The Handbook of Emergency Medicine is the evolved compilation of department protocols, which were put together in 1995, to facilitate standardised patient care in the Emergency Department. Over the past 18 years, there have been frequent revisions, thereby reflecting the change in concepts of emergency care as well as the escalating demand for additional material by the end user. Simplicity and brevity are the virtues embraced by this book, which is directed towards the junior clinician, who often is confronted with life-threatening conditions, which would require rapid action. It is intended to be a powerful, yet simple and practical tool to enhance the management skill of the emergency responder.