Emergency Medicine in Samoa

16/03/2026

Grand Round – Infection Prevention & Control

Today’s GrandRound was presented by our Charge Nurse Aruna Suemalo Lautusi, who delivered an important and timely session on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC).

Infection prevention is a cornerstone of safe healthcare. In the Emergency Department, where patients arrive with a wide range of illnesses and conditions, strong IPC practices help protect patients, staff, and the wider community from the spread of infectious diseases.With the emergence of new infectious diseases and the ongoing risk of outbreaks, strong IPC practices are more important than ever to protect patients, healthcare workers, and the wider community.

The session highlighted key principles such as proper hand hygiene, correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), environmental cleaning, and early identification of infectious risks.

Public Tip:
✅️Good infection prevention starts with simple habits. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially before and after visiting hospitals
✅️If you are unwell with cough, fever, or flu-like symptoms, wearing a mask in public places and when visiting health facilities can help prevent spreading infections to others.
✅️Simple actions like wearing a mask, washing hands regularly, and covering your cough can make a big difference in protecting your community.

15/03/2026

Monday SimDay focused on a critical and time-sensitive emergency: Ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

The team worked through a high-pressure scenario involving a woman presenting with severe abdominal pain, shock, and internal bleeding due to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. The exercise tested rapid assessment, resuscitation, teamwork, and coordination.

⚠️ Public Health Tip
Know the warning signs of ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the womb, most commonly in the fallopian tube. If it ruptures, it can cause life-threatening internal bleeding.

✅️Seek urgent medical care if a woman of child-bearing age experiences:
• Severe lower abdominal pain
• Vaginal bleeding
• Shoulder tip pain
• Dizziness, fainting, or weakness

Early medical attention can save lives

11/03/2026

Scholarship Opportunity – PISEC 2026

Samoan healthcare professionals working in emergency, acute, critical care, or disaster response are encouraged to apply for scholarships to attend the PISEC Scientific Conference & Annual Meeting 2026.

📅 11–14 August 2026
📍 Taumeasina Island Resort, Samoa
📝 Applications close: 20 March 2026

🔗 Apply here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8W8uIbqfqPMGal8tlq-L_p2LqTj9vRJmrMvWAXX15rU0Hlg/viewform⁠�

A great opportunity to connect, learn, and strengthen emergency care in Samoa and across the Pacific.

🌏 Scholarship Opportunity for Pacific and Timor-Leste Clinicians to attend the Pacific Island Society for Emergency Care (PISEC ) Scientific Conference and Annual Meeting 2026 🌊

This conference will bring together emergency care leaders, clinicians, nurses, paramedics, researchers, and partners from across the Pacific and beyond to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and advance emergency care systems for our region.

📅 Dates: 11–14 August 2026
📍 Location: Taumeasina Island Resort, Samoa

PISEC have launched an EOI for travel scholarships to attend the conference and pre-conference leadership workshop.

Applicants must:
✅ Be a registered healthcare professional
✅ Be currently practicing in an eligible Pacific Island Country
✅ Be working in emergency, critical, acute or pre-hospital care, or in a disaster setting
✅ Have employer endorsement to attend
✅ Have a passport that expires in or after March 2027

📌 Applications close: Friday, 20 March 2026
🔗 Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8W8uIbqfqPMGal8tlq-L_p2LqTj9vRJmrMvWAXX15rU0Hlg/viewform
🔗Program details: https://www.recsi.org.au/events-courses-training/pacific-island-society-for-emergency-care-scientific-meeting-2026-(partner-led-event)

You can also scan the QR code to go directly to the EOI Form.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leaders and colleagues from across the region and contribute to conversations shaping emergency care!

09/03/2026

Today’s Grand Round was presented by one of our dedicated and hardworking nurses, RN Normatepora Tunu, who delivered an insightful session on Hypovolemic Shock.

Hypovolemic shock remains one of the most critical emergencies encountered in the Emergency Department. It occurs when severe fluid or blood loss leads to inadequate circulation, resulting in poor tissue perfusion and potential organ failure if not recognized and treated promptly. Early identification, rapid fluid resuscitation, control of the underlying cause, and coordinated team management are essential to improving patient outcomes.

We were also privileged to have our Clinical Nurse Consultant Ta'ala Logomai Feterika join us today, whose presence and support added great value to the discussion. Her experience and guidance helped enrich the learning session for our team.

08/03/2026

Today’s SimDay, led by RN Aruna Lautusi our Simulation Committee, continuing our commitment to strengthening emergency care through hands-on learning and teamwork.

The scenario focused on a 52-year-old male with end-stage renal failure on haemodialysis who missed his dialysis and presented with severe hyperkalaemia — a life-threatening condition that requires rapid recognition and coordinated management in the Emergency Department.

Our team worked through the assessment, early recognition of ECG changes, and the critical steps in stabilizing potassium levels while preparing for definitive management.

Public Tip for Patients on Haemodialysis:
If you are on dialysis, it is very important to follow your dialysis schedule, limit high-potassium foods (such as bananas, coconut water, and taro leaves), and seek medical attention immediately if you experience weakness, palpitations, or shortness of breath. Missing dialysis sessions can lead to dangerous potassium levels in the blood.

07/03/2026

Encouraging to see the Integrated Interagency Triage Tool (IITT) introduced at the Ndemban National Trauma Centre in Gambia.

Strong triage systems are the foundation of effective emergency care, ensuring the sickest patients are identified early and treated without delay especially in Resource-Limited settings.

Great work by Dr Holly Bannon Murphy and her husband Dr Tim Amos (friends of EMS), and the team supporting this important initiative. Strengthening triage saves lives.

