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The recommended standards of monitoring, by instrument or otherwise, should be met for every patient.123 All monitors should be fitted with audible alarms, with preset but adjustable limits.123,126 The following equipment should be available at all sites where anaesthesia is administered:123
- oxygen analyser
- device to display airway pressure whenever positive pressure ventilation is used, with...
All anaesthetic equipment should be checked prior to use in accordance with the Association of Anaesthetists’ published guidelines.127 Anaesthetic machine checks should be recorded in a log and on each patient’s anaesthetic chart.
The following equipment is required for the safe delivery of anaesthesia and should be available at all sites where patients are anaesthetised in sufficient quantities for the case mix and workload:
- defibrillators and equipment for external cardiac pacing128
- positioning equipment (stirrups for lithotomy, arm boards, head rest for prone positions, bariatric supports etc.)129
- ultrasound imaging equipment for vascular...
Some patients may require additional monitoring equipment. The following should be considered based on case mix and workload:123
- invasive cardiovascular pressure monitoring
- Point of Care coagulation testing.139
- cardiac output monitors
- depth of anaesthesia monitoring.140
A named anaesthetist with time assigned in their job plan should oversee the provision and management of anaesthetic equipment.141
All anaesthetists, AAs and anaesthetic assistants should receive systematic training in the use of new equipment. This should be clearly documented.141 Anaesthetists should not use equipment unless they have been trained to use it and are competent to do so. The NHS Clinical Negligence Scheme for trusts and Healthcare Improvement Scotland require that hospitals ensure all personnel are trained...
User manuals should be available as required for anaesthetic equipment.141
There should be a planned maintenance and replacement programme for all anaesthetic equipment.141,142
As a minimum, services should be available for:
- blood transfusion
- radiological investigations
- haematology
- clinical pathology
- electrocardiography.
Near patient testing for blood sugar measurements should be readily available for theatres.
