[The Penny's Dropped - "Aha" Moments in Emergency Medicine Diagnostics].

Abstract

Hardly any other speciality is as fraught with tension as emergency medicine. In addition to the need to have a broad spectrum of knowledge about illnesses and injuries, the time factor is particularly important. Emergency physicians have to quickly gain an overview of their patients' condition. Mostly without having all the information about the patient's medical history, long-term medication or previous findings. Decisions have to be made under time pressure. In addition to experience and knowledge, the targeted use of the available diagnostic options is essential for quick treatment decisions. A detective-like approach is sometimes required here, particularly in order to confirm suspected diagnoses and rule out differential diagnoses by using focussed diagnostics. Clinical experience, training and the odd "trick" lay the foundation for skillfully using the diagnostic options at the right time for the right patient - i.e. point-of-care - and finding the right diagnosis. Aha!