CPR training
BLS – Basic Life Support
Introduction Basic Life Support (BLS) is an internationally recognised protocol designed to be taught to all hospital staff members and to members of the general public. The most recent guidelines were…
Second degree burn - as indicated by blistering. This file is taken from wikimedia commons and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Burns
Assessing burn depth Superficial aka first degree – epidermis (erythema) only. Can be differentiated from partial thickness by rubbing the skin. If the epidermis moves around, sliding over the deeper layers,…
Carbon monoxide molecule
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Introduction Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning, also known as the “silent killer” can be a life-threatening situation. CO is an odourless, colourless gas (hence 'silent'). CO binds to haemoglobin (carboxyhemoglobin) with…
CPR training
Cardiac Arrest
Introduction Cardiac arrest is an 'arrest' in the activity of the heart - the heart has stopped beating. There will be no contraction of the heart muscle, but there may…
The Normal pericardial sac - seize exaggerated in this diagram. Original image from Wikimedia commons. Author: Connexions
Cardiac Tamponade
Introduction Cardiac Tamponade is a condition where the heart become compressed by excess fluid in the pericardium. Compression causes reduced diastolic filling of the heart, which can cause cardiac arrest.…
A normal CXR in a healthy young male. In particular note the normal markings, clear costophrenic angles, and clear lung fields. There is quite a large gastric bubble, but this is not considered pathologic.
Chest X-Ray
Introduction The chest x-ray (also known as CXR or Chest Radiograph) is probably the most commonly performed medical imaging procedure. An x-ray can typically discern 4 different densities: Air (black) Metal - i.e.…
Gallbladder
Cholangitis
Introduction Cholangitis is inflammation of the bile duct. It is typically the results of a bacterial infection (often secondary to gallstones), but can also occur in other conditions, such as…
Gallbladder
Cholecystitis
Acute Cholecystitis This is caused by a blockage in the cystic duct or neck of the gallbladder (95% of cases are gallstones or gallstone precursor ‘sludge’) It is unlikely to…
A fasciotomy being performed for compartment syndrome
Compartment Syndrome
Introduction Compartment syndrome is a condition that results from swelling of a muscle. The muscle is retained in its fixed volume fascia (its "compartment"), however, and thus the swelling of…
Constipation
Constipation
Introduction Constipation is a symptom and not a condition. It is most common in women and the elderly. Often it is more like a perception that a real entity. It…