The Triservice Anaesthetic Apparatus: A Review

Abstract

The Triservice Anaesthetic Apparatus was designed around 30 years ago as a robust and highly portable anaesthesia delivery system for medical support to airborne operations and it has been the core anaesthesia system for the Defence Medical Services since then. Over this period there have been a number of equipment changes but issues remain which are in part mitigated by recent training developments. This article reviews these changes and developments and considers the future of this equipment.• Minimal reliance on compressed gases and electrical supplies • Robust • Compact and portable • Simple to operate • Able to withstand climatic extremes • Easily maintained and serviced • Economical in use • Versatile in the use of volatile agents • Versatile with regard to patient age/size group.bmj.com on July 6, 2015 -Published by

Military Anaesthesia in contingencies: what skill sets are required and how will we prepare our trainees?

“…Workshops focus on the equipment required for advanced vascular access,11 Belmont Rapid Infuser (Belmont Rapid Infuser, Belmont Instrument, Boston, USA), difficult airway equipment, thromboelastography (RoTEM, Pentapharm, Munich, Germany) and the current anaesthetic machines in service: the Anaesthetic Machine Light (Triservice Anaesthetic Apparatus12 13) and the Anaesthetic Machine Heavy (Drager Fabius Tiro (Drager, Telford, Panama). This allows candidates the opportunity to familiarise themselves with Defence anaesthesia equipment with consolidation of this knowledge occurring later in the course with fully immersive simulation scenarios.…”

“…The course is designed for anaesthetists and operating department practitioners and allows demonstration of competence with many of the key items of military anaesthetic equipment. For many years, the Triservice Anaesthetic Apparatus (Anaesthetic Machine Light)12 13 has been the anaesthetic machine of choice for entry operations or as a backup to the Anaesthetic Machine Heavy (currently the Drager Fabrio Tiro, Telford, Panama). Candidates undertake realistic scenarios in the trauma bay and a field operating theatre setting; common problems with the equipment are explored and military anaesthetic techniques are discussed, including use with paediatric casualties 49.…”