Oesophageal intubations in anaesthetic practice across Australia and New Zealand: A webAIRS analysis of 109 incidents.

Oesophageal intubations are more common than may be realised and can potentially cause significant patient harm even if promptly identified and corrected. Reports of morbidity due to unrecognised oesophageal intubation continue to present in coroner and media reports. Therefore, it would be helpful to identify mechanisms to prevent these events and implement strategies to avoid and identify incorrect endotracheal tube placement.

Pioneers of laryngoscopy: indirect, direct and video laryngoscopy.

Airway management is one of the core skills of the anaesthetist and various techniques of airway management have developed over many years. Initially, the only view of the glottis that could be obtained was an indirect view (indirect laryngoscopy). Late in the 19th century, a direct view of the glottis was obtained via various direct laryngoscopes.

Observations on the assessment and optimal use of videolaryngoscopes.

Due to the large number of videolaryngoscopes now available, it might be difficult for novice users to assess the various devices or use them optimally. We have collated the experiences of several airway management experts to assist in the assessment and optimal use of seven commonly used videolaryngoscopes. While all videolaryngoscopes have unique features, they can be broadly divided into those inserted via a midline approach over the tongue and those inserted laterally along the floor of the mouth.

Emergency surgical airway in life-threatening acute airway emergencies--why are we so reluctant to do it?

'Can't intubate, can't oxygenate' scenarios are rare but are often poorly managed, with potentially disastrous consequences. In our opinion, all doctors should be able to create a surgical airway if necessary. More practically, at least all anaesthetists should have this ability.

Extraglottic airway devices for use in diving medicine - part 3: the i-gel™.

Resuscitation or airway control of an unconscious diver in a diving bell (DB) or deck decompression chamber (DDC) is difficult. Although the laryngeal mask airway (cLMA) has been recommended by the Diving Medical Advisory Committee, it is associated with many problems in a DB or DDC because of its cuff. A new cuffless airway device, the Intersurgical i-gel™, has been released.

Basic life support in a diving bell and deck decompression chamber.

Basic life support (BLS) in a diving bell (DB) or deck decompression chamber (DDC) is difficult due to the confined space and limited equipment. Retrieval of the unconscious diver into the DB requires the use of a pulley system. Once inside the bell, space limitations dictate that any resuscitative efforts are attempted with the victim (diver) either suspended in the upright position by the pulley system or lying against the DB's curved side in a semi-supine position.

"Paradoxical embolism" - a misnomer?

Dear Editor, I wish to comment on two articles published in the December 2007 issue. Firstly I sympathise with the plight of the European doctors wishing to perform diving medicals that are accepted by the Queensland Government. As you will be aware SPUMS is not a regulatory body and had no input into the decision of the Queensland Government to use the SPUMS Diving Doctors List (DDL) as a reference list for doctors able to perform diving medicals.

The Colorado Tobacco-Free Schools and Communities Project.

This article defends the appropriateness of tobacco-free school policies as an effective tool toward ensuring young people develop into healthy and intellectually strong adults, and demonstrates how such a policy can be introduced into a school district. Health education efforts to eliminate tobacco use are widely considered more effective when carried out in concert with school policies and adult role models offering the consistent message that tobacco use is unhealthy and unacceptable. Studies indicate students who attend schools with strict smoking policies are less likely to begin smoking than students who attend schools without such policies.

Acute renal failure after envenomation by the common brown snake.

A non-fatal case of acute renal failure after envenomation by a common brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is described. The renal failure required dialysis but resolved rapidly. There were no signs of neurotoxic envenomation or myoglobinuria.