In this episode, we discuss setting up the operating room for a general anesthetic. The mnemonic SOAP-IM(S) is a helpful checklist for organizing all of the necessary equipment.

1. Suction

2. Is the suction equipment (Yankauer/suction system) present and working?

3. Oxygen:

4. Check circuit tubing, gas analyzer tubing, filter, face mask

5. Check for availability of back-up O2 tank

6. Airway:

7. Have a plan for potentially difficult airways (stay tuned for the next episode!)

8. Prepare an appropriately sized endotracheal tube (ETT), laryngoscope & oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal airway
9. Check ETT cuff for leaks
10. Have backup equipment ready

11. Know where to access video-laryngoscope

12. Pharmacy:

13. Check for commonly used medications and rescue medications

14. Check the expiry dates of medications as you draw them up, and label each syringe with the medication and concentration

15. IV: equipment for placing an IV, fluids, IV tubing.

16. Machine: anesthetic machine check.

17. Check for leaks

18. Ensure circuit can supply positive pressure

19. Monitors: refer to the CAS requirements

20. Standard required monitors for every patient:

    • Pulse oximeter
    • Blood pressure (NIBP)
    • 3-lead or 5-lead ECG
    • ETCO2 gas analyzer - measure of ventilation

21. Other equipment you will commonly use:

    • Capnography
    • Temp monitor
    • Stethoscope
    • Peripheral nerve stimulator

22. Special equipment + Seat: any extra case-specific equipment, and chairs for you and your staff!

23. Consider special equipment such as blood products as needed