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CDHB

Introduction to the Emergency Department

This section is intended to supplement the systems based sections with a brief account of the initial approach to the unwell patient.

Each of these presentations is discussed as it would be handled in a prioritized manner, with a concurrent problem orientated diagnostic process leading eventually to a specific diagnosis and definitive treatment.

The approach is thus:

1. Initial assessment and resuscitation i.e., the ABCs and specific resuscitation measures. This should take priority and should not await a final diagnosis, although it may be guided by the differential problem list.
2. Complete assessment.
3. Definitive management.

As this approach is followed, a differential diagnosis is developed. As more information comes to hand, the list will get smaller (although occasionally, it will be added to) and eventually a final diagnosis will guide definitive management.

Attention is first directed to the airway, breathing and circulation, before consideration of the specific manifestations and management of the underlying disease process.

The airway, breathing and circulation will be discussed first and then some undifferentiated emergency presentations are described.

Topic Code: 1266