Critical incident analysis: Equip to avoid failure

Abstract

This work is set in the context of perioperative practice in difficult airway management. It integrates a root cause analysis and fish bone technique to investigate a critical incident in temporary yet crucial equipment failure. Risk management and incident reporting is analysed alongside human factors in the operating theatre environment. Finally, recommendations for risk reduction, vigilance and checking vital airway equipment are made in anaesthetic practice.

Keywords: Anaesthetic equipment; Anaesthetic nurse specialist; Critical incident analysis; Root cause analysis; Unanticipated difficult airway.