, the literature remains controversial with mixed results as to which IVFs are superior. In this podcast, we discuss the latest randomized trial, the PLUS Study, comparing the use of balanced multielectrolyte solution and 0.9%…

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) is a potentially life-threatening hyperglycemic emergency that has a mortality that can be 10 times as high compared with patients who have diabetic ketoacidosis. Resuscitation of these complex patients can be fraught with peril and result in patient harm and poor outcomes. In this podcast, we discuss the i…

Etomidate and ketamine are frequently used for RSI in critically ill patients. Recent articles have raised concern about an increased incidence of post-intubation hypotension in patients who receive ketamine for RSI. Notwithstanding, is either agent superior for RSI in the critically ill? In this podcast we discuss the recently published EvK tri…

While COVID continued to be predominant in 2021, a number of important articles that pertained to various aspects of critical care and resuscitation were published. In this podcast, we review a few important trials that were published in 2021 and their impact upon the management of select critical illnesses.…

Resuscitating the sick patient and providing ongoing critical care is incredibly challenging in critical access locations and resource limited EDs. In this podcast, we interview Dr. Eric Klotz who has runs a hugely successful mobile critical care team that provides ongoing critical care and resuscitation to patients requiring transfer from resource…

In this podcast we are joined by EM/CCM superstars Dr. Gabe Wardi and Dr. Kit Tainter, who discuss the physiologic effects of metabolic acidosis, the rationale for sodium bicarbonate administration, and its use in select critical illness states. An awesome podcast to start of 2022!Critical Care Perspectives in Emergency Medicine

More than 1.5 million patients are intubated each year in the United States. In up to 20% of patients, the first attempt at intubation is not successful and places patients at risk for peri-intubation cardiovascular collapse and death. In recent years, many providers have used the bougie as either a rescue device for failed attempts or during the i…

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect millions of patients worldwide.  While the majority of children have milder illness compared with adults, some develop multisystem inflammatory syndrome with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality.  In this podcast, we discuss a recent review article on MIS-C as it pertains to the pediatric p…

Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening electrolyte disorder that is commonly encountered in the ED and ICU. In this podcast we review the latest evidence in the management of hyperkalemia based on a recently published consensus-based panel. https://ccpem.blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CCPEM-Hyperkalemia-in-the-Emergency-Department.pdf…

In 2009 and 2013 investigators published studies that demonstrated improved outcomes in patients with IHCA who received vasopressin and steroids in addition to epinephrine. However, both US and European cardiac arrest guidelines have not endorsed these medications due to lack of additional evidence. In this podcast we discuss the recently publish…

Hemodynamic management of patients with cardiogenic shock centers on vasopressors, inotropes, and mechanical circulatory devices. With respect to inotropic medications, there is little data to guide optimal management and selection of agents. In this podcast we discuss the results of a recent trial that compared milrinone with dobutamine for pati…

The COACT trial demonstrated no improvement in 90-day mortality for post-arrest patients without evidence of an ST-segment elevation MI who were randomized to immediate or delayed coronary angiography. However, the COACT Trial included only OHCA with a shockable rhythm and overall had a very low number of patients that had an acute thrombus at the…

The administration of IVFs is nearly universal in critically ill patients. In recent years, several studies have suggested improved outcomes with the use of balanced crystalloids solutions in contrast to 0.9% NS. In this podcast, we discuss the recently published BaSICS Trial that evaluated Plasma-Lyte 148 with 0.9% NS in critically ill patients. D…

Traumatic hemothorax has traditionally been treated with a large bore thoracostomy to prevent retained hemothorax and morbidity. In this podcast we discuss the results of a recent study on the use of small bore thoracostomy (pigtail catheters) for the treatment of traumatic hemothorax.Critical Care Perspectives in Emergency Medicine

Ventilated ED patients may be at high risk for awareness with paralysis, thereby increasing the risk of long-term psychological sequelae. In this podcast, we discuss the results of the recently published ED-AWARENESS Study and its implications for managing the ventilated ED patient.Critical Care Perspectives in Emergency Medicine

Current international guidelines recommend TTM for adult patients with ROSC from OHCA who remain comatose or unable to follow verbal commands. However, the overall level of evidence for this recommendation remains of low certainty. In this podcast, we discuss the results of the recently published TTM2 Trial and its implications on the management …

More than 3 million patients develop ARDS each year across the globe. Like any therapy, mechanical ventilation can induce further lung injury and cause patient harm if misapplied. In this podcast we bring you up to speed on the latest, evidence-based titration of mechanical ventilation in patients with ARDS.…

Over 80% of patients with sepsis receive care in the ED. Despite evidence demonstrating the benefits of ED sepsis resuscitation, there remains significant controversies on many aspects of ED sepsis care. In this podcast, we are joined by EM/CCM extraordinaire Dr. Gabe Wardi, who discuss an upcoming article on ED sepsis resuscitation that will have …

Airway guru Dr. Ken Butler joins us for this podcast to discuss some great pearls and pitfalls in intubating patients with physiologic derangements that place that at high-risk for peri-intubation catastrophes. If you intubate patients in your ED you simply CAN'T miss this episode!Critical Care Perspectives in Emergency Medicine