The latest edition of James Roberts and Jerris Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine continues the tradition of excellence established in previous editions. Since its inaugural publication in 1985, this text has become recognized by many as the most important resource of its kind. The book provides updated information on how to perform almost every procedure that might conceivably fall within the scope of practice of the emergency physician as well as a few, such as culdocentesis, that arguably should not. It is, however, much more than simply a “how-to” manual for emergency procedures. The editors are experienced emergency physicians who recognize the need to understand more than just the mechanics of each procedure. In the preface, Roberts points out that there is “more than one way to approach any patient, or any procedure” and offers the text as a guide, “not a dictum.” The editors have created a comprehensive textbook that incorporates information not only on techniques but also on background, indications, contraindications, equipment, complications, and alternatives for each procedure.