Anaesthesia
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The work of nine Naval anaesthetists deployed with the Task Force during the Falklands campaign is described. The anaesthetists worked in a field hospital (Ajax Bay), a hospital ship (SS Uganda), a troop ship (SS Camberra), aircraft carriers (HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible) and a Royal Fleet Auxiliary (Tidespring). The problems of staffing and providing the stores for various teams in different locations at short notice are discussed.
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An etomidate infusion was used in the place of nitrous oxide during one lung anaesthesia for 40 patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Analgesia was provided by fentanyl. ⋯ There was no incidence of awareness or dreams. This technique provides satisfactory anaesthesia and oxygenation during thoracic surgery when one lung only is being ventilated.