A United Kingdom national obstetric intubation equipment survey

Availability and organization of difficult airway equipment in Swedish hospitals: A national survey of anaesthesiologists

“…In the present study we found a high prevalence of DATs in all operating departments of Swedish hospitals. Previous national and international surveys have produced mixed results but generally show a relatively high availability of DATs in operating departments, ranging between 64% and 92% . An audit study conducted in metropolitan Perth demonstrated that DATs were available at 92% of locations where general anaesthesia was provided, however, no DAT had all equipment recommended by the ANZCA .…”

“…Previously, important flaws concerning multiple areas, for example, airway assessment, communication, technical skills to perform flexible bronchoscope‐guided intubation or FONA have been revealed by the NAP4 report . Multiple national surveys have shown deficiencies regarding practice in use of SADs and bronchoscopes (Greece), FONA equipment (UK ICUs), a lack of simulation and manikin training (Germany) and failed intubation “practice drills” (UK obstetric anaesthesia units). One study, pre‐NAP4, showed that only 37% of the medical staff in UK adult ICUs received training in difficult airway management .…”

“…Although some national surveys have examined the availability and contents of DATs in emergency departments (EDs), operating departments and ICUs, no previous study has determined the extent to which DATs are organized according to airway algorithms. Our group and others have attempted to develop DATs which could promote adherence to difficult airway algorithms.…”

Human factors and the ‘next generation’ airway trolley

“…Resources for managing difficult airways must be easily accessible in a timely manner, ideally in under a minute . Although the majority of airway operators would probably agree waiting for over 10 min during the process of difficult airway management to get access to required equipment reflects substandard care, it is easy for such delays to occur. This is particularly true when anaesthetising sites are remote from the operating theatre (e.g.…”

“…This is particularly true when anaesthetising sites are remote from the operating theatre (e.g. obstetric units, radiology, etc) but still rely on difficult airway equipment stored there . Dedicated local difficult airway trolleys are therefore advised for each geographically separate airway management location.…”