
1.3M
Downloads
272
Episodes
A UK based Emergency Medicine podcast for anyone who works in emergency care. The St Emlyn ’s team are all passionate educators and clinicians who strive to bring you the best evidence based education. Our four pillars of learning are evidence-based medicine, clinical excellence, personal development and the philosophical overview of emergency care. We have a strong academic faculty and reputation for high quality education presented through multimedia platforms and articles. St Emlyn’s is a name given to a fictionalised emergency care system. This online clinical space is designed to allow clinical care to be discussed without compromising the safety or confidentiality of patients or clinicians.
Episodes

Monday Oct 14, 2019
Ep 148 - CRASH-3
Monday Oct 14, 2019
Monday Oct 14, 2019
The CRASH-3 Trial: Revolutionizing Head Injury Management with Tranexamic Acid
The CRASH-3 trial, a landmark study in the field of emergency medicine, has brought significant attention to the potential role of tranexamic acid (TXA) in managing traumatic brain injury (TBI). As one of the largest randomized controlled trials ever conducted on head injury patients, its findings could reshape clinical practices globally, particularly in the pre-hospital and emergency department settings.
Overview of the CRASH-3 Trial
The CRASH-3 trial was designed to assess the efficacy of TXA in reducing mortality among patients with traumatic brain injury. TXA is an antifibrinolytic agent commonly used to prevent excessive bleeding in various medical scenarios, such as trauma, surgery, and postpartum hemorrhage. The question posed by CRASH-3 was whether TXA could also reduce deaths in patients who had suffered a TBI, a question that had remained unanswered despite the success of the CRASH-2 trial in managing extracranial bleeding.
Patient Population and Inclusion Criteria
The trial focused on adults aged 16 years and older who had sustained a traumatic brain injury. To be included, patients needed to have either a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 12 or lower or a positive CT scan indicating intracranial bleeding. Notably, patients with significant extracranial bleeding were excluded from the trial to specifically measure the effect of TXA on TBI outcomes.
A critical aspect of the trial was the timing of TXA administration. Initially, the protocol allowed TXA to be administered within eight hours of injury. However, as data from other studies like the WOMAN trial and CRASH-2 became available, suggesting that the benefits of TXA diminish after three hours, the protocol was adjusted. This change meant that the majority of patients received TXA within three hours of injury, a key factor in the study's final analysis.
Key Findings of the CRASH-3 Trial
The CRASH-3 trial enrolled 12,737 patients across 29 countries, making it one of the most extensive studies of its kind. The primary outcome measured was all-cause mortality at 28 days post-injury. The results showed that overall mortality was slightly lower in the TXA group (18.5%) compared to the placebo group (19.8%), although this difference was not statistically significant.
However, a pre-specified subgroup analysis provided more compelling evidence. When patients with a GCS of 3 and bilateral unreactive pupils (indicating very severe brain injury) were excluded, TXA demonstrated a more significant benefit. In this subgroup, the mortality rate was 12.5% in the TXA group versus 14% in the placebo group, a statistically significant reduction with a relative risk of 0.89. This finding suggests that TXA is particularly beneficial for patients with moderate head injuries (GCS 9-15) who are more likely to survive if bleeding is controlled.
Number Needed to Treat (NNT)
One of the critical metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of a treatment is the number needed to treat (NNT). In the CRASH-3 trial, the NNT was 67, meaning that 67 patients would need to be treated with TXA to save one additional life at 28 days post-injury. For comparison, the NNT for aspirin in acute myocardial infarction is about 42, which is widely regarded as highly effective. An NNT of 67 is therefore quite favorable in the context of emergency medicine, particularly for a condition as serious as traumatic brain injury.
Timing of Administration
The CRASH-3 trial strongly reinforced the importance of administering TXA as early as possible after a head injury. The data indicated a 10% reduction in TXA’s effectiveness for every 20-minute delay in patients with mild to moderate head injury. This underscores the need for TXA to be administered in the pre-hospital setting, ideally by paramedics at the scene or en route to the hospital. Delaying treatment until after arrival at the emergency department or after conducting a CT scan may significantly reduce the drug's benefits.
Implications for Clinical Practice
The results of the CRASH-3 trial suggest that TXA should be considered for all patients with moderate traumatic brain injury, particularly those with a GCS of 9 to 15 and confirmed intracranial bleeding. For patients with severe head injuries (GCS of 8 or less, or with bilateral unreactive pupils), the benefits of TXA are less clear, likely due to the severity of the primary brain injury.
