The MHRA in the UK has issued a safety alert addressed to Anaesthetists, operating department practitioners, anaesthetic nurses and all staff using anaesthetic machines.
The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) has reported that failure to check the anaesthetic machine and/or the bleeding system features as a major contributory factor in many anaesthetic misadventures, including some that have resulted in hypoxic brain damage or death.
The AAGBI has published an updated version of ‘checking anaesthetic equipment’ endorsed by all UK Chief Medical Officers and the Royal College of Anaesthetists. The association has requested anaesthetists to always follow the Manufacturer’s instruction for use and check anaesthetic machines and all breathing system components before use. The AAGBI has issued a safety guideline which includes checks before using each machine.
