ABSTRACT
One of the most important safety features is the presence of a trained, competent anaesthetist and a serviced and checked anaesthetic machine. A pre-use check to ensure the correct functioning of the anaesthetic machine and equipment is essential to patient safety. Prior to commencing any anaesthetic, it is essential to have a self-inflating bag, an alternative source of oxygen relevant airway equipment and emergency drugs immediately available. The anaesthetic machine itself has numerous safety features built in and in order not to miss anything, it is best to breakdown the anaesthetic machine into systems and work way from the back of the anaesthetic machine to the common gas outlet. Modern anaesthetic machines have visual and audible indicators to alert the anaesthetist of a power failure. Monitors have become integrated within modern anaesthetic machines. Oxygen, inhalation agent and end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration analysers, gas volume and airway pressure measurements are all essential and are monitored and displayed on LED screens.
