Lesson 1Principles and components of anaesthesia machines and ventilatorsThis lesson introduces the key parts of anaesthesia machines and ventilators, such as gas supplies, vaporisers, breathing circuits, and various ventilator settings. It stresses the importance of checks before use, testing for leaks, and setting safe parameters suited to different patients in local clinical environments.
Gas supply paths and pressure regulatorsVaporizers, flowmeters, and safety interlocksBreathing circuits and CO₂ absorptionVentilator modes and key parametersMachine pre-use checks and leak testingLesson 2Infusion and syringe pumps: programming basics, occlusion/air-in-line alarms, double-check routinesThis lesson discusses the components of infusion and syringe pumps, methods for loading, and how to programme rates and volumes. It covers alarms for blockages and air in lines, basic drug libraries, and double-checking processes to avoid mistakes in medication delivery during procedures.
Pump types, channels, and key componentsCorrect syringe loading and line primingProgramming rate, volume, and VTBIOcclusion and air-in-line alarms handlingDouble-check routines and drug librariesLesson 3Suction systems, pressure settings, and troubleshooting common blockagesThis lesson explains the parts of suction systems, including canisters and tubing. It includes how to set proper negative pressure levels, attach surgical tips, and fix common issues like blockages, leaks, or overflows to ensure reliable suction in the theatre.
Central vs portable suction unitsCanisters, liners, and tubing setupSetting and monitoring suction pressureConnecting tips and preventing tissue traumaClearing blockages and managing overflowLesson 4Medical gas pipeline and scavenging basics relevant to anaesthesia machines and leak risksThis lesson covers the components of medical gas pipelines, colour codes, and outlet units linked to anaesthesia machines. It discusses scavenging setups, potential leak dangers, and regular inspections to avoid mix-ups or failures in gas supply within Botswana facilities.
Pipeline sources, manifolds, and alarmsGas color coding and outlet identificationConnecting machines to wall outlets safelyScavenging systems and waste gas controlLeak checks and cross-connection risksLesson 5Basic patient monitoring: ECG, NIBP, SpO2, temperature and alarm limitsThis lesson presents essential monitoring during operations: ECG, non-invasive blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and body temperature. It covers electrode placement, sensor positioning, alarm settings, and responses to common signal errors and warnings in surgical settings.
ECG lead placement and artifact reductionNIBP cuff sizing, cycling, and errorsSpO2 probe selection and motion artifactsCore and surface temperature monitoringSetting and adjusting alarm limits safelyLesson 6Sterilizable vs single-use accessories: scopes, cables, electrodes, and how compatibility affects safetyThis lesson compares items that can be sterilised with those for one-time use, like scopes, cables, and electrodes. It addresses material constraints, cleaning processes, compatibility with power units, and risks from reusing or mismatching items that could harm patients.
Classification of reusable and single-use itemsMaterial limits: heat, chemicals, and wearScope and cable compatibility with generatorsLabeling, tracking, and shelf-life controlRisks of off-label reuse and damage detectionLesson 7OT table and lights: positioning, load limits, and electrical safetyThis lesson describes the design, controls, and add-ons for operation theatre tables and lights. It includes patient positioning techniques, weight limits, cushioning, and electrical precautions. Learners will learn safe adjustments to improve access while safeguarding the patient.
Table sections, controls, and accessoriesSafe patient positioning and paddingLoad limits and weight distributionOT light focusing and shadow managementElectrical safety and cable routingLesson 8Defibrillator types, energy settings, pads placement and safety checksThis lesson introduces types of defibrillators, energy levels, and when to use them. It explains pad positioning, gel application, charging and delivery steps, and safety verifications to prevent shocks to staff and ensure effective arrhythmia treatment.
Manual vs automated defibrillator typesEnergy selection and escalation strategiesAdult and pediatric pad placementCharging, discharge, and safety commandsRoutine testing and battery maintenanceLesson 9Laparoscopic tower components: camera, light source, insufflator, insufflation pressures and gas safetyThis lesson details the parts of a laparoscopic tower, including camera, light source, and insufflator. It covers cable links, white balance adjustments, pressure for insufflation, gas flow rates, and safety measures to avoid burns, gas embolisms, and leaks during minimally invasive work.
Tower layout and cable managementCamera head, coupler, and white balanceLight source settings and fiber safetyInsufflator setup, pressures, and flowsCO₂ gas safety, leaks, and embolism risksLesson 10Electrosurgical units (ESU): monopolar vs bipolar modes, safety circuits, return electrode useThis lesson explains the parts of electrosurgical units, differences between monopolar and bipolar modes, current pathways, and return electrode application. It highlights setup, pre-use tests, and precautions to prevent burns and unintended energy spread.
Monopolar ESU circuit and current pathwaysBipolar ESU operation and clinical indicationsPower settings, cut vs coagulation modesReturn electrode types, placement, and checksESU safety checks and common alarm conditions
