For the medical patient presenting with an undifferentiated emergency, the best outcome is achieved when initial assessment is by an experienced generalist, and subsequent care, if needed, by the appropriate specialist.

This book is written for the generalist: it aims to guide the trainee and provide an aide-memoire for the more experienced physician, to diagnose and manage the broad range of problems and diseases encountered in the emergency department, ambulatory care centre, acute medical unit or on the wards.

For this edition, we have enlisted experts to write or revise chapters; as previously, our intention has been to produce a step-by-step practical guide to the management of medical emergencies, grounded in national and international guidelines. The emphasis is on care of the patient in the first 24 hours, but guidance beyond this is also provided, as well as instructions on how to perform practical procedures. Clear advice on when to call for specialist help is given. Bed-side ultrasonography is beginning to transform acute medicine, and a new chapter summarizes its uses.