CPD activity: Adjusting ventilator settings based on Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) results.

This activity will refresh concepts and definitions related to patient ventilation strategies, adjusting according to results obtained from an ABG. Ventilator adjustments according to various pathologies will be highlighted, and how optimal adjustments can be made for patient comfort. 

CPD activity: Accuracy of trauma on scene triage screening tool (Shock Index, Reverse Shock Index Glasgow Coma Scale and National Early Warning Score) to predict the severity of emergency department triage: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

This activity compared the use of various triage tools with a focus on implementing them in the pre-hospital environment to improve the continuum of care of trauma patients. The triage indicators included the National Early Warning System (NEWS), a Shock Index score (SI), and the Reversed Shock Index Glasgow Coma Scale (rSIG). 

CPD activity: Point-of-care ultrasound for airway management in the emergency and critical care setting.

This activity highlights POCUS techniques used for the assessment of an airway in predicting difficult intubations. These techniques then extend from pre-intubation checks toward confirming ETT placement. Guidance is provided to find the correct landmarks for a cricothyroidotomy and emphasises critical steps to follow for success. Overall, this activity provides clinically relevant information on using ultrasound as a prediction and guiding tool for successful airway management.

CPD activity: Prevalence of Anaemia in South Africa.

Presented at the 2024 International Society of Blood Transfusion conference in Barcelona, Spain, the poster presents the data from a 5-year study on the prevalence of Anaemia and associated laboratory biomarkers from adult medical inpatients.

The study was completed at Pelonomi Academic Hospital in South Africa, Free State, Bloemfontein, between 2018 and 2022. 

CPD activity: Paediatric Asthma Clinical Update.

Compiled by StatPearls publishing, this clinical refresher activity on paediatric asthma will highlight evaluation and management guidelines for the detection and treatment of paediatric asthma.

Included in the activity is an asthma action plan document, also created by StatPearls publishing, to guide and establish a working treatment/management plan for adult and paediatric patients with asthma.

CPD activity: Death Determination - Guidelines for South Africa.

Compiled by the Critical Care Society of Southern Africa, this article and activity aligns with the latest evidence-based research and international guidelines and applies to the South African context and legal system.

This activity will provide participants with clear medical standards to follow in determining death while providing assurance to medical staff when adhering to these guidelines. 

CPD activity:  Medico-Legal Documentation - PART 1

The topic will be addressed in three parts.

The J88 form is an integral link in how a victim's injuries are recorded for the successful prosecution of an alleged perpetrator.

Part 1 in the series, will focus on the Role and responsibilities of the medical practitioner. Issues surrounding consent, general completion guidelines, and information relayed to the courts will also be discussed. 

CPD activity:  Medico-Legal Documentation - PART 2

The topic will be addressed in three parts.

The J88 form is an integral link in how a victim's injuries are recorded for the successful prosecution of an alleged perpetrator.

Part 2 in the series, will provide practical examples on completion of the J88 form, focussing on cases of an alleged assault. 

CPD activity:  Medico-Legal Documentation - PART 3

The topic will be addressed in three parts.

The J88 form is an integral link in how a victim's injuries are recorded for the successful prosecution of an alleged perpetrator.

Part 3 in the series, provide focus areas related to the completion of pages 2 and 3 of the J88 form highlighting an alleged sexual offence against adults and children.