This module focuses specifically on the care and treatment of a range of clinical emergencies. You will explore the causes of clinical emergency, analyse and apply the evidence-based treatment protocols. Although this module does not have a practice-based element of assessment, you will spend time in clinical placement areas (organised by the University) to experience how the concepts covered in this module relate directly to your professional practice.

Key concepts covered:

Responding to clinical emergencies in the operating department
Cardiac arrest
Anaphylaxis
Inhalation of gastric content
Hypovolaemia
Sepsis
Malignant Hyperthermia
Local anaesthetic toxicity
Difficult/failed intubation
Legal and ethical principles guiding care and treatment
Care of ITU patients
Emergency anaesthesia
Pharmacology
Human Factors
Team dynamics & hierarchy
Communication

Assessment 1
Weighting: 100% (Pass/Fail)

This module will be assessed through a 45-minute viva voce examination.

You will be examined on 2 out of 6 clinical emergencies selected at random on the day of assessment.

The viva will collectively meet all three learning outcomes and be weighted at 100%

You must pass both clinical emergency scenarios to pass.

Within the 45 minutes you can have up to 10 minutes to write notes before starting the exam.

Learning strategies for this module will include a mixture of simulation, lectures, presentations, seminars, group work, independent study, games, quizzes and case studies (this may be live or recorded cases).

1. Demonstrate management of a deteriorating patient during a clinical emergency.

Knowledge and Understanding
Application and Problem Solving

2. Critically reflect on the impact of human factors and ergonomics in the context of the multi-disciplinary response to emergency situations.

Reflection
Critical reasoning and collaboration

3. Critically appraise and apply current research evidence to the treatment of clinical emergencies.

Application and problem solving
Research Skills

4. Effectively communicate clinical considerations and decisions associated with the management of a clinical emergency.

Communication

Simulation and Immersive spaces
Classrooms
Clinical skills lab
Manikins and consumables

Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland guidelines (2023) Quick Reference Handbook Guidelines for crises in anaesthesia [online]. Available from: Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) | The Association of Anaesthetists

Rodger, D. (2022) Fundamentals of operating department practice. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Health & Care Professions Council (2024) Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics [Online]. Available from:
https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-conduct-performance-and-ethics/

Health & Care Professions Council (2023) The standards of proficiency for operating department practitioners[online]. Available from: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/operating-department-practitioners/

This module will prepare you for involvement in clinical emergency situations and give you the confidence and knowledge to recognise how human factors and ergonomics affect patient safety and enhance care. This module will explore the widening role of the Operating Department Practitioner with opportunities to simulate advanced skills and difficult airway techniques.