Cardiac Arrest in pregnancy affects around 1: 12-30,000 women in the developed world.

As you’d expect the risk of death for mother and child is extremely high, but some causes of arrest are reversible and we can make a real impact with our care and treatment of these cases

Now it goes without saying that these are some of the most emotive, complex and technically challenging Resuscitations that you could think to be involved in; by definition young female arrest with unborn babies involved.

Thankfully this is not going to be a case that many of us see, but with the stakes so high and potential to impact on the outcome of two patients, it’s an area that’s worth real consideration, preparation and mental rehearsal in case we are one of the few that may need to deal with it!

In this episode we’re going to run through all the same stuff that you’d expect; pathophysiology of pregnancy, aetiology and the way in which we should approach these arrests. But then we’re lucky enough to be joined by Caroline Leech, an EM and Prehospital doctor who’s an expert in the area having just published a key paper that’s prompted loads of discussion in crew room and online on the topic of maternal arrest and Resuscitative Hysterotomy which will really challenges our perception on survival for both mum and the unborn baby if a RH is indicated.

So we’ll be running through that paper with some really valuable insights from Caroline and wrap up with some questions to her exploring experience from cases, along with potential strategies for how approach and manage these cases for those working both in prehospital and in-hospital settings.

Once again we’d love to hear any thoughts or feedback either on the website or via X @TheResusRoom!

Simon, Rob & James

Welcome back to February 2025's papers podcast!

This month we're exploring papers on seizure management, oxygen strategies in trauma, along with transfusion strategies in patients with traumatic brain injuries.

First up we look at at a paper exploring the potential benefit of adding ketamine into the strategy for treating patients with status epilepticus. Does it help to more reliably terminate seizures and what can we take from the paper?

Trauma courses frequently mention the use of high flow oxygen in the management of trauma patients. But recent evidence in non-trauma patients has questioned whether we should be more targeted with oxygen therapy to optimise outcomes in other conditions. We take a look at an RCT looking to answer the question of which out of liberal or targeted oxygen therapy in trauma is the best approach.

Finally we look at another RCT, this time focussing on traumatic brain injury and the transfusion strategy we should take to those who are anaemic. This is a really interesting paper, with great methodology and a lot to talk about from the conclusion!

Welcome back to the first Roadside to Resus episode for 2025!!

In this episode, we’re diving into a seasonally appropriate, and really paediatric common presentation for anyone involved in emergency care….Bronchiolitis.

Now although it’s one of the most common respiratory illnesses affecting kids, bronchiolitis can easily cause confusion and concern around the severity of illness, whether to convey/admit/discharge, and also which treatments are indicated and which aren’t, including the perennially hot topic of bronchodilators.

In this episode we’re going to and delve into all of those aspects & explore the evidence and guidelines that are out there for bronchiolitis, including the NICE guidelines on the topic.

So, whether you're on the frontlines of paediatric emergency medicine or just brushing up on your knowledge, this episode…hopefully…will be packed with practical insights to enhance your care in those patients with bronchiolitis or even the differentials!

Once again we’d love to hear any thoughts or feedback either on the website or via X @TheResusRoom!

Simon, Rob & James