
CPD modules: Easy
You are free to download, print and study the modules. Once you have completed your reading come back and take the multichoice test. If you obtain a pass mark of over 80% you will have the option of printing out a certificate of completion.
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 in the transition to eFONA and reviews the ‘scapel, bougie,
tube’ technique when performing eFONA.
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 safely, especially at low flows.
This module explains the components, setup and both advantages and disadvantages of the circle system.
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 use in operating theatres requires a grasp of its mechanisms of action and potential pitfalls.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy
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Proact Creative 900B Handheld Sidestream Capnography and Oximeter (sponsored)
Very compact and lightweight with extremely simple user interface.
Full colour 7.5cm TFT display monitors EtCO2,FiCO2,RR, SpO2 & PR.
Built in rechargeable Li-Ion batteries with up to 10 hours working time, USB connectivity for data transfer
Now allows input of patient ID for reporting.
Air Embolism & anaesthesia
There is significant morbidity and mortality associated with air embolism. It is therefore important to have an awareness of its risk factors, presentation, means of risk reduction and management of the consequences. These are all covered in this module.
Length of Study: 60 min.
Difficulty: Easy
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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 considered safer than many analgesics as it has no effect on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and unlike Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) it does not cause gastric irritation or bleeding.
One caution, especially for the perioperative environment, is that as IV paracetamol has close to 100% bioavailability and IV doses must be adjusted in low weight individuals to prevent overdose.
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 article explores the types, incidence, consequences, causes, management and avoidance of intraoperative awareness.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy
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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 symptoms of some mental health problem. This module covers the anaesthetic aspects of it.
Length of Study: 45 min.
Difficulty: Easy
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Sugammadex: an overview
Sugammadex is an effective and safe agent for reversing neuromuscular blockade, in particular all depths of rocuronium-induced blockade. Sugammadex provides a real alternative to neostigmine and this module covers everything you need to know.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy
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Nerve Impulse Conduction
It is essential that perioperative practitioners have an understanding of nerve conduction, as many drugs used in the operating theatre have an impact on the nervous system and nerve conduction. The most obvious, but not the only one, being local anaesthetics which prevent pain and other nerve signals reaching the brain, by temporarily blocking nerve conduction.
This module examines how nerve cells communicate by sending signals to each other and various other tissues throughout the body. It is a simplified explanation of a complex topic.
Length of Study: 60 min.
Difficulty: Beginner/student
Understanding & Establishing Intraosseous Access
Intraosseous (IO) access is an alternative method to providing venous administration of drugs and fluids. Commonly used by the military and pre-hospital medics,it is gaining popularity in the hospital setting where intravenous access is challenging or time critical.
Length of Study: 75 min
Difficulty: Easy
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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 and physiological support in an intensive care unit is often essential.
Length of Study: 60 min.
Difficulty: Easy
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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 is a useful reminder of where we have come from and how safety is built into all aspects of the anaesthetic machine. It is also useful for anyone new to anaesthetics.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy
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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 emergency patients. Prevention is the key, and there are several mandatory requirements that must be fulfilled in the at-risk patient. However, in the event of aspiration occurring, treatment is essentially supportive once the airway has been secured.
Oxygen Saturations & Pulse Oximetery
The pulse oximeter provides an indication of oxygen status in the body. However, the link between a pulse oximeter reading and the events occurring in the body can be complex and difficult to evaluate. We all require an understanding of factors associated with oxygen uptake and delivery to be able to use pulse oximetry in a knowledgeable way.
Length of Study: 80 min
Difficulty: Easy
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