Lesson 1Principles and components of anaesthesia machines and ventilatorsThis section introduces anaesthesia machine and ventilator components, including gas supply, vaporisers, breathing circuits, and ventilator modes. It emphasises pre-use checks, leak tests, and safe parameter settings for different patients in local settings.
Gas supply paths and pressure regulatorsVaporisers, 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 section covers infusion and syringe pump components, loading techniques, and programming of rate and volume. It explains occlusion and air-in-line alarms, drug library basics, and double-check routines to prevent dosing errors in busy theatres.
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 section explains suction system components, canisters, and tubing. It covers setting appropriate negative pressure, connecting surgical tips, and troubleshooting common blockages, leaks, and overflow to maintain effective suction during operations.
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 section covers medical gas pipeline components, colour coding, and terminal units relevant to anaesthesia machines. It explains scavenging systems, leak risks, and routine checks to prevent cross-connection and gas supply failures in Zambian facilities.
Pipeline sources, manifolds, and alarmsGas colour 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 section introduces basic intraoperative monitoring: ECG, noninvasive blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and temperature. It explains lead placement, probe positioning, alarm limits, and how to respond to common artefacts and alerts in theatre.
ECG lead placement and artefact reductionNIBP cuff sizing, cycling, and errorsSpO2 probe selection and motion artefactsCore and surface temperature monitoringSetting and adjusting alarm limits safelyLesson 6Sterilisable vs single-use accessories: scopes, cables, electrodes, and how compatibility affects safetyThis section compares sterilisable and single-use accessories such as scopes, cables, and electrodes. It covers material limits, reprocessing steps, compatibility with generators, and how improper reuse or mismatch can compromise patient safety in local practice.
Classification of reusable and single-use itemsMaterial limits: heat, chemicals, and wearScope and cable compatibility with generatorsLabelling, tracking, and shelf-life controlRisks of off-label reuse and damage detectionLesson 7OT table and lights: positioning, load limits, and electrical safetyThis section explains OT table and light design, controls, and accessories. It covers patient positioning, load limits, padding, and electrical safety. Learners will practice safe adjustments to optimise access while protecting the patient in Zambian theatres.
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 section introduces defibrillator types, energy modes, and indications. It explains pad placement, gel use, charging and discharge steps, and safety checks to avoid shocks to staff and ensure effective treatment of arrhythmias during emergencies.
Manual vs automated defibrillator typesEnergy selection and escalation strategiesAdult and paediatric pad placementCharging, discharge, and safety commandsRoutine testing and battery maintenanceLesson 9Laparoscopic tower components: camera, light source, insufflator, insufflation pressures and gas safetyThis section details laparoscopic tower components, including camera, light source, and insufflator. It explains cable connections, white balance, insufflation pressures, gas flow, and safety steps to prevent burns, gas embolism, and leaks in procedures.
Tower layout and cable managementCamera head, coupler, and white balanceLight source settings and fibre safetyInsufflator setup, pressures, and flowsCO₂ gas safety, leaks, and embolism risksLesson 10Electrosurgical units (ESU): monopolar vs bipolar modes, safety circuits, return electrode useThis section explains electrosurgical unit components, monopolar and bipolar modes, current flow, and return electrode use. It highlights setup, pre-use checks, and safety measures to prevent burns and stray energy injuries in surgical settings.
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