Given the trial’s findings, it is recommended that TXA be integrated into clinical protocols for the management of head injuries. This is especially relevant in pre-hospital care, where early intervention is possible. TXA should be administered as soon as possible after the injury occurs, particularly in cases where a significant delay in getting to the hospital is expected.
Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility
Another important aspect of TXA is its cost-effectiveness. In the UK, a 1-gram dose of TXA costs approximately £1, making it an affordable treatment option for healthcare systems worldwide. This low cost makes TXA a viable option not only in high-income countries but also in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare resources are often limited. Given its affordability and the potential to save lives, TXA is an attractive option for widespread use in managing traumatic brain injury globally.
Considerations for Special Populations
Although the CRASH-3 trial focused on adults, there is a strong rationale for extending its findings to pediatric patients. The physiology of traumatic brain injury in children is similar to that in adults, and there is no evidence to suggest that TXA would act differently in a younger population. As such, it would be reasonable to use TXA in children with TBI, following the same dosing guidelines adjusted for body weight.
Future Directions: Intramuscular TXA and Beyond
While CRASH-3 has provided valuable insights, research into TXA’s potential uses continues. One area of interest is the development of intramuscular (IM) TXA, which could be particularly useful in pre-hospital settings where intravenous (IV) access is challenging. The possibility of an auto-injector for TXA is also being explored, which could simplify administration and further broaden its use, especially in resource-limited settings.
Conclusion: Implementing CRASH-3 Findings in Practice
The CRASH-3 trial marks a significant advancement in our approach to treating traumatic brain injury. The evidence strongly supports the use of TXA, particularly in patients with moderate head injuries who receive the drug within three hours of injury. TXA is safe, cost-effective, and easy to administer, making it a valuable tool in both pre-hospital and hospital settings.
The implementation of CRASH-3’s findings into clinical practice could save thousands of lives annually, particularly in settings where early intervention is possible. As the emergency medicine community, we must act swiftly to incorporate these findings into our protocols and training, ensuring that TXA is used effectively to improve outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injury worldwide.

Sunday Oct 06, 2019
Ep 147 - August 2019 Round Up
Sunday Oct 06, 2019
Sunday Oct 06, 2019
A Comprehensive Review of St Emlyn’s Blog: August 2019 Highlights
Welcome to St Emlyn’s blog and podcast, where we reflect on the key topics and research from August 2019. In this review, we’ll explore the most impactful discussions and studies, providing valuable insights for emergency medicine professionals. From managing lower GI bleeding and addressing climate change in anaesthesia to examining PTSD in emergency services and the future of diagnostics, this post summarizes essential takeaways that are shaping our field.
Managing Lower GI Bleeding in the Emergency Department
One of the significant topics covered was the management of acute lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, a common but challenging condition in the emergency department (ED). The complexity of managing these cases often lies in determining the correct priority of care, appropriate management strategies, and even the correct speciality for handling these patients.
We reviewed a consensus guideline from the British Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, published in Gut, which offers practical recommendations for the diagnosis and management of acute lower GI bleeds. The guideline emphasizes the importance of using stratification tools to distinguish between stable and unstable patients, which can help streamline management in the ED.
For stable patients, the Oakland score is recommended. This scoring system helps identify which patients can be safely managed on an outpatient basis, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions. Conversely, patients with a major bleed should be admitted and scheduled for a colonoscopy at the earliest opportunity. The guideline also highlights the value of CT angiography for hemodynamically unstable patients, a practice increasingly integrated into emergency care.
Transfusion thresholds, set at 70 grams per litre, align with standard practices in other clinical settings, with adjustments for patients with cardiovascular disease. The guideline also recommends having dedicated GI bleed leads within trusts to ensure seamless coordination with emergency services.
Sustainability and Climate Change in Anesthesia
Another crucial discussion from August focused on the environmental impact of healthcare, particularly in anaesthesia. In the UK, healthcare is a significant contributor to climate change, driven by factors like travel, disposable materials, and the use of anaesthetic gases such as nitrous oxide and desflurane.
A key paper by Cliff Shelton and colleagues underscores the need to adopt more sustainable practices in anaesthesia. For example, desflurane is approximately 3,000 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. The paper advocates for reducing the use of high-polluting gases and considering greener alternatives where possible.
This shift towards sustainability in healthcare is essential, although challenging, given the nature of medical practice. However, small changes, such as reducing nitrous oxide use in departments where alternatives exist, can collectively make a significant difference. The paper serves as a call to action for healthcare professionals to be more mindful of their environmental impact and to seek sustainable solutions in their practices.
