Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Compared with other specialties, anesthesiologists are at increased risk of acquiring a blood-borne pathogen (BBP) through needle-stick injuries (NSIs). Safety-engineered intravenous catheters (SEICs) have been designed to reduce NSIs but have not been well received. Our objective was to determine SEIC usage by pediatric anesthesiologists, including availability, utilization, perceived utility, and sources of NSI before and after legislation mandating their use in Canada. ⋯ Despite only moderate perceived utility, SEIC uptake among CPAs is high. However, NSIs remain common. Several opportunities to reduce the risk for work-related BBP transmission among CPAs were evident.
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We sought to determine the rate of successful identification of the cricothyroid membrane by anesthesia residents and staff at a Canadian institution. ⋯ Success rates for correct identification of the cricothyroid membrane were poor in this Canadian institution.
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Editorial Comment
Engineering solutions for safety: not always as simple as they seem.