Editor's Note A multidisciplinary quality improvement effort at Vanderbilt University Medical Center sharply reduced response times to post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) emergencies, demonstrating a model that other hospitals could replicate, OR Management News September 1 reports. By combining education, clear role identification, standardized anesthesiologist notification, and recurring mock code drills,…
Editor's Note The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects that COVID-19, influenza, and RSV will together drive a similar level of peak hospitalizations this fall and winter compared to last season, according to a CDC August 25 outlook. The assessment, updated every 2 months, provides a baseline for…
The OR has a planned rhythm that relies on training, checklists, and teamwork to turn the complex surgical environment into an elegant orchestration that keeps patients safe. But efficiency and a climate of safety do not just happen—they depend on culture. When teams communicate openly, follow standards consistently, and feel…
Editor's Note The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has partnered with Lifesaving Technologies to expand access to emergency response equipment and training across the US, the ACS announced on September 3. The collaboration builds on the ACS Stop the Bleed program, which has already trained more than 5 million people…
Editor's Note A novel, low-cost simulation of intraoperative hemorrhage successfully challenged surgical residents and fellows to practice both technical and nontechnical crisis management skills. According to a study published in Surgery on August 19, the model replicated a lacerated vena cava bleed and allowed learners to rehearse vascular repair, teamwork,…
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially declared the nationwide shortage of sodium chloride 0.9% injection products over, saying a critical supply line for hospitals and surgical teams is restored. According to an August 8 statement from FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, MD, MPH, the resolution marks a…
Editor's Note Running effective emergency drills in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) requires strategic resource use, role clarity, and consistent adaptation, Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society July 8 reports. Drawing on insights from Laura Schneider, senior clinical director at AMSURG, the piece outlines practical steps to ensure ASCs can respond effectively…
Editor’s Note: This page is a companion piece to the main article, Emergency preparedness: Identifying essential supplies for unplanned surgical events. While the main article outlines the principles of emergency readiness and supply preparation in the OR, the posts below offer a closer look at two key implementation areas: Supply…
While most emergency surgical procedures are carried out uneventfully and safely, the OR is also a place where potentially life-threatening and least-expected instances can arise. Emergencies such as malignant hyperthermia, intraoperative cardiac arrest, and anaphylaxis can catch OR leaders and staff off guard. Perioperative teams need proper and adequate preparation…
Imagine an innovative, safe, and highly efficient OR not confined by walls but on wheels—crossing rugged terrains, bustling cities, and disaster-stricken areas to deliver life-saving surgical care in underserved areas. That is the premise and promise of mobile ORs. They are not just mobile units. With some of the technological…