Memory Aids
This is for mneumonics, rhymes, acronyms and other useful bits to get out of a panic.
The four P's for a good VIVA structure
These are to structure your responses around so that you don't forget to discuss some element of the stem.
Patient factors/concerns
Pathology factors
Procedural factors
People required
"6 Ps" of Day Surgery Discharge:
Pain well controlled
PONV minimal or managed
Pooping (passed urine ± tolerating oral intake)
Physiologically stable
Plan for follow-up
Person responsible at home
A different DRS ABCD
Diagnosis - Most likely/fatal cause
Removal of Stimulus/offense
Send for help
Standard ABCD
Approach to Precipitant Induced Collapse (SAFER)
S - Stop the trigger (volatile, antibiotic, chlorhex, infusion, transfusion)
A - Airway and breathing (100% O2, manual ventilation, deepen anaesthesia/paralysis)
F - First-line therapy (Dantroline, intralipid, adrenalin)
E - Escallate (activate emergency protocols, MH cart, Crash cart)
R - Retrieve (Early planning for and mobilisation to definitive care)
Pre-intubation SPEEDBOMB
n:
S - Suction (ensure suction is ready and working)
P - Positioning (optimal patient positioning)
E - Equipment (laryngoscope, tubes, etc.)
E - End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2 monitoring ready)
D - Drugs (induction and paralytic agents prepared)
B - Back-up (backup airway plan/equipment)
O - Oxygen (pre-oxygenation and oxygen delivery)
M - Monitoring (vital signs monitoring in place)
B - Briefing (team briefing on roles and plan)
Post Intubation Care - SPEEDBOMB
S - Secure the Tube – Tape, holder, or device
P - Prevent Aspiration – Cuff pressure, gastric tube
E - End-tidal waveform capnography
E - Elevate Head – HOB 30–45°
D - Depth Check – Confirm ETT position
B - Blood Gas – Assess oxygenation/ventilation
O - Oxygenation – Lung-protective settings (low tidal volume, appropriate PEEP)
M - Meds – Sedation/analgesia, bronchodilators (nebs/MDI)
B - BVM Ready – Backup ventilation available
Post Intubation Hypotension AH SHITE mneumonic
Thanks to rebelem for this one (and a massive amount of other things too!)
A - Anaphylaxis/Acidosis
H - Heart (tamponade/pulmonary Hypertension)
S - Stacked Breaths
H - Hypovolaemia
I - Induction agent overdose
T - Tension Pneumothorax
E - Electrolytes
Debrief team with IMSAFE
I – Immediate safety check (are we all okay?)
M – Medical summary of the case
S – Share experiences and emotional reactions
A – Analyse what went well and areas for improvement
F – Focused discussion on lessons learnt
E – Engage with follow-up: documentation, duty of candour, counselling
CIMPLE approach to Regional Anaesthetic
C - Consent
I - IV access
M - Monitoring
P - Position
L - Local Anaesthetic Choice
E - Evaluation of block success
AMPLE History
A - Allergies
M - Medication
P - Past medical/surgical History
L - Last meal
E - Events related to pathology
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