A Pharmacist's Guide to Inpatient Medical Emergencies: How to respond to code blue, rapid response calls, and other medical emergencies

I've been listening to Pharmacy Joe's podcast and have always wondered what kind of book he was selling. Since I'm new to hospital pharmacy and am relatively inexperienced when it comes to codes and other inpatient emergencies, this book sounded like it was the perfect primer for me.I once got a phone call overnight from medical residents asking for advice on how to use potassium shifters in a hyperkalemic patient with EKG changes. Having only worked in community-based clinical pharmacy for years prior to the hospital, I only retained the fact that you use insulin and dextrose to shift potassium into the cells, but have completely forgotten how to dose them for that purpose. It was perfect timing that the book was just delivered to me the day before the call and I happened to bring it to work. I decided to take a peek at the book and the answer stared right back at me.Some may argue that the book is too basic and lacks depth. Others may argue that the book only contains information that is second nature to everyone. For a person who is new to a lot of these emergencies, this book is a lifesaver. While it definitely does not replace ACLS training, the book at least taught me where I can be beneficial in a code/RRT call when I start having to respond to them.

I wish I had known about and got this book sooner. A few years ago our hospital finally implemented attending code blues and expanded the emergency department, and I wish I knew about this book then. I've added this book to my library of resources and I'm currently re-reading it now since I've been spending more time in the emergency department. When I have the time, I try really hard to spare a few minutes to listen to Pharmacy Joe's podcasts. The episode about mannitol was especially helpful and I spread the knowledge to my colleagues. I've had to dispense mannitol way before I heard about this book for head injuries (I dabble in the pediatrics and trauma satellite at my work), but having a resource solely devoted to mannitol was great. I've already told some of my coworkers about this book :)I may need to update this book every few years, but it's worth it.

My hospital is (finally, about time) starting to send pharmacists to codes so after getting ACLS certified so I picked up this book to serve as a cliff notes version of what to expect and what is expected from pharmacists at codes and rapid response. It has meet every expectation. I am especially impressed with how up to date it is (for example it already includes qSOFA/SOFA) and how the author is thorough in covering all major points but is also succinct in his presentation. He also includes many pearls from his own experience that you would never find in a drug reference or guideline, very helpful!

This is a fantastic book for pharmacists who are new to responding to codes or working in the ED or anyone who wants to educate themselves more about inpatient emergencies. It does a fantastic job of explaining common inpatient emergencies, their treatments, and why their treatments work very simply. It is a very quick read with a lot of knowledge to gain especially for those with limited exposure to these disease states in their pharmacy experiences.

I've been an inpatient pharmacist for several years and now solely working in the emergency department. Although, I'm familiar with the pharmacotherapy for most of the inpatient medical emergencies discussed in this book, I still gained tips and pharmacotherapy knowledge provided by pharmacy joe. I will definitely recommend this book to my colleagues, pharmacy students and pharmacy residents. Some topic suggestions for the 2nd edition are anticoagulation reversal, toxicology and STEMI.

Well written and to the point. Perfect book for a quick read. The chapters begin with helpful summary of care for later review. I would recommend this to pharmacist looking for a primer to topics and conditions seen in the emergency department or MET/RRT calls.

Refreshing to read, succinct and to the point. If you want an exhaustive emergency reference with every nuance and detail, then this little handbook is not for you. If you want a beginner's overview of the topic, this is your book. A very practical introductory text. 5 stars from me.

Great and rapid short reference from a great pharmacist. Also several great podcast. I would recommend for any future or current pharmacist.

Ce livre permet d’être mieux préparer aux situations stressantes qu’un pharmacien risque de rencontrer dans sa nouvelle pratique à l’urgence ou aux soins intensifs. Explique clairement le rôle du pharmacien en soins critiques afin de permettre à celui-ci de bien s’intégrer à l’équipe. Ce lit facilement et rapidement. Un bon point de départ pour tout nouveau pharmacien en soins critiques.