06/03/2026

Great to see the Emergency Leadership & Management (ELM) Course beginning this week for our Pacific colleagues.

Wishing everyone a great course and valuable learning ahead.

05/03/2026

Last week we farewelled one of the longest serving and most respected members of our Emergency Department family, Senior RN Ileni Taituave, as she moves on to take up her new role as Patient Care Coordinator.

Ileni has dedicated more than three decades of service to our Emergency Department and the wider health services. Throughout those years, she has been a pillar of strength, professionalism, and compassion for both patients and colleagues.

For many of us, Ileni was more than just a senior nurse. She was a mentor, a guiding voice, and very much a mother figure within our department. Her wisdom, calm presence, and unwavering support have shaped generations of nurses and doctors who have had the privilege of working alongside her.
It was an emotional farewell as we reflected on the countless lives she has touched and the incredible legacy she leaves behind in the Emergency Department.

While we will deeply miss her presence on the ED floor, we are incredibly proud to see her step into this important new role where her experience, leadership, and dedication will continue to benefit patients and staff across our health services.

Fa’afetai tele Ileni for your years of service, mentorship, and care. Your impact on our team and our patients will never be forgotten.

We wish you all the very best in this new chapter.
Once ED, always ED

04/03/2026

Yesterday we farewelled one of our dedicated Emergency Department nurses, RN Temukisa 'Kisa' Apelu, as she moves on to pursue new opportunities and a brighter future ahead.

During her time with us, Kisa has been a valued member of our team bringing commitment, compassion, humility, and professionalism to the care of our patients and to the support of her colleagues. Her presence in the department will certainly be missed.

In a generous gesture of support for the ongoing development of our Emergency Department, Kisa and her husband also kindly donated a PA system, speaker, and microphone to assist with our teaching sessions, simulations, and department activities. This thoughtful contribution will continue to benefit our staff and strengthen our learning environment for years to come.

On behalf of the entire ED team, we extend our sincere gratitude for your service, your kindness, and your support. We wish you every success in this next chapter of your journey.

Fa’afetai tele lava Kisa. Once ED, always ED.

04/03/2026

We are proud to announce that registration for the PISEC 2026 Scientific Conference is now officially OPEN.

📍 Location: Taumeasina Island Resort, Samoa
📅 Dates: 13–14 August 2026

This conference will bring together emergency care leaders, clinicians, nurses, paramedics, researchers, and partners from across the Pacific and beyond to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and advance emergency care systems for our region.

Expect two days of:
• Scientific presentations
• Clinical discussions and research
• Regional collaboration
• Networking with Pacific and international partners

Samoa is honored to host this important gathering for Pacific emergency care.

🔗 Register now using the link below:

https://www.recsi.org.au/events-courses-training/pacific-island-society-for-emergency-care-scientific-meeting-2026-(partner-led-event)

📲 You can also scan the QR code on the poster to register.

We look forward to welcoming you to Samoa for PISEC 2026.

02/03/2026

Today’s Grand Round focused on Anaphylactic Shock, a critical, time-sensitive emergency that demands rapid recognition and decisive intervention.

Our session was presented by our dedicated RN Sa Va’afusuaga, who delivered a clinically grounded and practical discussion that highlighted not only the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis, but more importantly, the frontline role of nursing in saving lives.

Anaphylactic shock is a severe, systemic hypersensitivity reaction that can progress within minutes. Airway compromise, bronchospasm, profound vasodilation, and circulatory collapse can occur rapidly. Early recognition of subtle signs — urticaria, angioedema, hypotension, tachycardia, altered voice, respiratory distress — is critical.

The nursing approach is pivotal:
✅️Early Recognition & Triage: Nurses are often the first point of contact. Rapid identification using ABC assessment and clinical judgement determines survival.
✅️Immediate IM Adrenaline Administration: Timely intramuscular adrenaline remains the single most important intervention. Delays increase mortality.
✅️Airway & Oxygenation Management: High-flow oxygen, airway positioning, and preparation for advanced airway if deterioration occurs.
✅️Circulatory Support: Large-bore IV access, aggressive fluid resuscitation, and continuous haemodynamic monitoring.
✅️Medication Preparation & Team Coordination: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, nebulised bronchodilators — ensuring smooth workflow under pressure.
✅️Post-Resuscitation Monitoring: Biphasic reactions are real. Ongoing observation and patient education prior to discharge are essential.
✅️Documentation & Debriefing: Accurate recording and reflective practice strengthen systems for the next case.

Anaphylaxis is one of those conditions where systems, teamwork, and confidence in protocol matter immensely. In emergency care, seconds matter and nurses anchor the response.

Proud of RN Sa Va’afusuaga for stepping up and leading this important discussion. Strengthening our knowledge strengthens our system.

01/03/2026

SimDay today.

Our team worked through a high-acuity scenario involving a 6-month-old infant presenting with febrile seizures and a rash - a presentation that demands rapid, structured thinking and disciplined resuscitation.

Differentials included dengue (particularly concerning in our setting given current dengue is still active) and invasive pneumococcal disease, where early recognition of sepsis and timely antibiotics are critical.

The scenario challenged the team to balance seizure control, airway protection, haemodynamic assessment, and early antimicrobial decision-making, all while maintaining clear communication and role allocation.

Led by Dr Jancey Noaese and supported by our dedicated ED nurses and doctors, the session emphasized:
✅️Early recognition of red flags in febrile infants
✅️Structured ABCDE assessment under pressure
✅️Team communication and leadership clarity
✅️Escalation pathways and timely senior input

Simulation is where systems are stress-tested before real patients are. Today reinforced that preparation, teamwork, and deliberate practice save lives