In this episode, we break down sickle cell crisis and life-threatening complications, including vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), acute chest syndrome (ACS), splenic sequestration, aplastic crisis, and infection. We walk through the underlying pathophysiology of sickle cell disease, why these emergencies occur, and how to recognize and manage them in the emergency department and ICU. This is a high-yield, practical framework to help you quickly distinguish common presentations from life-threatening complications. If you’re a medical student, resident, nurse, or practicing clinician, this episode will help you build a clear mental model for approaching sickle cell emergencies at the bedside. 🎥 Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZmQQ8zosdY 🚀 Support WhiteBoard Medicine + Get Full Access Get the full study guide for this episode + complete emergency critical care curriculum: https://www.patreon.com/c/WhiteBoardMedicine Our Patreon includes: • 📄 Study guides for every episode • 🎓 Mini-courses (ventilation, shock, RRT & more) • ❓ Practice questions • 🚫 Ad-free content • 🧠 A structured ICU curriculum ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Clinical decisions should be made based on individual patient circumstances, institutional protocols, and clinician judgment. This content does not represent the views of any affiliated institutions.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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