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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Suxamethonium Apnoea This module describes the action of suxamethonium, the inheritance of suxamethonium apnoea, and the non-inherited conditions that can also cause it. The presentation…
An urgent call to the labour ward Emergencies on the labour ward may have obstetric, anaesthetic, or general medical causes. This module covers the most…
Surgical smoke: is it safe? Surgical smoke is now recognised as a hazard that is encountered in all operating theatres. Unfortunately, the dangers and health…
Rapid Sequence Induction Rapid sequence induction (RSI) is a method of achieving rapid control of the airway whilst minimising the risk of regurgitation and aspiration…
Pre-eclampsia and Anaesthetics Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys. Left…
Apnoea & Pre-oxygenation Pre-oxygenation is used in anaesthesia to prolong the time to desaturation during a period of apnoea, such as frequently happens upon induction.…
Surgical treatment of burns This module covers the comprehensive assessment of burns, the steps and considerations involved in surgically treating these injuries. Length of Study:…
Postoperative Nausea & Vomiting PONV can be common after surgery, although some patient groups are more prone to this than others. This module discusses this and…
Oxygen Saturations & Pulse Oximetery The pulse oximeter provides an indication of oxygen status in the body. However, the link between a pulse oximeter reading…
Understanding & Establishing Intraosseous Access Intraosseous (IO) access is an alternative method to providing venous administration of drugs and fluids. Commonly used by the military…
Temperature Management in Children Maintenance of normothermia in children under going surgery is challenging. There is clear evidence in adults that even mild intra-operative hypothermia…
Perioperative Cell Salvage: an introduction This module discusses basics of perioperative cell salvage or call saver. Its principles, indications, contra-indications and the various types of…
Laryngospasm in Anaesthesia Recognition of at-risk patients will help to prevent laryngospasm and avoid potential significant morbidity. This module discusses laryngospasm, its recognition, prevention and…
Placental Abruption Placental abruption is defined as separation of the placenta from the decidua basalis before delivery of the fetus. It is extremely serious and…
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…
Patient positioning during anaesthesia Different patient positions are required to provide access for different surgical procedures. Each position has implications for ventilation and haemodynamics, as…
Surgical tourniquets Surgical tourniquets are commonly used in the operating theatres, particularly during orthopaedic cases. Although they are very safe when used properly they can…
Urea & Electrolytes: a review Urea and electrolytes (U&Es) are the most frequently requested biochemistry tests. They provide useful information about several aspects of health,…
Sutures & Needles a review This modules reviews different suture materials, absorbable vs non-absorbable, monofilament vs multifilament and the shapes of various needles used in surgery. Length of Study: 80 min.…
Ketamine in anaesthetic practice Ketamine is the only anaesthetic available which has analgesic, hypnotic and amnesic effects. When used correctly it is a very useful…
Morphine – Still the gold standard Still popular and widely used. This brief module reviews the basics of morphine, its uses, side effects and doses.…