References
Prehospital emergency anaesthesia: an introductory guide for paramedics
Abstract
Prehospital emergency anaesthesia (PHEA) is indicated in a relatively small number of patients. It is a complex procedure that requires an in-depth knowledge of airway management, physiology, pharmacology and human factors and should only be performed judiciously by a competent team. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the process of PHEA and to describe its indications, practical aspects and potential complications.
After completing this module, the paramedic will be able to:
Directly translated from its Greek origins, the term anaesthesia means without sensation. (Yentis et al, 2009). In practical terms, the induction of general anaesthesia results in unconsciousness with the triad of amnesia, analgesia and muscle relaxation.
Local anaesthesia relates to the administration of a local anaesthetic drug directly to a body tissue or surrounding a sensory nerve supplying a particular area to result in a local loss of sensation and will not be discussed in detail in this article.
The provision of general anaesthesia to a patient can be divided into three stages: induction (starting to lose consciousness); maintenance; and emergence (return of consciousness). Anaesthesia can be induced and maintained by intravenous (IV) or inhalational agents or a combination of both.
In modern practice in adult patients who are receiving their anaesthetic in the operating theatre, induction of anaesthesia commonly occurs intravenously and is maintained by the continuous administration of inhalational volatile anaesthetic agents.
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