This 2nd edition is the ideal resource for paramedics and student paramedics looking for a quick reference guide to help develop or refresh their assessment skills with up to date knowledge. This handy pocket sized book can be used by students for exam revision, by paramedics and emergency care staff en route to a call, or clinicians who are working in other clinical environments, such as urgent care centres to revisit key points and further refine their skills. Divided into body systems, the book takes the reader through the considerations and actions required for each type of emergency presentation. The book also: • Takes an approach that mirrors current UK and international practice • Features a cardiovascular chapter which includes sepsis, red flag sepsis and The UK Sepsis Trust Pre-hospital Sepsis Screening and Action Tool • Uses red flags to highlight where immediate action may be needed and identifies appropriate actions to be taken • Has been updated where applicable against the current Ambulance Clinical Guidelines, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guidelines • Considers the social, ethical and legal factors that might impact on care • Includes specific chapters in the specialist fields of paediatric assessment and neonatal assessment and care • Has been updated for this 2nd edition with new chapters on the assessment of minor injuries and minor ailments • Features extra web links for further reading at the end of chapters and a new book glossary • Uses mnemonics, cases and diagrams to demonstrate and reinforce key points, with many new diagrams for this edition Written by experienced paramedics, specialist health care professionals and doctors, this book will enhance knowledge and encourage accurate, timely and thorough assessment of patients across the lifespan. “…This book clearly sets out and balances the critical, unscheduled and urgent care assessment priorities for paramedic students and those who are looking to refresh their skills. The content, depth of discussion and signposting within the book clearly highlight and discuss critical points for the reader which are supported with appropriate supporting evidence …We recommend this book to all of our paramedic students, and it should be an ‘essential’ purchase for all discerning paramedic students whether they are embarking on their studies or refreshing and updating their skills…” Mark Nevins, Programme Leader, Paramedic Practice Programme, Teesside University, UK “This second edition draws on additional guidelines and best practice to elegantly illustrate the fundamental knowledge and skills required to undertake a comprehensive, evidence based approach to patient assessment. The book builds on the plethora of knowledge and understanding of patient assessment, from common presentations through to complex specialisms which require a focused and often prompt response from the out-of-hospital care provider. This book is ideally suited to the undergraduate paramedic student, along with experienced paramedics wishing to review their assessment techniques.” John Donaghy, Principal Lecturer and Professional Lead, Paramedic Science, University of Hertfordshire, UK

Making a correct diagnosis is one of the key aspects of every medical student's and junior doctor's clinical training, and problem-based learning is now widely used to focus on the causes behind the presentation of a clinical feature. The Fourth Edition of this best-selling book is packed full of information to help the reader move from a presenting problem to an accurate diagnosis. This Fourth Edition covers 127 common presenting problems in both medicine and surgery in a consistent format. Each topic includes a list of all potential causes of the condition, colour coded to indicate common, occasional or rare causes. Important geographical variations are also highlighted. Two sections cover the differential diagnosis of biochemical and haematological disorders which provide a ready check when reviewing abnormal results The text includes a targeted guide to the relevant general and specific follow-up investigations which should be carried out as appropriate. At the end of each topic a box highlights important learning points, or indicates symptom and signs suggestive of significant pathology which require urgent action. Eighty colour photographs of key clinical presentations have been added to assist symptom recognition. Two new chapters on Hypotension and Photophobia.

Being able to make a correct diagnosis is one of the key aspects of every medical student's and junior doctor's clinical training. Problem-based learning is increasingly being used to focus on the causes behind the presentation of a clinical feature. The Third Edition of this best-selling book is packed full of information to help the reader move from a presenting problem to an accurate diagnosis. Covers 126 common presenting problems in both medicine and surgery in a consistent format Each topic includes a list of all common causes of the condition Key features of the various permutations are clearly discussed Includes a targeted guide to the relevant general and specific follow-up investigations which should be carried out as appropriate Now printed in colour throughout, with the relative frequency of the various conditions illustrated by colour coding, indicating common, occasional or rare causes. Important geographical variations are also highlighted Seven new chapters including rashes, thirst, and tiredness Two new sections on the differential diagnosis of biochemical and haematological disorders provide a ready check when reviewing abnormal results Each chapter ends with a key points section to highlight major aspects of the diagnosis An enlarged author team represents both medicine and surgery