Authors: Tom Bannister / Codes: ResC8, ResP3, RP3, SLO11, SLO6, TC2, TP10, TP3, TP7 / Published: 17/06/2024
Scope / Reason for development
This document outlines the general approach to be taken by emergency medicine (EM) clinicians who undertake invasive procedures in adults and children in the emergency department.
Key principles of Standardisation, Harmonisation, and Education are emphasised, as well as a focus on organisational standards such as training (workforce) for safety, developing safer processes, and encouraging engagement for assurance and improvement. The aim of this document is to provide pragmatic recommendations for EM clinicians undertaking invasive procedures in the ED.
Summary of Recommendations
- When undertaking invasive procedures, clinicians must gain patient consent (verbal or written) unless clinical circumstances dictate this is not possible and the procedure is considered to be in the patient’s best interests.
- When undertaking invasive procedures, clinicians should ensure that two healthcare practitioners, one of whom should be ST4 or above, independently agree on the site (side) of the procedure, where appropriate.
- When undertaking invasive procedures, the responsible clinician should ensure all assistants or team members are aware of, the proposed procedure, planned approach and requirements for post-procedure monitoring.
- The use of checklists is strongly encouraged.
- Departmental induction and procedure specific training should address safety issues related to invasive procedures.
Ensure that you read the full Invasive Procedures in the Emergency Department Guideline
Key Information
Modification of the ‘NatSSIPs Eight’ checklist

Checklist for all invasive procedures

RCEMLearning Podcast
Linked RECMLearning content
SLO6 – Practical Procedures – Blog
Related Posts
Fascia Iliaca Block
The use of FI blocks in the emergency department has been shown to provide effective pain relief in the acute setting and to reduce the use of opiate analgesia.
Traumatic Elbow Injuries
Elbow injuries are common and acute elbow trauma accounts for 2-3% of all visits to the emergency department.
Inexpensive Teaching Models for Fascia Iliaca Blocks
Most of us are convinced that fascia iliac blocks for pain relief are fabulous. Models to teach and practice on can be expensive. Inspired by one of the ED registrars I work with, Dr Grace O’Connell, I am going to show how to make a simple model for simulating going through the fascial layers at the hip.
5 responses
a very good podcast ,shows some really interesting facts we miss in getting prepared for procedures in ED.
Good one
Thanks
excellent
Excellent topic covered
Excellent