Pre-Hospital Care: Comparing Macintosh and McGrath Laryngoscopes
The debate over the best laryngoscope for pre-hospital rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is ongoing, and in August, we reviewed a study that contributed valuable data to this discussion. Published in Critical Care Medicine, the study compared the Macintosh and McGrath laryngoscopes in pre-hospital settings, involving 514 adult emergency patients.
The study found that both devices were equally effective for pre-hospital RSI. Notably, it also revealed that switching to a different device after a failed intubation attempt was more successful than repeating the attempt with the same device. This finding aligns with the 30-second RSI drills many practitioners use, which advocate for changing the approach after a failed attempt.
These findings have practical implications for both pre-hospital and in-hospital care. In the ED, switching to a video laryngoscope, such as the McGrath, after a failed intubation attempt could improve patient outcomes. As video laryngoscopes become more accessible in emergency departments, integrating them into RSI protocols could be a beneficial strategy.
PTSD in Emergency Services: Rusty Carroll’s Series
Rusty Carroll’s ongoing series on PTSD within the ambulance service continues to be one of the most impactful contributions to the St Emlyn’s blog. The August instalment focused on the aftermath of PTSD, exploring the journey towards understanding what “normal” looks like after such an experience.
Rusty’s candid reflections resonate with many in the emergency services community, highlighting the mental health challenges prevalent in our field. The series has received positive feedback, with many readers finding comfort and validation in Rusty’s experiences.
However, the widespread relatability of this series also underscores a concerning reality: many emergency service professionals are struggling with similar issues. As a community, we need to support one another, promote mental health awareness, and advocate for resources to address the psychological toll of our work. Revisiting Rusty’s previous installments in this series is highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the complex emotions associated with PTSD in emergency services.
The Realities of Packed Red Cell Transfusions
Another fascinating topic from August was the metabolic and biochemical characteristics of packed red cell transfusions, which have significant implications for trauma care in the ED. This discussion was sparked by a conversation on Twitter, leading to critical reflections on the assumptions we hold about blood transfusions.
In trauma care, blood is often regarded as a superior alternative to crystalloids. However, the reality of what we’re transfusing—packed red cells—is quite different from whole blood. A study we reviewed highlighted some surprising statistics about the contents of packed red cells, including a pH of 6.79, a potassium level of 20, and a lactate level of 9.4. These figures reveal that packed red cells are far from the idealized image of whole blood.
The metabolic implications of these characteristics are significant, particularly in the context of massive transfusions. For instance, packed red cells have low levels of 2,3-DPG, which affects their ability to release oxygen to tissues. This raises important questions about how we use blood in trauma resuscitation and whether our current practices are truly optimal.
There’s also an ongoing pre-hospital trial in the UK, known as the RePHILL trial, which is examining the outcomes of patients randomized to receive either blood or no blood in pre-hospital settings. The results of this trial are eagerly anticipated and could challenge the assumption that blood is always better. This could lead to more nuanced transfusion practices in the future.
The Future of Diagnostics: Insights from Rick Body
Finally, we explored the future of diagnostics with insights from Rick Body. His presentation, originally given at the St Emlyn’s Live conference, offers a compelling vision of where diagnostics in the ED is heading. With the rise of machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and personalized diagnostics, the landscape of emergency medicine is rapidly evolving.
These technologies are already being integrated into diagnostic processes, but they bring new challenges. The data generated by AI and machine learning can be complex, requiring a shift in how we interpret diagnostic results. We must move away from binary thinking and embrace a more nuanced understanding that includes probabilities, uncertainties, and complexities.
As emergency medicine professionals, we need to prepare for this shift by engaging with these new technologies and incorporating them into our clinical practice. The future of diagnostics is exciting, but it will require ongoing education and adaptation to fully harness its potential.
Conclusion
August 2019 was a month rich with insightful discussions and important research that continue to influence our practice in emergency medicine. From managing lower GI bleeding and the environmental impact of anaesthesia to the complexities of blood transfusions and the future of diagnostics, these topics highlight the diverse challenges and opportunities we face in the ED.
The St Emlyn’s blog and podcast aim to keep you informed and engaged with the latest developments in our field. This review has provided valuable insights that can be applied in your practice, helping you stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of emergency medicine. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us. Until next time, take care and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in emergency medicine.

Saturday Oct 05, 2019
Ep 146 - European Resus Council meeting Slovenia 2019
Saturday Oct 05, 2019
Saturday Oct 05, 2019
A vox pop round up of the best of the ERC19 conference in Slovenia.