Emergency Medical Minute

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**Emergency Medical Minute**

Our near daily podcasts move quickly to reflect current events, are inspired by real patient care, and speak to the true nature of what it’s like to work in the Emergency Room or Pre-Hospital Setting. Each medical minute is recorded in a real emergency department, by the emergency physician or clinical pharmacist on duty – the ER is our studio and everything is live.

Latest Episodes:

Episode 962: HEART Score Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Contributor: Taylor Lynch, MD Educational Pearls:

How do we risk-stratify chest-pain patients?

One option is the HEART score
- This score predicts a patient's 6-week risk of a major adverse cardiac event.
  - Ex. Cath procedure, CABG, PCI, death
H stands for History
- Ask 1) Was the patient diaphoretic? 2) Did they have nausea and/or vomiting? 3) Did the pain radiate down the right or left arm? 4) Was it exertional?
- Yes to one = one point. Two or more = two points.
E stands for EKG
- One point for left ventricular hypertrophy, t-wave inversions, new bundle-branch blocks.
- No points for first degree AV block, benign early repolarization, or QT-prolongation
- Two points for ST-depression
A stands for Age
- >65 gets two points
- 45-64 gets one point
R stands for Risk factors
- Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, family history, smoking, previous MI, previous CABG, stroke, peripheral arterial disease
- 1-2 risk factors get 1 point
- More than two risk factors gets two points
T stands for Troponin
- 1-3x upper limit of normal gets one point
- >3x upper limit of normal gets two points
This gives you a score between zero and ten
- 0-3 points, patients have a ~2% chance of an adverse event
  - These patients likely go home
- 4-6 points, patients have a ~20% chance of an adverse event
  - These patients get admitted or expedited outpatient stress test/echo
- 7-10 points, patients have a ~60% chance of an adverse event
  - Admit and call cardiology.
  - These patients likely get catheterized

References

Backus BE, Six AJ, Kelder JC, Bosschaert MA, Mast EG, Mosterd A, Veldkamp RF, Wardeh AJ, Tio R, Braam R, Monnink SH, van Tooren R, Mast TP, van den Akker F, Cramer MJ, Poldervaart JM, Hoes AW, Doevendans PA. A prospective validation of the HEART score for chest pain patients at the emergency department. Int J Cardiol. 2013 Oct 3;168(3):2153-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.01.255. Epub 2013 Mar 7. PMID: 23465250.
Laureano-Phillips J, Robinson RD, Aryal S, Blair S, Wilson D, Boyd K, Schrader CD, Zenarosa NR, Wang H. HEART Score Risk Stratification of Low-Risk Chest Pain Patients in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ann Emerg Med. 2019 Aug;74(2):187-203. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2018.12.010. Epub 2019 Feb 2. PMID: 30718010.
https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/1752/heart-score-major-cardiac-events

Summarized by Jeffrey Olson, MS4 | Edited by Jorge Chalit, OMS4

Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/

Episode 961: Cell Phone Sign Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls:

A prospective study at the Mayo Clinic Rochester was conducted to examine whether patients actively using their phones on initial assessment in the ED was associated with higher discharge rates
The study included 292 patients, and only about 15% of patients were on their phone
- The patients on their phone tended to be a younger demographic
Scribes were trained to record the data during their shifts
The results did show that patients on their phone have a higher rate of discharge
- 94% chance of discharge if the patient is on their phone
- 64% chance of discharge if the patient is not on their phone
This concept can potentially contribute to improving triage decisions

References

Garcia SI, Jacobson A, Moore GP, Frank J, Gifford W, Johnson S, Lazaro-Paulina D, Mullan A, Finch AS. Airway, breathing, cellphone: a new vital sign? Int J Emerg Med. 2024 Nov 22;17(1):177. doi: 10.1186/s12245-024-00769-0. PMID: 39578750; PMCID: PMC11583604.

