Abstract

A pre-use check to ensure the correct functioning of anaesthetic equipment is essential to patient safety. The anaesthetist has a primary responsibility to understand the function of the anaesthetic equipment and to check it before use. Anaesthetists must not use equipment unless they have been trained to use it and are competent to do so. A self-inflating bag must be immediately available in any location where anaesthesia may be given. A two-bag test should be performed after the breathing system, vaporisers and ventilator have been checked individually. A record should be kept with the anaesthetic machine that these checks have been done. The 'first user' check after servicing is especially important and must be recorded.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI), Hartle A, Anderson E, Bythell V, Gemmell L, Jones H, McIvor D, Pattinson A, Sim P, Walker I

Institution

Royal College of Anaesthetists  Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency  British Association of Anaesthetic and Respiratory Equipment Manufacturers Association.

Source

Anaesthesia 67:6 2012 Jun pg 660-8

MeSH

Airway Management
Anesthesia, Intravenous
Anesthesiology
Anesthetics, Inhalation
Checklist
Electric Power Supplies
Equipment Failure
Equipment Safety
Great Britain
Humans
Ireland
Management Audit
Monitoring, Intraoperative
Resuscitation
Ventilators, Mechanical

Pub Type(s)

Guideline
Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22563957