The Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine (HKCEM) and Hong Kong Society for Emergency Medicine & Surgery (HKSEMS) proudly presents the culmination of decades of educational development: the Practice of Emergency Medicine, 3rd Edition. This landmark publication marks a significant milestone, launched under the theme "Emergency Medicine: A Milestone Celebration - 25 Years of Excellence in Saving Lives. Embracing the Past, Present and Future of Emergency Care". Reflecting modern needs, this edition is available in multiple formats to suit different preferences and learning styles.

Spotlight on Practice of Emergency Medicine, 3rd Edition

Published in 2024 (hard copy ISBN: 9-789881-534934), this latest edition stands as the definitive local reference for the specialty. It is the result of a tremendous collaborative effort with 113 authors, 23 section editors, and Editors-in-Chiefs. The soft version was finalized in 2025 to complement the hardcopy release.

Available Formats

• Hardcopy Version

  • A substantial, high-quality printed book with 831 pages.   

  • Features a durable color cover and black-and-white inner pages, printed on matt paper for longevity.   

  • Includes QR codes linking to supplementary video content where applicable. 

• Soft Copy - PDF Version

  • A complete digital replica of the textbook provided as a single PDF file.   

  • Presented in full color, offering a vibrant viewing experience.   

  • Also includes QR codes for accessing video content.

  • Downloadable via https://hkcem.org.hk/?p=14505

• Soft Copy – Web-based Version

  • Accessible via the HKCEM website, requires password login credentials for access control.   

  • Features an enhanced search function that allows users to locate specific keywords within the text and hyperlink directly to the relevant section.   

  • Includes a collapsible content list/menu on the side for easy navigation between chapters.   

  • Directly embeds video content within relevant chapters.   

  • Provides a mechanism at the end of chapters for readers to submit feedback via an email link.  

Core Strengths (All Formats)

• Comprehensive Coverage: Spanning 21 sections, it addresses the full spectrum of emergency medicine.   

• Locally Relevant: Authored by experienced Hong Kong EM specialists, tailoring content to local practice.   

• Up-to-Date and Practical: Reflects current knowledge, evidence-based approaches, and practical guidelines.  

Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Practice of Emergency Medicine, 3rd Edition

Producing this multi-format, comprehensive resource was a momentous task. The journey involved navigating numerous challenges, requiring dedications from the many authors who contributed their expertise to individual chapters, and the editors who oversaw content areas. HKCEM President, Dr Clara Wu, provided crucial support throughout this complex process. Frequent discussions and meetings were held among the Editors-in-Chiefs (me, Dr. Sam Yang, and Dr. Ko Shing) and the publishing agency (Chill Health) during the production process.

Key challenges included managing budgets, resolving technical challenges with images and website features, and coordinating meticulous content revisions across hundreds of pages. Despite these challenges, we completed the final product over the three-year production time.

Building on a Strong Foundation: The Evolution of HKCEM/HKSEMS Textbooks

The Practice of Emergency Medicine, 3rd Edition builds upon a rich history of educational materials developed for EM practitioners in Hong Kong.

• The "Practice of Emergency Medicine" (PEM) Series: The PEM 1st Edition (2010) and PEM 2nd Edition (2016), the latter notably co-edited by Dr. Axel Siu, Dr Fu Tat Lee, and Dr Ling Pong Leung. This marked the transition to a single, comprehensive textbook format, continually updated to reflect the growing complexity and evidence base of the specialty.  

• The Early Manuals (1990s to 2000s): In the formative years, HKSEMS pioneered essential separate training manuals including the Core Manual for Training in Emergency Medicine, Emergency Procedure Manual, Emergency Drug Manual, and Emergency Diagnostic Test Manual, laying the essential groundwork for standardized training.   

These earlier works established the commitment to providing high-quality, locally relevant resources, a tradition proudly continued by the PEM series.

Looking Forward: Embracing the New Edition

As a versatile resource in hardcopy, PDF, and web-based formats, the Practice of Emergency Medicine 3rd Edition represents the pinnacle of EM educational materials from HKCEM and HKSEMS. It is an indispensable tool for trainees, specialists, and all practitioners involved in emergency care in Hong Kong.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Section Editors and every author who contributed their valuable time and knowledge to this edition. We encourage members to appropriately leverage this comprehensive resource in delivering excellent emergency care.