Anesthesia

Institution: Regions Hospital

Duration in Months: 3 weeks integrated into EM rotation

Year of Training: EM1

Educational objectives:

1. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of airway anatomy and respiratory physiology. 

2. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills to assess airway patency and anticipate potential airway problems. 

3. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills to provide basic airway maneuvers such as chin lift, jaw thrust and bag - mask ventilation.

4. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills to effectively utilize airway adjuncts such as nasal trumpets and oral airways.

5. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills to perform a rapid, safe and efficient orotracheal intubation and laryngeal mask airway.

6. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills in the use of sedation, anesthesia and muscle relaxation/paralysis with knowledge of the indications, contraindications and limits of each.

Description of clinical experiences:

These goals and objectives will be met with a rotation on the Anesthesia service at Regions. Under the supervision of Anesthesia faculty, the resident will intubate patients undergoing general anesthesia. Residents will evaluate each patient’s airway needs and assess potential difficulties in providing a secure airway. Primary and alternate methods of airway control including RSI will be discussed prior to actual intubation. Pharmacologic adjuncts to airway control will be discussed and used.

Description of didactic experiences:

There are no formal conferences on the rotation.  Conferences are held with Anesthesia faculty and EM faculty in the ED conference schedule. The residents are expected to attend the weekly emergency medicine conferences.

Evaluation process:

Residents receive written evaluations after completing rotations to the Anesthesia Service.  They are evaluated on their knowledge base, facility performing procedural skills and professional attitudes. Residents are responsible for keeping track of all procedures performed.

Feedback mechanisms:

Immediate feedback is provided by the faculty on duty in the ED or the Anesthesia faculty in the OR.  Such feedback is considered most important in the resident’s education.  Any specific issues will be addressed in the written rotation evaluation.