Arab Board EM Part 1 study guide
Arab Board EM Part 1 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Arab Board of Emergency Medicine Part 1 is the written, multiple-choice component of the Arab Board training programme in emergency medicine, a postgraduate qualification used across Arab League health systems to certify specialist-level competence in emergency care. It is intended for physicians who have entered an accredited emergency medicine residency and are progressing toward the Part 2 (clinical/oral) stage of the same credential. The Arab Board EM Part 1 study guide has 12 sections and about 2,736 words.
01Resuscitation and Cardiovascular Emergencies
Master the reversible causes of cardiac arrest (the Hs and Ts), high-quality CPR metrics (rate 100-120/min, depth 5-6 cm, full recoil, minimal interruptions), and defibrillation timing. Know the ACLS algorithm branches: shockable (VF/pVT) versus non-shockable (asystole/PEA).
244 words, about 1 min02Respiratory and Thoracic Emergencies
Understand the spectrum of respiratory failure: type 1 (hypoxemic) versus type 2 (hypercapnic). Know asthma and COPD exacerbation management - inhaled bronchodilators, systemic steroids, and when to add magnesium or escalate to noninvasive ventilation.
242 words, about 1 min03Neurological and Psychiatric Emergencies
Know the time-critical neurological emergencies: acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, status epilepticus, and bacterial meningitis. For stroke, understand the time window for thrombolysis, contraindications, and the role of thrombectomy in large-vessel occlusion.
237 words, about 1 min04Gastrointestinal, Hepatic, and Renal Emergencies
Understand the approach to acute abdominal pain, including the surgical abdomen and the danger of the elderly or immunosuppressed patient with atypical presentation. Know gastrointestinal bleeding: upper vs lower, resuscitation priorities, risk scoring, and when to use endoscopy.
237 words, about 1 min05Trauma and Orthopedic Emergencies
Master the primary survey (ABCDE) and the concept of the "lethal triad" (hypothermia, acidosis, coagulopathy) in massive hemorrhage. Understand damage-control resuscitation, massive transfusion protocols, and the role of tranexamic acid.
241 words, about 1 min06Toxicology and Environmental Emergencies
Know the classic toxidromes (anticholinergic, cholinergic, sympathomimetic, opioid, sedative-hypnotic) and their antidotes. Understand decontamination principles and when activated charcoal is appropriate.
218 words, about 1 min07Pediatric Emergencies
Understand the pediatric assessment triangle (appearance, work of breathing, circulation) and the differences in pediatric resuscitation: weight-based dosing, appropriate equipment sizing, and the use of the Broselow tape. Know the management of pediatric respiratory distress (bronchiolitis, croup, asthma, foreign body) and the recognition of sepsis in children.
221 words, about 1 min08Obstetric and Gynecologic Emergencies
Know the life-threatening obstetric emergencies: postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia/eclampsia, placental abruption, placenta previa, and ectopic pregnancy. Understand the approach to the pregnant patient with abdominal pain or bleeding, including the role of ultrasound and beta-hCG.
216 words, about 1 min09Endocrine, Metabolic, and Hematologic Emergencies
Know the diabetic emergencies: diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), including fluid resuscitation, insulin, and potassium management. Understand thyroid storm and myxedema coma, adrenal crisis, and the recognition of hypoglycemia as a reversible cause of altered mental status.
215 words, about 1 min10Infectious Diseases and Sepsis
Understand the definitions and management of sepsis and septic shock, including early recognition, fluid resuscitation, and timely antibiotics. Know the common sources and the approach to fever in the returning traveler and the immunocompromised patient.
217 words, about 1 min11Emergency Ultrasound and Procedural Skills
Understand the core emergency ultrasound applications: FAST, cardiac (pericardial effusion, cardiac activity), thoracic (pneumothorax, effusion), biliary, renal, and obstetric. Know the principles of image acquisition, probe selection, and the limitations of ultrasound.
226 words, about 1 min12Emergency Department Administration, Ethics, and Evidence-Based Medicine
Understand the principles of emergency department flow, triage, and disaster management, including mass casualty incident triage and surge capacity. Know the ethical frameworks relevant to emergency medicine: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice.
222 words, about 1 min