Essentials of Disaster Anesthesia

A concise review of the essentials of anesthesia and critical care for anesthetists, nurses and emergency physicians preparing to treat survivors of major disasters. Experienced responders provide practical advice on topics including trauma surgery; mass casualties; chemical, biological and radiological exposure; and emergency communications.

Whether a mass casualty, earthquake or weather event at home, or a disaster abroad, proper preparation is essential for providing high-quality care. This concise guide brings together the views and knowledge of experienced responders to offer a much-needed review of the essential elements of anesthesia and intensive care for disasters and austere environments. Combining academic theory and practical advice, the book covers topics such as emergency and trauma surgery; airway management; chemical, biological and radiological exposure; personal protective equipment; and the psychological impact of working in the operating room in disaster situations. As successful care depends on the incident response team working collaboratively, the text also covers emergency communications, infrastructure preservation, and topics relevant to other medical specialists such as pain management and obstetrics. Featuring numerous high-quality illustrations, Essentials of Disaster Anesthesia is a vital, relevant resource for anesthetists, emergency physicians, nurses, and ancillary personnel.