Background: The field of ENT surgery is one of the most varied specialties, with numerous subspecialties and continuing divergence. With this evolution there comes, however, a risk that specialists become de-skilled in certain areas. In the case of ENT emergencies, this can be particularly dangerous.
Methods: Current guidance from relevant UK professional membership bodies regarding emergency surgery provision was inspected and a literature search was performed to identify studies relating to management of ENT emergencies in the context of increasing subspecialisation.
Results and conclusion: The specialty currently has provisions in place to ensure timely, appropriate and safe management of emergencies, in the form of guidelines and emergency clinics; however, there is scope for improvement of the system.
Keywords: Emergencies; Otorhinolaryngology; Specialization.