The American Society of Anesthesiologists has released a new checklist for hospitals, physician anesthesiologists and operating room personnel.
Here are four takeaways:
1. The Operating Room Mass Casualty Management checklist was developed by the ASA Committee on Trauma and Emergency Preparedness.
2. The checklist includes step-by-step instructions and outlines specific tasks that should be completed upon being alerted of a mass casualty situation.
3. The steps include ensuring adequate supplies, verifying blood availability and assigning an anesthesiologist as the emergency department liaison.
4. The committee also included a new chapter on emergency preparedness in the anesthesia department in the ASA's Manual for Anesthesia Department Organization and Management.