Before anaesthesia, there are eight checks. Confirm that the patient (or the patient’s attendant) has personally verified his or her identity and also given consent for the procedure. The name tag of the patient is to be verified with the conscious patient or parent in case of the child, double confirming his identity. Make sure that the surgical site is marked with a skin marker pen with an arrow. Ensure that the pulse oximeter is on the patient and working. Check the patient’s medication and allergies.
Review the risk of airway problems and that appropriate equipment and assistance for them are available. If there is a possibility of losing more than 500 ml of blood (or the equivalent for a child), ensure that grouping and cross matching is done. Verify that necessary intravenous lines, blood, and fluids are ready. After anaesthesia, but before incision, are six checks. Make sure that…