Summarized by Meg Joyce, MS2 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMS4

Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/

Episode 960: Frank's Sign - A Marker for Coronary Artery Disease Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

Contributor: Travis Barlock MD Educational Pearls

Frank's sign is a curious physical exam finding first described in the literature in 1973
- Bilateral earlobe creases are recognized as a marker of coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease
Some studies have found an increase in all-cause mortality in patients with bilateral diagonal earlobe creases
The pathophysiology is still not fully understood
- One 2020 study found histopathological changes associated with diagonal earlobe creases, potentially linking them via a model of hypoxia/reoxygenation

References

Elliott WJ, Karrison T. Increased all-cause and cardiac morbidity and mortality associated with the diagonal earlobe crease: a prospective cohort study. Am J Med. 1991;91(3):247-254. doi:10.1016/0002-9343(91)90123-f
Nazzal S, Hijazi B, Khalila L, Blum A. Diagonal Earlobe Crease (Frank's Sign): A Predictor of Cerebral Vascular Events. Am J Med. 2017;130(11):1324.e1-1324.e5. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.03.059
Stoyanov GS, Dzhenkov D, Petkova L, Sapundzhiev N, Georgiev S. The Histological Basis of Frank's Sign. Head Neck Pathol. 2021;15(2):402-407. doi:10.1007/s12105-020-01205-4

Summarized & Edited by Jorge Chalit, OMS4

Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/

Episode 959: The KLM Flight Disaster and Lessons in Healthcare Communication Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Contributor: Taylor Lynch, MD Educational Pearls:

The KLM Flight Disaster, also known as the Tenerife Airport Disaster, occurred on 27 March 1977. It involved the collision of two Boeing 747 passenger jets from KLM and Pan Am Airlines, resulting in 583 fatalities.

What fell through the cracks to cause this incident?

The captain of the KLM flight believed he had received clearance from air traffic control to take off, when in fact he had not.
This captain was one of the most senior pilots in the organization, and the culture often saw senior pilots as infallible and not to be questioned.
The co-pilot, who noticed improper communication resulting from power dynamics, did not assertively speak up.

What lessons can be taken from the tragedy and applied to healthcare?

Aviation and healthcare are both high-stakes industries that require extensive communication for the safety of passengers and patients.
Within medicine, an inherent hierarchy exists, and it is crucial not to let this hierarchy and perceived power imbalance prevent people from speaking up.
In healthcare, providers such as nurses, paramedics, and technicians may spend more time with patients and thus may notice warning signs earlier. It is imperative to foster a culture where they can speak up freely and without hesitation if something concerning is caught in a patient.

When might mistakes happen most often?

Hanna et al. found that radiological interpretation errors were more likely to occur later in shifts, peaking around the 10-to-12-hour mark.
Leviatan et al. found that medication prescription errors were more likely to occur by physicians working on 2nd and 3rd consecutive shifts.
Hendey et al. found medication ordering errors were higher on overnight and post-call shifts.
Gatz et al. found that surgical procedural complication rates are higher during the last 4 hours of a 12-hour shift.

In Short, Ends of shifts are when mistakes are most likely to occur.

Overall takeaway?

In a healthcare team, it is critical to look after each other regardless of years of experience or post-nominal letters, and speak up for patient safety. Making a special note that we may need to do so more towards the end of shifts, where we might not be at our sharpest.

References

Gatz JD, Gingold DB, Lemkin DL, Wilkerson RG. Association of Resident Shift Length with Procedural Complications. Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2021 Aug 1;61(2):189–97.
Hanna TN, Lamoureux C, Krupinski EA, Weber S, Johnson JO. Effect of Shift, Schedule, and Volume on Interpretive Accuracy: A Retrospective Analysis of 2.9 Million Radiologic Examinations. Radiology. 2018 Apr;287(1):205–12.
Hendey GW, Barth BE, Soliz T. Overnight and postcall errors in medication orders. Acad Emerg Med. 2005 Jul;12(7):629–34.
Leviatan I, Oberman B, Zimlichman E, Stein GY. Associations of physicians' prescribing experience, work hours, and workload with prescription errors. J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2021 Jun 12;28(6):1074–80.

