Emergencies In Anaesthesia

This article describes the new changes to the most recent European Resuscitation Council guidance. There is increasing emphasis on maintenance of uninterrupted chest compressions. Atropine is no longer recommended for either adult or paediatric arrest.
Management of cardiac arrest – review of the 2010 European Guidelines (Update 28, 2012) – December 21, 2012

Early recognition of major blood loss and effective action is necessary to prevent shock and its consequences. Massive transfusion may challenge local resources. Effective management relies upon good communication between specialties and local guidelines. Management of massive blood loss in Trauma (Update 28, 2012) – December 21, 2012

Bronchospasm is a relatively common event during general anaesthesia. This articles describes managemetnt of this emergency using a simple algorithm.Bronchospasm during anaesthesia – October 28, 2011

Aspiration is a relatively rare, but potentially fatal complication of general anaesthesia occurring most commonly in emergency patients, those at light level of anaesthesia or with intra-abdominal pathology.Pulmonary Aspiration of Gastric Contents – December 1, 2010

This article describes the Difficult Airway Society’s algorithm for dealing with situations where, intubation and mask ventilation are difficult or impossible‘Can’t intubate, can’t ventilate’ – December 1, 2009

This article reproduces the AAGBI’s recommendations for managment of LA toxicty, including guidance on the use of Intralipid infusionsManagement of severe local anaesthetic toxicity – December 1, 2009

The guidelines of the AAGBI are presented and discussed in detail in this articleGuidelines for management of a malignant hyperthermia (MH) crisis – December 1, 2009

The Resuscitation Council’s guidelines on neonatal life support are presented and discussed.A floppy baby is unconscious – a baby with good tone is not. Good airway management and effective rescue breaths are key to achieving oxygenation of fluid-filled lungs. Chest compressions and drug administration are rarely needed.
Resuscitation at birth – December 1, 2009

This article presents modified basic and advanced life support algorithms for use in pregnant women suffering cardiac or respiratory arrest. The indications and timing for perimortem caesarian section are discussed.Emergency management of maternal collapse and arrest – December 1, 2009

This article proposes an algorithm guiding management of unanticipated high regional block in obsteric anaesthesia.Management of high regional block in obstetrics – December 1, 2009

This article is a case-based discussion of the management of patinets with severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. An algorithm for the administration of magnesium sulphate is included.Management of severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia – December 1, 2009

This article contains an algorithm to guide management of obstetric patients with major haemorrhage. The algorithm is explained in detail.Managment of obstetric haemorrhage – December 1, 2009

This article describes and explains the Resuscitation Council’s algorithms for basic life support in children. Note that these guidlines will be updated in late 2010Paediatric life support – December 1, 2009

This article features and explains the AAGBI’s guideline for management of anaphylaxis during anaesthesiaManagement of a patient with suspected anaphylaxis under anaesthesia – December 1, 2009

This article described an algorithm to guide management of hypoxia occurring under anaesthesia.Management of hypoxia – December 1, 2009

Call for help early. Always have a backup plan. No more than 4 attempts at the initial intubation plan. Be familiar with the various types of laryngeal mask airways. No more than 2 attempts at the use of a laryngeal mask airway. Do not traumatize the airway – maintain oxygenation and postpone surgery. If necessary, do not delay cricothyroidotomy.Management of unanticipated difficult tracheal intubation – December 1, 2009

Oxygenation takes priority over everything else. Avoid trauma by minimizing attempts. Call for help early. Plan carefully, for every case.Management plan for tracheal intubation – December 1, 2009

Assess the airway before induction of anaesthesia. Check all intubation equipment daily and be familiar with its use.
Position the patient correctly before induction. Remember that oxygenation is more important than intubation. Call for help early. Maternal welfare is paramount and takes priority over foetal considerations.Failed intubation in obstetrics – December 1, 2009