The first edition of this book was published in the year 2000. In the field at that time were Rosen’s Textbook (an American text, mostly for reference, or for the very dedicated reader), Fulde’s Emergency Medicine, The Principles of Practice, and Brown’s Emergency Medicine, Diagnosis and Management (both good, succinct house surgeon level books by Australian authors), and Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide (a North American book used by many advanced trainees in Emergency Medicine as a key text to guide their fellowship exam studies).

The Cameron book came onto the market as an Australasian alternative to Tintinalli, and was immediately popular. The second edition is nearly 200 pages longer, with a new section on Orthopaedic emergencies and an expanded Toxicology section. In addition, there are new chapters on Research Methodology, Refugee Health, Observation Wards, and a variety of Administration issues (including dealing with complaints and risk management).

The chapters are well presented, all following a set format, and mostly well written. The majority of authors are Australasian (five and a half New Zealanders), with a handful of Northern Hemisphere contributors, and most are practicing Emergency Physicians. The result is material which is relevant, pragmatic, and appropriately supported by background information. This is a very good book for those working in Emergency Departments, for use as a reference or for study.

The inclusion of an Orthopaedic section is welcomed although it reveals a gap—there is no discussion of carpal injuries. There is evidence of the material being made current, with additions to many sections. Examples include the chapter on refugee health and discussion of the toxicity of gamma hydroxybutyrate. However, SARS doesn’t make it in. These are minor concerns, which the third edition is sure to address. In summary, I like this book. I have two copies and I recommend it as a reference book for all New Zealand Emergency Departments, and as a study guide for those who wish to study Emergency Medicine.