This workshop aims to increase the knowledge and confidence of participants to perform procedures which are not routinely performed, but may be required in a life-saving emergency by critical care practitioners. Participants will be working in small groups on anatomically correct models to simulate real life situations.

The workshop covers a number of procedures for which there is an expectation a practitioner will be able to manage as a life-saving measure, particularly in peripheral, regional or austere environments.  It is specifically designed for doctors working in emergency settings.  This workshop is not aimed at junior Trainees, as a level of experience in critical care areas is required. 

Whether in the world of metro bed block or in the regional and rural setting, ICU patients are spending longer in Emergency Departments.  Intensivists will present insights relevant to Emergency Physicians regarding critical care patients in the areas of Haemoydynamics, Neurological and Haematological Emergencies.

This workshop aims to increase the knowledge and confidence of participants to perform procedures which are not routinely performed, but may be required in a life-saving emergency by critical care practitioners. Participants will be working in small groups on anatomically correct models to simulate real life situations.

The workshop covers a number of procedures for which there is an expectation a practitioner will be able to manage as a life-saving measure, particularly in peripheral, regional or austere environments.  It is specifically designed for doctors working in emergency settings.  This workshop is not aimed at junior Trainees, as a level of experience in critical care areas is required. 

Case based workshop that will open with a review of the most commonly used ventilator in WA EDs before exploring techniques to manage more challenging ventilation scenarios. These will include issues with oxygenation, high pressures, NIV, pneumothorax and asthma before concluding with the opportunity to discuss cases brought by attendees. 

Welcome from the 2025 Conference Working Group and ACEM President-Elect Dr Peter Allely.

With the rising prevalence of bariatric surgery, Emergency Departments are increasingly confronted with complex post-surgical complications that require rapid recognition and intervention. In this keynote presentation, Associate Professor Ruth Blackham will provide a comprehensive overview of the critical complications that can arise following bariatric procedures.

This session will cover the spectrum of post-operative emergencies, from life-threatening conditions such as anastomotic leaks, bowel obstructions, and internal hernias to less acute but equally important complications like nutritional deficiencies and dehydration. Attendees will gain practical strategies for prompt diagnosis, appropriate imaging, and timely management, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care during these critical moments.

Presentation of abstracts on the themes of:  

1. Ankle Joint Reduction under Ankle Haematoma Block.
2. Guide the tide - A mixed-method study on IMG supervision in Emergency Departments, exploring innovative approaches to building a sustainable workforce.
3. Thriving Under Threat: Human Thriving in Recurring Potentially Traumatic, Elevated Threat and High Stress Work Environments.

According to Steven Shorrock, ‘Human Factors’ (or Ergonomics) is often presented as something that it’s not, or as something that is only a small part of the whole. Accordingly, this talk will not be about the following:
-        The science and taxonomy of error
-        Swiss cheese
-        Safety I and II
-        Snowdon’s Cynefin framework
-        Safety culture; Just culture

Warning: this talk may contain the Mandela effect and loose references to film and TV from a previous century. Viewer discretion is advised.

When health systems are stretched to the limit, how do we ensure that care for vulnerable populations—especially women and children—is not left behind? Join our panel of frontline experts as we explore the ethical, clinical, and operational challenges of prioritising care for those most at risk. We'll discuss practical strategies, real-world dilemmas, and the role of emergency medicine in advocating for equity in difficult times. 

Panel facilitated by Dr Nicole Ghedina.

Thank you for joining us for the WA Conference 2025!