Minimum anesthetic machine check under life-threatening conditions

situations do arise in anesthesia for trauma or emergency cesarean section where there is neither time nor opportunity to fully check the anesthesia gas machine. The following checklist is suggested for these situations. It requires little if any additional time, and can add greatly to safety, and hence, peace of mind.

1. High pressure test of the breathing circuit
   • Ensures there are no leaks distal to common gas outlet
2. Check suction
3. Observe and/or palpate breathing bag during preoxygenation
   Ensures
   • Adequate flow of oxygen
   • Good mask fit (very important)
   • The patient is breathing
   • The Bag/Vent switch is on "Bag" not "Vent"

With all new machines, the electronic checklist can be bypassed in emergencies. Whether this 30 second process is acceptable must be determined by each clinical practice.