Summarized by Dan Orbidan, OMS2 | Edited by Dan Orbidan & Jorge Chalit, OMS4

Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/

Episode 958: Intranasal Fentanyl May 26, 2025

Show notes

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls:

How do we take care of kids in severe pain?

There are many non-pharmacologic options for pain (i.e. ice, elevation) as well as more conventional medication options (i.e. acetaminophen, NSAIDS) but in severe pain stronger medications might be indicated.
These stronger medications include options such as IV morphine, a subdissociative dose of ketamine, as well as intranasal fentanyl.
Intranasal fentanyl has many advantages:
- Studies have shown it might be more effective early on in controlling pain, as in the first 15-20 minutes after administration, and then becomes equivalent to other pain control options
- Total adverse effects were also lower with IN fentanyl, including low rates of nausea and vomiting
- To administer, use the IV formulation with an atomizer and spray into the nose; therefore, you do not need an IV line
- Dose is 1-2 micrograms per kilogram, can be redosed once at 10 minutes.
Don't forget about gabapentinoids for neuropathic pain, muscle relaxants for muscle spasms, and nerve blocks when appropriate. (Disclaimer: muscle relaxers have not been well studied in children)

References

Alsabri M, Hafez AH, Singer E, Elhady MM, Waqar M, Gill P. Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal Fentanyl in Pediatric Emergencies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2024 Oct 1;40(10):748-752. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000003187. Epub 2024 Apr 11. PMID: 38713846.
Bailey B, Trottier ED. Managing Pediatric Pain in the Emergency Department. Paediatr Drugs. 2016 Aug;18(4):287-301. doi: 10.1007/s40272-016-0181-5. PMID: 27260499.
Hadland SE, Agarwal R, Raman SR, Smith MJ, Bryl A, Michel J, Kelley-Quon LI, Raval MV, Renny MH, Larson-Steckler B, Wexelblatt S, Wilder RT, Flinn SK. Opioid Prescribing for Acute Pain Management in Children and Adolescents in Outpatient Settings: Clinical Practice Guideline. Pediatrics. 2024 Sep 30:e2024068752. doi: 10.1542/peds.2024-068752. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39344439.

Summarized by Jeffrey Olson, MS4 | Edited by Jorge Chalit, OMS4

Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/

Episode 957: Cardiac Asthma May 19, 2025

Show notes

Contributor: Travis Barlock, MD Educational Pearls:

Wheezing is classically heard in asthma and COPD, but it can be the result of a wide range of processes that cause airflow limitation
- Narrowed bronchioles lead to turbulent airflow → creates the wheezing
Crackles (rales) suggest pulmonary edema which is often due to heart failure
Approximately 35% of heart failure patients have bronchial edema, which can also produce wheezing
COPD and heart failure can coexist in a patient, and both of these diseases can cause wheezing
- It's vital to differentiate whether the wheezing is due to the patient's COPD or their heart failure because the treatment differs
Diagnosing wheezing due to heart failure (cardiac asthma):
- Symptoms: orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
- Diagnostic tools: bedside ultrasound
- Treatment: diuresis and BiPAP for respiratory support
Not all wheezing is asthma
- Consider heart failure in the differential and tailor treatment accordingly

References 1. Buckner K. Cardiac asthma. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;33(1):35-44. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2012.10.012. Epub 2012 Dec 23. PMID: 23337063.

