Student zone
These modules are the first part of a series for beginners new to anaesthetics or those wishing to renew their knowledge. They cover airway basics and will build into a comprehensive guide for anyone who is training to assist the anaesthetist. 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.
Airway Equipment
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 not only in operating theatres but ITU and A&E. They can also be used to visualise the larynx for suctioning, removal of a foreign body and placing nasogastric tubes and throat packs.
This module covers conventional or direct laryngoscopes. Video laryngoscopes and fibreoptic intubation are covered in different modules.
Length of Study: 45 min.
Difficulty: Beginner/student
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 machine is to prepare a gas mixture of precisely known, but variable composition. The gas mixture can then be delivered to a breathing system. The anaesthesic machine itself has evolved from a simple pneumatic device to a complex array of mechanical, electrical and computer–controlled components. This module breaks down the essential features of the anaesthetic machine into its parts, explaining their purpose as it goes.
Length of Study: 45 min.
Difficulty: Beginner/student
Proact Combi™ Laryngoscope (Sponsored)
Invented by PROACT in 2010, the Combi™ Laryngoscope concept provides an all-in-one Laryngoscope set with a pre-fitted PERMANENTLY attached blade and preloaded 6V Battery Pack.
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 ensure the adequate exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. It is the gold standard for securing an airway, allowing positive-pressure ventilation while preventing contamination of the lungs from the contents of the pharynx and stomach.
Length of Study: 45 min.
Difficulty: Beginner/student
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 U.K. This module describes the development and use of not only the LMA but the variants of it. This includes 2nd generation supraglottic airway.
Length of Study: 45 min.
Difficulty: Beginner/student
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 bag-mask ventilation. Intubation aids are used to help the passing of an endotracheal tube through the cords rather than to help with laryngoscopy.
Length of Study: 45 min.
Difficulty: Beginner/student
Proact Laryngeal Airways (sponsored)
Proact have a full range of PRO-Breathe Laryngeal Airways. These include the Disposable PVC, Disposable Armourflex™ PVC and high quality silicone disposable Laryngeal Airways.
Antomy & Physiology
The respiratory system – The process of respiration
This module covers the physiological process of respiration, of which breathing is only the first stage. The ultimate function of the respiratory system is gas exchange which consists of supplying the body’s tissues with oxygen and removing carbon dioxide, the waste product.
There are three key elements to this process; pulmonary ventilation, external respiration, and internal respiration.
Length of Study: 60 min.
Difficulty: Beginner/student
The respiratory system – Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System
This module covers the anatomy of the respiratory system. The major organs of the respiratory system function primarily to provide oxygen to body tissues for cellular respiration, remove the waste product carbon dioxide, and help to maintain acid-base balance. It covers both the conducting zone and a respiratory zone and describes the difference between the two.
Length of Study: 60 min.
Difficulty: Beginner/student
Human Biology – An introduction
This module covers the basics of human biology. It is designed as prereading prior to starting an ODP or anaesthetic assistant training. It is mainly for those who are have not studied biology or haven’t studied it for a long time.
Length of Study: 120 min.
Difficulty: Beginner/student