RCEM Learning

This month for the March 2026 episode of the RCEM Learning Podcast Andy and Dave discuss ibuprofen and additional opiates in paediatric injury. Becky and Chris talk through an RCEM Best Practice Guideline on the management of sexual assault in the ED and Rob then talks with one of the authors, Maddy Dodds, about this guideline. As a TRIGGER WARNING, this does involve discussion around the topic of sexual assault. If you'd like to email us, please feel free to do so here. After listening, complete a short quiz to have your time accredited for CPD at the RCEMLearning website! (02:35) New in EM - Ibuprofen and additional opiates in paediatric injury Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) or Opioid Analgesia Added to Ibuprofen for Children's Musculoskeletal Injury: Two Randomized Clinical Trials (Ali et al., 2026) (19:15) Guidelines for EM - RCEM Best Practice Guideline for the Management of Sexual Assault in the ED RCEM Best Practice Guideline for the Management of Sexual Assault in the ED (2026) [PDF] (49:36) Sexual assault in the ED - Maddy Dodds RCEM Best Practice Guideline for the Management of Sexual Assault in the ED (2026) [PDF] Become a paid QI Fellow at RCEM - act now! RCEM Quality Fellow Job Description [Word]

Becky Maxwell, emergency clinician who co‑reviewed New Zealand chest injury guidance, and Chris Connolly, NZ emergency clinician familiar with local trauma systems, walk through a practical chest injury flowchart, imaging triggers, analgesia escalation and rural transfer considerations. Charlotte Underwood, EM trainee and researcher on gender disparities, discusses how gender influences assessment and analgesic decisions for abdominal pain.

Ben Clarke, a resident in Southeast Scotland specialising in emergency medicine and intensive care and TURN fellow, co-leads the UnCORKED TERN study. He discusses quantifying corridor and escalation-area care across UK EDs and why repurposed spaces matter for patient safety. Short segments also cover CT use in undifferentiated sepsis and bicarbonate use for severe metabolic acidaemia.

Discussion of a trial testing higher mean arterial pressure targets in older patients with septic shock. A year-end roundup of major 2025 guidelines including resuscitation, sepsis, obesity and ambulance/urgent care plans. Debate on routine prophylactic antibiotics for non-operative facial fractures based on a multicenter study. Highlights of new online CPD articles on normalization of deviance, child mental health, and rest and recovery.

Chris, clinical co-presenter who explains ESC atrial fibrillation guidance with practical ED approaches. Becky, clinician focusing on stroke prevention, anticoagulation and acute AF management. Dave, emergency clinician offering pragmatic evidence review. Andy, EM clinician critiquing recent literature. They discuss AI vs doctors for cath lab activations, ESC AF guideline practicalities, and as-needed albuterol–budesonide for asthma.

Matt Reed, Chair of the research committee at RCEM, discusses the highly anticipated Flagship Conference set for 2026. He shares insights on integrating scientific presentations with interactive simulations. The conversation also covers the latest guidelines for managing acute coronary syndrome and atrial fibrillation, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices and community health. Reed highlights innovative formats for conferences that promote participant engagement and professional development in emergency medicine.

In this lively discussion, experts dive into the role of parental concern in predicting pediatric critical illness, highlighting its impact on clinical decision-making. They also tackle the management of acute behavioral issues in children, emphasizing de-escalation techniques. Additionally, the conversation shifts to innovative approaches in clearing pediatric C-spine injuries with CT imaging. Listeners gain insights into the importance of thorough documentation and collaborative care in high-risk scenarios, all while exploring the latest in emergency medicine research.

In this engaging discussion, guest Dave McCreary, an emergency medicine expert, delves into the intricacies of HALO procedures. He shares insights on the impact of pre-hospital resuscitative thoracotomy for traumatic cardiac arrest, revealing impressive survival outcomes linked to timely interventions. The conversation shifts to managing acute behavioral disturbances, emphasizing effective communication and de-escalation techniques for volatile patients. Additionally, Dave reviews the promising results of resuscitative hysterotomies, shedding light on maternal and neonatal outcomes in critical scenarios.

In this episode, a systematic review reveals that metoprolol may have fewer adverse effects than diltiazem for treating atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. The hosts explore new guidelines for managing suspected poisoning in the emergency department, emphasizing a structured assessment approach. Practical tips for handling toxicology in adolescents are shared, along with humorous anecdotes. The conversation wraps up by highlighting new medical articles that cover crucial topics such as urgent eye conditions and informed consent.

Maegan Ladell, a pediatric emergency medicine physician and patient safety researcher, shares her insights on fostering a culture of patient safety. She delves into the complexities of diagnostic errors, emphasizing the influence of hindsight bias in high-stakes decision-making. Ladell critiques traditional error analysis methods and advocates for a systems-thinking approach that considers the interplay of human behavior and healthcare systems. This engaging discussion highlights the necessity for a more nuanced understanding of medical errors to improve patient care in emergency settings.