2. Hollingsworth HM. Wheezing and stridor. Clin Chest Med. 1987 Jun;8(2):231-40. PMID: 3304813.

Summarized by Meg Joyce, MS1 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMS3

Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/

Episode 956: Psychedelics and Risk of Schizophrenia May 12, 2025

Show notes

Contributor: Jorge Chalit-Hernandez, OMS3 Educational Pearls:

Psychedelics are being studied for their therapeutic effects in mental illnesses, including major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and many others
Classic psychedelics include compounds like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca
- MDMA and ketamine are often included in psychedelic research, but have a different mechanism of action than the others
- Their mechanism of action involves agonism of the 5HT2A receptor, among others
- Given their resurgence, there is an increase in recreational use of these substances
A recent study assessed the risks of recreational users developing subsequent psychotic disorders
- Individuals who visited the ED for hallucinogen use had a greater risk of being diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder in the following 3 years
- Hazard ratio (HR) of 21.32
- After adjustment for comorbid substance use and other mental illness, the hazard ratio was 3.53 - still a significant increase compared with the general population
- They also found an elevated risk for psychedelics when compared to alcohol (HR 4.66) and cannabis (HR 1.47)
The study did not assess whether patients received antipsychotics or other treatments in the ED

References

Lieberman JA. Back to the Future - The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(15):1460-1461. doi:10.1056/NEJMe2102835
Livne O, Shmulewitz D, Walsh C, Hasin DS. Adolescent and adult time trends in US hallucinogen use, 2002-19: any use, and use of ecstasy, LSD and PCP. Addiction. 2022;117(12):3099-3109. doi:10.1111/add.15987
Myran DT, Pugliese M, Xiao J, et al. Emergency Department Visits Involving Hallucinogen Use and Risk of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder. JAMA Psychiatry. 2025;82(2):142-150. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.3532

Summarized & Edited by Jorge Chalit, OMS3 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/

Episode 955: Cardiac Effects of COVID-19 May 05, 2025

Show notes

Contributor: Ricky Dhaliwal, MD Educational Pearls:

What factors are considered in a COVID-19 infection?

The viral load: Understood as the impact of SARS-CoV-2 viral particles infecting host cell tissue itself (utilizing ACE-2 receptors).
Pro-Inflammatory Response: Post-infection, the body's downstream systemic cytokine release (can be both normal or hyperactive, aka "cytokine storm").

What cardiac impacts have been observed with COVID-19?

Arrhythmias: The mechanism of COVID-19 infection and arrhythmias is believed to be multifactorial. However, evidence suggests T-cell-mediated toxicity and cytokine storm may contribute to cardiac myocyte damage, precipitating proarrhythmias instead of direct viral entry.
- Bradycardia: Increased prevalence in patients with severe COVID-19 infection, but not associated with increased adverse outcomes.
- Atrial Fibrillation: Most common cardiac complication and risk factor for worsened outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Biggest associated risk is strokes, and may require heightened monitoring and anticoagulation therapy to mitigate stroke risk.
Fibrosis of Cardiac Tissue: Similar to arrhythmias, believed to be inflammation-mediated in COVID-19. Fibrosis of cardiac tissue increases the risk that any arrhythmias that develop during infection may persist after the infection has resolved.
Ventricular damage: Also inflammation mediated by an active infection and contributes to myocarditis.
- No evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccination contributes to myocarditis.
Sinus node dysfunction induced by inflammation that may lead to or be similar to Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

Big takeaway?

Patients who have had or currently have COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing arrhythmias and sustaining them post-infection. However, a majority of patients will recover.
Due to atrial fibrillation being the most prevalent arrhythmia associated with COVID-19 infection, increased monitoring and potential anticoagulation therapy are required.

References

Gopinathannair R, Olshansky B, Chung MK, Gordon S, Joglar JA, Marcus GM, et al. Cardiac Arrhythmias and Autonomic Dysfunction Associated With COVID-19: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2024 Nov 19;150(21):e449–65.
Khan Z, Pabani UK, Gul A, Muhammad SA, Yousif Y, Abumedian M, et al. COVID-19 Vaccine-Induced Myocarditis: A Systemic Review and Literature Search. Cureus. 14(7):e27408.

