The Physics, Clinical Measurement, and Equipment of Anaesthetic Practice

Book excerpt: A good knowledge of physics, measurement and equipment is essential for practicing anaesthetists. The subject does, however, present considerable problems for many, few of whom have any background in physics. This book explains the physical principles and applications of physics in anaesthsia, covering the statistical methods that anaesthetists are required to understand. The book includes sections on equipment and safety in anaesthesia, and electrical safety. The book starts with mathematics, statistics and a basic physics background, not only to enhance the understanding for what follows in the book, but also because these basic sciences are fundamental to many other aspects of medical science. Areas which trainees find particularly troublesome, such as electricity and electrical safety, are discussed in detail. The book will also be of interest to trainee anaesthetics, operating department assistants, hospital based biomedical engineers and medical physicists, manufacturers' representatives and those involved in the manufacture, marketing and use of anaesthetic equipment.