EUSEM

This e-course explores core competences in palliative care (recognising, communicating, and managing care needs and health trajectories) and end of life care (recognising, communicating with, and supporting people who are dying). The course is delivered using blended online learning: video and podcast resources are provided for participants to study at their convenience before two case-based online sessions to discuss the content and learning.

We will promote international best practices and acknowledge the inherently sensitive legislative and ethical considerations: participants will be advised to consult their national practice guidelines.

Who should attend?

Healthcare professionals working in emergency care with an interest in supporting people who have severe symptoms or who are dying.

Learning objectives

By the end of the e-course, participants will be able to:

• contrast chronic with acute conditions which may benefit from palliative care
• describe a typical health trajectory and typical modes of dying
• describe a communication framework for discussing symptoms
• identify palliative care interventions to manage symptoms of breathlessness and pain
• recognise symptoms and signs which indicate that a person is dying
• discuss cultural perspectives relating to dying and end of life care
• list pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to improve the symptoms of dying

The frequency of mass casualty incidents has notably increased in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifying a critical surge in sudden cardiac arrests. This pandemic posed significant challenges for emergency medicine practitioners, providing essential lessons for global healthcare systems. Key insights emerged on the necessity for adaptability, preparedness, accessibility to medical resources, and efficient team coordination and collaboration among healthcare professionals. Ensuring effective management of mass casualties and optimizing team coordination within emergency departments (ED) requires continual review and updating of procedures and protocols. Such measures are vital to guarantee the best possible outcomes for those impacted by these incidents. This abstract underscores the imperative for healthcare systems to integrate these lessons into their operational frameworks to enhance their response capabilities in the face of future mass casualty events.

Guidelines for the management of acute pain in emergency situations