Summarized by Dan Orbidan, OMS1 | Edited by Dan Orbidan & Jorge Chalit, OMS3

Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/

Episode 954: Combo Rescue Inhalers - New Guidelines Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD

Educational Pearls:

What is a Rescue Inhaler?

A rescue inhaler is a medication for people with asthma to quickly reverse the symptoms of an asthma attack.
Historically albuterol (Short Acting Beta Agonist (SABA)) monotherapy has been the mainstay rescue inhaler. This is because albuterol works fast and is relatively cheap. \n\n

What are Combination Rescue Inhalers?

Combination rescue inhalers contain a fast-acting bronchodilator as well as an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
The steroid helps to reduce some of the chronic airway inflammation that is worsening the asthma attack and can help to prevent future attacks
Examples include budesonide-formoterol and albuterol-budesonide
Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), states that combination therapy is now the preferred reliever for adults and adolescents with mild asthma

What are the drawbacks of Combination Rescue Inhalers?

These inhalers are generally more expensive than just using a SABA inhaler which can be a barrier for some people \n\n
Improper use can also lead to conditions like thrush due to the addition of the steroid

References

Krings JG, Beasley R. The Role of ICS-Containing Rescue Therapy Versus SABA Alone in Asthma Management Today. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2024 Apr;12(4):870-879. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.01.011. Epub 2024 Jan 17. PMID: 38237858; PMCID: PMC10999356.
Papi A, Chipps BE, Beasley R, Panettieri RA Jr, Israel E, Cooper M, Dunsire L, Jeynes-Ellis A, Johnsson E, Rees R, Cappelletti C, Albers FC. Albuterol-Budesonide Fixed-Dose Combination Rescue Inhaler for Asthma. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jun 2;386(22):2071-2083. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2203163. Epub 2022 May 15. PMID: 35569035.

Summarized by Jeffrey Olson, MS3 | Edited by Jorge Chalit, OMS3 \n\n

Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/

Episode 953: Penicillin Allergies Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

Contributor: Geoff Hogan MD

Educational Pearls:

Penicillin allergies are relatively uncommon despite their frequent reports

10% of the population reports a penicillin allergy but only 5% of these cases are clinically significant
90-95% of patients may tolerate a rechallenge after appropriate allergy evaluation

Penicillin Allergy Decision Rule (PEN-FAST) on MD Calc

Useful tool to assess patients for penicillin allergies
Five years or less since reaction = 2 points (even if unknown)
Anaphylaxis or angioedema OR Severe cutaneous reaction = 2 points
Treatment required for reaction (e.g. epinephrine) = 1 point (even if unknown)

A score of 0 on PEN-FAST indicates a less than 1% risk of a positive penicillin allergy test

A score of 1 or 2 indicates a 5% risk of a positive penicillin allergy test

A low score on PEN-FAST should prompt clinicians to proceed with the best empiric antibiotic for the patient's infection

References

Broyles AD, Banerji A, Barmettler S, et al. Practical Guidance for the Evaluation and Management of Drug Hypersensitivity: Specific Drugs [published correction appears in J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021 Jan;9(1):603. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.10.025.] [published correction appears in J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021 Jan;9(1):605. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.11.036.]. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020;8(9S):S16-S116. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.08.006
Piotin A, Godet J, Trubiano JA, et al. Predictive factors of amoxicillin immediate hypersensitivity and validation of PEN-FAST clinical decision rule [published correction appears in Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2022 Jun;128(6):740. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2022.04.005.]. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2022;128(1):27-32. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2021.07.005
Shenoy ES, Macy E, Rowe T, Blumenthal KG. Evaluation and Management of Penicillin Allergy: A Review. JAMA. 2019;321(2):188-199. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19283
Trubiano JA, Vogrin S, Chua KYL, et al. Development and Validation of a Penicillin Allergy Clinical Decision Rule. JAMA Intern Med. 2020;180(5):745-752. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.0403

Summarized & edited by Jorge Chalit, OMS3

Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/

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