A discussion of the evaluation and treatment of medical emergencies in one brief book is a formidable task. A sense of priorities, focus, and well-founded opinion are required. Medical Emergencies largely succeeds in covering a broad range of medical emergencies.
Since the first edition in 1977, the editors have wisely added helpful chapters on oncologic emergencies, acute pancreatitis, allergic emergencies, and ethical issues. Other chapters have been extensively revised and updated. The discussions of common drug ingestions, acute respiratory failure, fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, and endocrine emergencies are particularly helpful. In general, most chapters are well organized, with treatment summaries