Book excerpt: This book comprises a compendium of acute care protocols created for physician assistants. Over 275 concise, fast-reading topics for physician assistants working in emergency medicine, urgent care and family practice. Covers cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, toxicology, neurology, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, general surgery, genitourinary disorders, electrolyte and acid/base disturbances, HEENT, trauma, pediatrics, geriatrics, gynecology, infectious disease, dermatology, hematology, psychiatric and social, and environmental emergencies, critical care, among others. Also includes an introductory acute care bedside ultrasound chapter. The book provides differential diagnosis, pertinent clinical facts, and practice guidance in a bulleted outline, double column format for improving patient care and safety. The author Donald Correll, M.D. is a former Emergency Department Medical Director of Jackson-Madison County General Hospital (Tennessee), which treats over 100,000 acute care patients annually.