There are links here to information about how to manage the acute phase of critical incidents. Remember that we are also responsible for following up and investigating incidents as well as having a duty of candour. The AAGBI now lump all anaesthetic emergencies into their “Quick Reference Handbook” which is separate from their other guidelines. The links here are to individual pages of it.
Dantrolene, intralipid and Vapor-Clean filters are kept in all three theatre locations: main theatres, orthopaedics and day case unit.
Antidotes
The vast majority of overdoses or cases of accidental poisoning require supportive care only, but in the rare event that you require a specific antidote, here is a list of where they can be found in the Trust.
Anaphyllaxis
AAGBI anaphyllaxis guidelines. Resuscitation Council anaphyllaxis guidelines. If you have a case of suspected anaphyllaxis, you are responsible for making sure it gets investigated. We refer to MUFT. Phone 0161 701 7665 or email Anaesthetic.Assessment@mft.nhs.uk.
Difficult airway
We use the McGrath indirect videolaryngoscope, the Ambu disposable bronchoscope and the Aintree airway exchange catheter on our difficult airway trolley. Please make sure you are familiar with these devices, particularly if you have come from somewhere that uses different solutions.
Currently we have yellow cards in the office to give to people who have been difficult to intubate, but the Trust is also now registered with the Difficult Airway Society’s Difficult Airway Database. Click here to add or look up a patient the database. Please read the FAQs and / or talk to Dr Banks first. You will need to register with it and obtain a login.
Local anaesthetic toxicity
AAGBI local anaesthetic toxicity guidelines.
Malignant hyperpyrexia
AAGBI malignant hyperpyrexia guidelines. We do not have a vapour free machine, but we do have Vapor-Clean filters. These are kept with the dantrolene and intralipid in each theatre location with instructions for use. We refer patients to the Leeds MH Unit for investigation.
Damage to teeth
Medical Protection Society advice on dental damage during anaesthesia.
Pacemakers