Best critical care reference

[NsgTiger]

I recently started in critical care and was wondering if any of you guys could tell me what you have found to be the best quick reference for critical care - ACLS, labs, emergency/cardiac drugs, etc.. Thanks for any suggestion!:)

[richard13]

Kathy White has a book called fast facts, it's great just enough about everything in one small book. From assessments to stat meds, it has it all. Go to kathywhite.com I think it's like $40. and it is shipped rather quickly. Good luck.

[TraumaNurse]

For a quick reference guide, I like 'The ER/Trauma Checkmate' by NNCC and also 'Emergency Critical Care Pocket Guide' by Paula Derr. You can also get both books as PDA software. I have mainly gone to PDA since I can carry so much reference material in one little handheld.

[LLLLeah]

where did you find Paula Derr's for PDA? the informed website does not have a PDA version and skyscape, unbound among others do not either

[nightingale, RN]

I use the Emergency Critical Care Guide on my PDA (there is also the 3 x 5 pocket version). It was $ 30. I find it easy to use and it contains the following:

NEW THIRD EDITION!

The Emergency & Critical Care Pocket Guide™ helps physicians, paramedics and nurses check ACLS drug doses, interpret ECGs, look up patient medications, and much more!

Only 3" x 5" it easily fits in your pocket, has color-coded tabs, and is Waterproof, Alcohol-fast, Tear-Resistant and Durable.

What's in the 3rd edition?

New ACLS Algorithms

New Emergency & ACLS Drugs, including Etomidate, Dantrolene, & Zofran

The Top 1700 Prescription Drugs

Laryngeal Mask Airway / RSI

End-Tidal CO2 / Capnography / Ventilator Guidelines

"Rave" Drugs

Basic Chest X-Ray Interpretation

The Emergency & Critical Care Pocket Guide features:

86 Emergency & ACLS Drugs

12-Lead ECG Section & Acute MI

Basic ECG Rhythms

Fibrinolytic Screen for AMI & Stroke

Ischemic Stroke Management / Neuro

Pediatric Resuscitation, Drug Doses, Vitals

Trauma & Glasgow Coma Scales

Common Medical Emergencies

Burn Charts, the "Rule of 9s"

Pulse Oximetry, IV Drip Rates

Quick EMS Spanish Translations

Lab Values, Metrics, Notes & More!

Here is the web link:

http://www.emsguides.com/acls-main.shtml

Happy shopping!

[LLLLeah]

thanks for the link :) i just realized that EMS for PDA is a combination including the critical care guide. fantastic!

[zambezi, BSN, RN]

Kathy White has a book called fast facts, it's great just enough about everything in one small book. From assessments to stat meds, it has it all. Go to kathywhite.com I think it's like $40. and it is shipped rather quickly. Good luck.

I second this book...Mine was about 90$ But I added in all of the extra chapters...A handy reference to have...plus it is three ring and I put a yearly calander in it and now use it too keep track of everything going on too!