EM Topic – Anaesthetics
Conscious sedation Inhalational Anaesthetics Intubation Intubation Drugs Local anaesthetics Paediatric RSI Non Invasive Ventilation Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation
View ArticleEM Notes – General Anaesthetic Techniques
Drugs for conscious sedation Conscious sedation, part of what is now expanded into procedural sedation, is now a routine part of ED management. The aim is to provide analgesia, sedation, muscle...
View ArticleEM Notes – General Anaesthetic Techniques
Inhalational anaesthetic agents Introduction Apart from nitrous oxide, inhalational anaesthetic agents are rarely used in the ED. Occasionally may be needed for gaseous induction with imminent upper...
View ArticleEM Notes – Intubation
Indications Loss of airway protection Loss of reflexes, e.g. obtunded /↓GCS (<8), muscle relaxed (e.g. for hyperthermia) Risk of aspiration from GIT, blood or secretions Loss of airway patency...
View ArticleEM Notes – Local Anaesthetic Pharmacology and Toxicity
Local anaesthetic ## LA Structure Most are weak bases – esters or amides: Long G groups have increased toxicity, shorter ones have less potency (as a rule). Esters: Cocaine – first extracted from...
View ArticleEM Notes – Paediatric RSI
Indications Worsening pulmonary function tests despite vigorous bronchodilator therapy Decreasing PaO2 Increasing PaCO2 Progressive respiratory acidosis Declining mental status Increasing agitation...
View ArticleEM Notes – Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation
Options Adults / Children: Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) – positive pressure throughout resp cycle. Bilevel Positive Airways Pressure (BIPAP) – 2 levels of pressure insp & exp (IPAP...
View ArticleEM Topic – Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation
Control (aka cycle or limit) Pressure-controlled: Breath determined by achieving a set peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) Pro: limits risk of barotrauma Con: if compliance of lung changes then hypo- or...
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