First Aid for the Emergency Medicine Oral Boards (First Aid Specialty Boards) 1st Edition

Bought this about 1.5 weeks before taking the oral boards. That's definitely not enough time if you really feel like you need to study, but I've read enough to say that the cases are interesting, and pretty much the exact mix / flavor of things you'll see on the actually boards. Full color, good charts/diagrams, overall easy/fun/helpful to read. My only hesitation is that, given something like a 95% pass rate for this test, and the fact that you completed all the written exams and residency, you probably don't need to be stressing out about this one. You probably could get by just fine without studying at all. But if you're like me, and trying to not study makes you way too anxious to actually follow through with it, this is a great book to have handy. It's thorough enough that you definitely shouldn't need to look anywhere else for more material. But it's also broken into clear, self-contained chunks in a way that allows you to titrate the amount you want to study/read (they recommended something way overkill in my opinion, like a 2-3 month study plan or something. Come on, this is not Step 1 or even your inservice. Chill a little on this one, OK?). And, final point: by the time you register for the boards, buy plane tickets, food and hotel for this waking-nightmare of a weekend, you've probably spent $2,000 or more. So if this ~$100 book can even a little bit help reduce the chances of having to repeat this mess, then the cost of this book is pretty much irrelevant.

This is the best off all the board prep books.I read the complete book and it was a pleasure to read and it helped me pass.

For me this was the best review book. However, it IS outdated on some things. If they would make a new version it would get five stars. If you want concise dont get this one (get Okuda). I used both books and I must say I found errors in both (the new edition). I think the First Aid does a much much better job at preparing you for what you should actually say (good phrases/strategy/etc). The Okuda book is appealing due to the sheer number of cases. Don't practice cases with non medical people though as it will not flow well with the Okuda book. The first aid is doable to study with someone of nonmedical background. The first aid is great for general medical review but some of the first line treatment medications have changed some. However you should already be up to date on resus meds. Studying is best done with both books in my opinion. The Chicago oral boards practice session is well well worth it also (just as an aside).

There are numerous medical and management errors in this book. I understand that it keeps the cases interesting, but a little review would be nice. I.E. it is stated that out-patient management of a PE is not indicated- well sine places have been doing this for several years already and in this case the patient was stable. It is not a make or break deal, but the errors do detract. I do like the repetition of the material and the cases seem to be sufficient, but for 60 bucks I would like to see better editing

This book is in color. Gives an impression of what one needs to say and do to save the patient in the scenario and aim for a great score. Not just an okay score to just pass, but how to be professional and get a great score. the idea is not just competency but great care. 50 cases at the end for your review and how the cases should be approached for learning and communicating to tester that you know what you are doing. Also a great book to use the cases for simulation case to practice oral boards since simulation is the likely next step in oral board prep and testing. The hard part is getting a lab for such technology.-- Jose Torres, MD, simulation educator at New York Hospital Queens EM residency,Flushing, Queens

Typos, errors, and out of date. Should not be used for board prep.Focuses on a large number of irrelevant topics. Much better products exist for board review.

outdated content and writing format is not appealing for a ED physician

Great book! Helped a lot with the exam in an easy format. Needs an update