The NHS plans to set up mental health emergency departments throughout England. A survey discussed this episode highlights the importance of mental health assessments, finding that nearly a quarter of suicide deaths in a one year period had come after hospital or emergency department contact. Another survey raises the question, "How well is your ED prepared for a major incident?" and the statistics do not inspire confidence. Two more papers in this episode offer potential bulwarks against burnout of ED staff: global health outreach work, and self-rostered rotas. But there may be some downsides to watch out for too. Finally, a look at pulse oximetry for testicular torsion diagnosis.

Read the highlights: July 2025 Primary Survey

• Contact with emergency departments and hospitals in England before suicide death: a retrospective cohort study
• Global health experience of staff working in UK emergency care: a reflexive thematic analysis
• A survey of major incident preparedness in English type 1 emergency departments
• In emergency settings, does the use of testicular pulse oximetry aid diagnosis of testicular torsions?
• Investigating the impact of self-rostering on EM trainee wellbeing and recovery: a national survey

The EMJ podcast is hosted by:

Dr. Richard Body, EMJ Deputy Editor, University of Manchester, UK (@richardbody) Dr. Sarah Edwards, EMJ Semior Associate Editor and Social Media Editor, Royal Derby Hospital, UK (@drsarahedwards)

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