Quick Reference Material

ED staff work as a team—thank members appropriately

Always listen to nagging doubts

Do not work beyond your expertise: when in doubt, seek senior advice

If someone gives you advice, record what it was and who gave it

Referral means referral and is usually a one-way process

When making notes, write legibly, record times and print your name

Always record what explanation and advice you give

Avoid giving an opinion outside your expertise

Always re-check drug doses (especially in children)

Beware patients who are ‘handed over’ to you

Treat patients as you would want to be treated

Treat the patient (not just the investigation result)

Do not bring patients back for a second opinion—get a first opinion

Discuss with a senior if contemplating breaking patient confidentiality

If a patient has ↓ GCS, check BMG

Glass + skin wound = X-ray

Beware using tourniquets on digits and limbs

Check visual acuity for all eye problems

X-ray high velocity eye injuries (eg hammering)

Always check/document anatomical snuffbox tenderness in wrist injuries

‘Worst headache ever’ mandates exclusion of subarachnoid haemorrhage

Call an anaesthetist early in possible airway burns

Never assume ↓ GCS is due to alcohol alone (especially with head injury)

Admit patients with even minor head injury and no one at home

Admit patients with minor head injury if they take anticoagulants

Bleeding disorder + injury = discuss with a haematologist

Do not place chest tubes through stab or bullet wounds

Take it seriously if a parent says their baby (or child) is simply ‘not right’

Consider meningococcal disease with unexplained skin rashes

Consider NAI in atypical paediatric presentations

If NAI is a possibility, inform a senior and/or specialist at once

Do not try to age bruises

Ask about allergies before giving drugs

Do not try to ‘work through’ illness

If you feel yourself becoming angry, take a deep breath and a short break

If a fellow professional is rude, it may reflect stress on their part

Each time you see a new condition, read up about it