Early diagnosis of patients with stroke is paramount in order to achieve benefits from thrombolytic therapy. Public education, improved access to pre-hospital care and healthcare personnel along with prompt neuroimaging are some means by which care can be improved.

The research impact on health issues from the specialty of emergency medicine is discussed. Emphasis is placed on the epidemiology of common diseases, the role of collaboration within the specialty and the value of conducting clinical trials.

The evolution of emergency medicine in Jamaica over the past two decades is described. There is room for improvement in many areas including pre-hospital care, trauma and disaster preparedness.

This study sought to describe the incidence, treatment and outcomes of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock at the University Hospital of the West Indies where early goal directed therapy (EGDT) is not yet practised. Sepsis treatment patterns were found to be consistent with “best practice”.