Introduction of Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia is a medical treatment that prevents pain during surgery or other procedures. It either numbs a part of the body or makes a person unconscious. There are three main types: local (numbs a small area), regional (blocks pain in a larger region), and general (makes you completely unconscious). Anesthesiologists are doctors who give and monitor anesthesia to ensure safety.

World Anesthesia Day is celebrated on October 16th each year to commemorate the first successful demonstration of anesthesia in surgery. This event occurred on October 16, 1846, when Dr. John Collins Warren performed surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital using ether as an anesthetic, marking a significant milestone in. medical history. The celebration serves several purposes:

1. Awareness and Education: It raises awareness about the role of anaesthesia in modern medicine and its importance in ensuring safe surgical procedures.
2. Recognition of Anaesthesiologists: It honours the contributions of anaesthesiologists and other healthcare professionals specialising in anaesthesia and pain management.
3. Advancements in Anaesthesia: The day highlights advancements in anaesthesia practices, technologies, and patient safety measures that have developed over the years.
4. Global Impact: It emphasizes the global reach of anaesthesia and its impact on improving surgical outcomes and patient care worldwide.

By celebrating World Anaesthesia Day, the medical community aims to educate the public and promote the significance of anaesthesia in healthcare, while also acknowledging the ongoing developments and challenges in the field.

Different Types of Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia is a medical treatment that prevents patients from feeling pain during surgery and other medical procedures. There are several types of anaesthesia, each with specific applications and characteristics. Here is a breakdown of the different types in both simple and detailed explanations:

GENERAL ANAESTHESIA:

A state of controlled unconsciousness induced by a combination of drugs. It affects the entire body and is used for major surgeries.

• Administration: Typically administered through inhaled gases or intravenous (IV) medications.
• Monitoring: Patients are closely monitored for vital signs, and breathing is often assisted via a ventilator. Recovery: Post-surgery, patients may experience grogginess and nausea, and require time to wake up fully.

Regional Anaesthesia

Numbs a larger area of the body by injecting anaesthetic near a cluster of nerves.

Types

• Epidural Anaesthesia: Commonly used during childbirth; an anaesthetic is injected into the epidural space of the spine.
• Spinal Anaesthesia: Injected into the spinal fluid, providing immediate numbness below the injection site often used for lower body surgeries.
• Benefits: Patients remain awake or lightly sedated and experience less pain post-operatively, reducing the need for pain medication.

Local Anaesthesia

Numbs are a small, specific area of the body. The patient remains fully conscious.

• Administration: Typically involves a simple injection or topical application of anaesthetic agents
• Uses: Commonly used in minor surgical procedures, dental work, and some dermatological treatments. Recovery: Effects wear off quickly, usually within a few hours.

SEDATION

Calms or relaxes the patient, and can be used alone or in conjunction with other types of anaesthesia.

Levels:

• Minimal Sedation: The patient is awake but relaxed.
• Moderate Sedation: The patient is drowsy and may not remember the procedure but can still respond to verbal commands.
• Deep Sedation: The patient is on the edge of consciousness, and may require assistance in breathing.
• Administration: Usually given through IV, inhalation, or oral routes, depending on the procedure and level of sedation required.
• Recovery: Depending on the depth of sedation, patients may need monitoring for a few hours post-procedure.

How UCBMS&H is helping in fostering Anaesthesia

Anaesthesiologist: 

Uttaranchal (P.G) College of Bio-Medical Sciences (UCBMS&H) plays a significant role in fostering the field of anaesthesia and training Anaesthesiologists through various initiatives,

• Comprehensive Curriculum: UCBMS&H offers a well-structured curriculum that covers essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills in anaesthesia. This includes lectures, seminars, and hands-on training.
• Clinical Exposure: Students and trainees gain practical experience in diverse clinical settings, allowing them to work under experienced anaesthesiologists and learn various techniques and protocols.
• Research Opportunities: UCBMS&H encourages Research in anaesthesia-related fields. Trainees can participate in ongoing research projects, contributing to advancements in anaesthesia practices.
• Workshops and Conferences: The institution organizes workshops, conferences, and guest lectures featuring anaesthesia experts. These events provide insights into the latest developments and innovations in the field.
• Simulations and Training Labs: The use of simulation technology and training labs allows students to practice anaesthesia techniques in a safe environment before applying them in real clinical settings.
• Mentorship Programs: Experienced faculty members mentor students and trainees, providing guidance, support, and career advice in the field of anaesthesia.

By integrating education, clinical practice, research, and professional development, UCBMS&H contributes significantly to the advancement of anaesthesia and the training of competent anaesthesiologists

Courses related to anaesthesia

BSc in Anaesthesia is a four-year undergraduate degree that prepares students to assist Anaesthesiologists during surgeries. Students learn about anaesthesia techniques, patient care, pharmacology, and anatomy. B.Sc. Anaesthesia Technology and Operation Theatre Technology A program that prepares students for a career in anaesthesia technology. Students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills and gain hands-on experience in patient care. Anaesthesia Technician A course that focuses on patient safety and comfort. Students learn to monitor vital signs, manage anaesthesia equipment, and respond to anaesthesia- related emergencies.

Alternative Career options

1. Anaesthesia Technician: Assists anaesthesiologists in the operating room to ensure patient care is safe and efficient. Anaesthesiologist assistant: Works with anaesthesiologists and is responsible for patient care, including in intensive care units.
2. Surgical Assistant: Assists surgeons and anaesthesiologists in the operating room to ensure surgeries run smoothly.
3. Operation theatre technician: Works in the operating theatre. Scrub nurse: Works in the operating theatre.
4. Surgical technologist: Works in the operating theatre. Circulating nurse: Works in the operating theatre.
5. Recovery room nurse: Works in the operating theatre.
6. Sterile processing technician: Works in the operating theatre. Medical device representative: Works in the operating theatre.

• Eligibility criteria:

The eligibility criteria for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Operation Theatre Technology (OTT) includes:

• Education: A minimum of 50–60% aggregate score in 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) are mandatory subjects in 10+2 Age: A minimum age of 17 years at the time of admission Entrance exam: Passing the entrance exam conducted by the college or university.