Heartbeats on Backup: Junctional vs. Ventricular Escape Rhythms

Author: Rabani Bharara, MD Editor: Philippe Ayres, MD I: Case An 86-year-old female with a past medical history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia presents to the ED for asymptomatic bradycardia identified in the geriatric clinic. The patient was transferred to the ED. She appeared well-nourished and in no acute Read more…

So Take Off All Yo’ Clothes: Exertional Heat Stroke Part 2

Author: Esteban DavilaPeer Editor: Alec FeuerbachIllustrations: Vincent Xiao This is a continuation of Part 1.Key Initial StepsABCs and Supportive CareLike any other resuscitation, attention should be primarily towards assessing the ABCs. Patients with impaired awareness, airway secretions, aspiration, worsening respiratory distress, or status epilepticus may require intubation.[1] However, attempts to aggressively Read more…

Its Getting Hot in Here: Exertional Heat Stroke – Part 1

Author: Esteban Davila Peer Editor: Alec Feuerbach The Case You’re having a relatively quiet morning when you hear EMS bringing in a patient. The patient is an 18-year-old male who collapsed on the route of a half marathon. You reflect that this day is particularly warm and humid. EMS reports Read more…