A comprehensive work in the field of emergency medicine. Each chapter in these extremely well-organized two texts begins with the most urgently needed information in an emergency situation--stabilization, physical exam, initial diagnosis--and is followed by traditional material on epidemiology, pathophysiology, etc. Also in each chapter are "bullet-point" statements summarizing important concepts. Other unique features of this text include the use of extensive tables, boxes, and checklists. This is the only book of its kind to allow users such quick access to critical information.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From The New England Journal of Medicine
The maturation of emergency medicine as a medical specialty has made us realize that it possesses unique characteristics. These characteristics have formed a new body of medical knowledge, which in turn has inspired an intimidating wave of textbooks on the subject. Unfortunately, not all have added something new or useful to the field, and some have not expressed their message accurately or clearly. Emergency Medicine avoids these problems. It has new things to present and a precise new manner of saying them. Although not everyone will find its approach useful, it is a provocative and potentially worthwhile addition to an emergency-medicine library.
As for other medical specialties, decision making is the fundamental concern of emergency medicine. Each medical specialty has its own complexities. In emergency medicine, decisions must be made within a remarkably compressed time, often with limited information about the patient. These constraints create an environment that fosters the use of standardized approaches that can be applied to the patient's pertinent symptom or presentation.
Emergency Medicine embraces this fundamental concept completely. Each chapter is written and edited to tell the reader what to do in a direct and specific manner. This approach contrasts sharply with that of a traditional textbook, in which a typical chapter starts with epidemiology and pathophysiology and progresses through diagnosis and treatment. A common criticism of traditional textbooks is that clinically relevant information is provided in a general manner without the inclusion of specific indications, procedures, or treatments. Emergency Medicine is organized much differently. Each chapter reflects the flow of patient care and is written in the imperative mood. This book tells you specifically what to do. The first section of each chapter is entitled "Prehospital Care," and is followed by "Initial Assessment and Stabilization," "Clinical Assessment," "Management," and finally "Supporting Information." A section on pediatric considerations is included where appropriate. Pathophysiology is not covered until the end of a chapter and then typically includes only clinically relevant basic information.
The scope of this textbook is ambitious, and the content is fundamentally sound, particularly for a first edition. The typical medical and surgical emergencies are thoroughly covered. A separate section of 13 chapters covers common procedures performed in the emergency department. Furthermore, the chapters entitled "Disasters," "Air Medical Transport," and "Administrative Aspects of Emergency Medicine" are good contributions. There seem to be few major errors of medical content. As with any medical textbook, there are chapters that include outdated information or perpetuate concepts that reflect common clinical practice but that are not supported by valid medical literature. Every multiauthored textbook contains a few chapters that are extraordinary and a few that miss the mark. This book contains examples of both, but they do not stand out.
Overall, Emergency Medicine is an intriguing attempt to combine the merits of a handbook with those of a traditional textbook. We showed sample chapters to numerous emergency physicians. The response was mixed. The emphasis on "what to do" perplexed readers initially, many of whom anticipated a traditional treatment of the topic. As readers began to comprehend the organization of the book, their appreciation of its approach grew. This is why the needs of the reader are paramount in the decision whether to purchase Emergency Medicine. The book is a useful mating of a handbook and a major textbook. It tells the reader in clear declarative, imperative terms what to do (precise details, such as dose, are not included). It focuses on the flow of management and the paramount concerns the emergency physician should have in managing a specific and well-defined disease or patient presentation. For the reader who wants an exhaustive literature review or an evidence-based analysis, however, this book will be dissatisfying. For the reader who wants much more than a handbook but desires concrete directions for patient care, we recommend this book.
Reviewed by Richard C. Dart, M.D., Ph.D.
Copyright © 1998 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A well organized review of Emergency Medicine.,
This review is from: Emergency Medicine (2 Volume Set) (Hardcover)
I am an Emergency Medicine resident, using this book as required reading in my program. This text is well written and organized. The first few chapters review the basics of resuscitation and procedues. This is followed by a systematic review of Emergency Medicine, first the medical, then surgical, then misc (tox, environmental, OB-GYN). The chapter are set up into prehospital care for doctors doing online medical control, then the ABC's, then background, presentation, clinical features, treatment, and concludes with special considerations and pertinent pediatric apects. It is readable and gives a good review of Emergency Medicine.
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