In this episode of the Core EM Podcast, Anand Swaminathan and Andy Little discuss the removal of foreign bodies from ears, focusing on classifications of objects, differentiating between items that emergency medicine practitioners should and should not remove, and detailing step-by-step approaches for successful removal. They categorize foreign bodies as organic (alive or dead) and non-organic, providing guidance on when to consult ENT specialists, particularly in cases involving button batteries, large jewelry pieces, or perforated tympanic membranes. The hosts share specific removal techniques, including the use of viscous lidocaine for insects, alligator forceps for earbuds, and Dermabond on Q-tips for beads, emphasizing the importance of proper setup, patient positioning, pain management, and a calm, patient approach. They also recount personal experiences with unusual cases, such as an Eiffel Tower and a kernel of corn stuck in patients' ears, before concluding with key take-home points for successful foreign body removal.
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