Members of the Scottish Environmental Anaesthesia Group (SEA-G) work together informally exchanging ideas and information on how to improve the environmental footprint of the peri-operative journey and wider healthcare. Ahead of the forthcoming COP26 Summit they have produced a video highlighting their work. Back
Watch the video HERE.
Members of SEA-G discuss how by following the 5R principles (Reduce waste, Refuse to accept status quo, Recycle, Reuse and Rethink and find solutions) they have managed to achieve change and reduce the environmental footprint of their hospitals.
One of the group, BADS Council member Dr Joellene Mitchell, talks about improving the impact of anaesthesia on the environment by encouraging the use of spinal anaesthesia for daycase surgery and some joint replacements as promoted by BADS.
Dr Mitchell explains:
- 1 hour of Sevoflurane anaesthetic has a warming effect equivalent to driving 5-10km
- 1 hour of Desflurane anaesthetic has a warming effect equivalent to driving 200-400km (Glasgow to Manchester)
- TIVA still has an environmental impact
- Spinal anaesthesia has a lower impact on the environment than general anaesthesia