Bronchospasm during general anaesthesia Bronchospasm is a relatively common event during general anaesthesia. Anaesthetic assistants need to know how to identify and treat bronchospasm. Management…
An Introduction to Paracetamol Paracetamol is a commonly used medicine that can help treat pain and reduce a high temperature. In normal doses it is…
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications that relieve or reduce pain. Their actions are analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic. Perioperatively, using NSAIDs…
An introduction to the autonomic nervous system As many procedures and drugs used in anaesthetic practice have a direct influence on the autonomic nervous system,…
Anaesthetics for obese patients The prevalence of obesity has tripled over the past 40 yrs and there are now more than 650 million obese adults…
Safe tracheal extubation This article covers complications occurring during emergence, extubation and later in recovery. It details the DAS guidelines on safe extubation and explains…
Understanding the circle system Although the circle system looks relatively simple, it is a deceptively complex arrangement that needs to be fully understood to use…
An introduction to Pain Pathways This module provides a basic overview of the important pain pathways and how they work. It also covers how pain…
The respiratory system – The process of respiration This module covers the physiological process of respiration, of which breathing is only the first stage. The…
Malignant Hyperthermia Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare life-threatening condition that is usually triggered by exposure to certain drugs used for general anesthesia. This module…
Direct vision laryngoscopes Laryngoscopes are used to aid tracheal intubation and the placement of endotracheal tubes. They allow visualisation of the larynx and are used…
Anaesthetic machines back to front The most important piece of equipment that the anaesthetist uses is the anaesthesia machine. The basic function of an anaesthesia…
Understanding Central Venous Lines This module discusses various types of central lines and central venous catheters (CVC). They are often needed in critically ill patients…
Getting the best out of videolaryngoscopy The benefits of videolaryngoscopy, especially in unexpected difficult intubations, are numerous but they are not just conventional laryngoscopes with…
Muscle Relaxants; reversal and the use of peripheral nerve stimulators. This module discusses residual block, why, when and how muscle relaxants are reversed, and the…
Emergency front of neck access in airway management This module describes the guidance for emergency front of neck access, reviews techniques to improve decision making…
Endotracheal tubes An endotracheal tube (ETT) is inserted into the trachea for the primary purpose of establishing and maintaining a definitive patent airway and to…
The respiratory system – Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System This module covers the anatomy of the respiratory system. The major organs of the…
Supraglottic Airway Devices First introduced in 1988 the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) or supraglottic airway is now used in over 50% of anaesthetics in the…
Airway adjuncts and intubation aids Airway adjuncts are designed to increase the success rate of basic airway manoeuvres, help maintain spontaneous respiration or ensuring successful…
Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents This module discusses aspiration which is a relatively rare, but potentially fatal complication of general anaesthesia occurring most commonly in…
Perioperative Hypothermia Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia can occur in up to 40% of surgical patients so it essential for theatre practitioners to know what causes it…
Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity is rare but when it does occur its onset may be sudden and life-threatening so it is…
Deep Brain Stimulators Deep brain stimulation is an increasingly common treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD), other movement disorders, certain psychiatric conditions, and chronic pain syndromes.…
Bone Cement Implantation Syndrome Bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS) is a potentially fatal complication of orthopaedic surgery. The ability to predict, recognise, and manage BCIS…
Human Biology – An introduction This module covers the basics of human biology. It is designed as prereading prior to starting an ODP or anaesthetic…
Understanding capnography This module explains the basic principles of capnography, discusses EtCO2 waveforms, and how to interpret them in the ventilated patient. Length of Study:…
Total Intravenous Anaesthesia Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) is a technique of general anaesthesia which uses a combination of agents given exclusively by the intravenous route…
Acute limb compartment syndromes Compartment syndrome (CS) is a medical emergency, which needs to be recognised by those involved with the provision of anaesthesia surgery…
Catastrophes of many kinds can occur in childbirth… This moving article is about a pregnant woman dying from amniotic fluid embolism. It is a very…
Understanding vaporisers This updated module explains how modern anaesthetic vaporisers work and the principles behind them. It includes electronic and direct injection vaporisers. Length of…
Paediatric Trauma Anatomical and physiological differences in children require special consideration and most seriously injured children have multiple injuries. This module is mainly for those…
Anaesthesia for ECT ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) is a treatment that involves sending an electric current through the brain to trigger an epileptic seizure to relieve the…
Inhalation (gas) Induction This module covers inhalation or gas induction. Although it is routine to induce general anaesthesia by the intravenous (IV) route, the inhalational…
BIS: fact or fiction BIS or Bispectral monitoring is a relatively new but controversial technology to monitor depth of anaesthesia. This module covers how it…
Necrotising Fasciitis This module describes the diagnosis and common management of NF. Patients need integrated, interdisciplinary management involving surgeons, intensive care physicians and microbiologists. Close monitoring…
Never events: an anaesthetic perspective The term ‘Never event’ is a recent term in healthcare, but one is here to stay. This module covers the…
Enhanced Recovery From Surgery (ERAS) Enhanced recovery is a modern evidence-based approach that helps people recover more quickly after having major surgery. Many hospitals – although…
Difficult and failed intubation in obstetrics Obstetric general anaesthesia is associated with a number of deleterious effects and it has long been recognised that airway…
Predicting difficult airways Proper airway assessment is essential and takes less than 2 minutes. This can give an indication of a potential difficult airway. This…
Air Embolism & anaesthesia There is significant morbidity and mortality associated with air embolism. It is therefore important to have an awareness of its risk…
Post dural puncture headache Post dural puncture headache is unpleasant, it may interfere with a new mother’s ability to care for her newborn and it…
Muscle Relaxants: the fundamentals The introduction of neuromuscular blocking drugs revolutionised the practice of anaesthesia. Before the advent of muscle relaxants, anaesthesia was induced and…
Anaesthetic machine safety features This module covers the safety features built into the modern anaesthetic machine. With more theatres moving to electronic self-checking machines this…
Awareness under Anaesthesia Awareness during anaesthesia can be very distressing for a patient, particularly if accompanied by recall of the painful nature of surgery. This…
Sickle cell disease Sickle cell disease is a disorder of the blood caused by an inherited abnormal haemoglobin. The abnormal haemoglobin causes distorted (sickled) red…
The fundamentals of arterial lines This module covers the basic principles behind setting up, inserting and monitoring intra-arterial blood pressure lines that an anaesthetic assistant…
Diathermy: the basics Electrosurgery or diathermy has allowed faster operating, reduced blood loss and new surgical techniques. It does have its dangers and its safe…
Latex Allergies Latex allergies can be present in both staff and patients. Perioperative workers have to be aware of the causes and consequences of latex products…
Tracheostomy fundamentals Tracheostomies are becoming more common and the consequences of a misplaced tube can be serious so a good understanding of them is essential.…