ADAM Course (Aintree Difficult Airway Management)

ADAM's ethos is to prevent critical incidents arising during airway management by scrupulously avoiding preventable problems attributable to the patient, equipment and/or anaesthetist. Inspired by the approach of the aviation industry, it makes use of checklists to ensure ALL problems are identified preoperatively. The course is aimed at anaesthetists of all grades and skill levels as well as ODA's, so a true team approach to airway management is fostered. The course uniquely provides a structured approach for dealing with the anticipated difficult airway offering a step-by-step guide to;

1. Patient assessment

Problem lists identify all the potential hazards associated with particular pathologies.

2. 'Best plan' selection

Some techniques are better than others for dealing with a patient's particular problems. ADAM highlights the advantages and disadvantages of all plans facilitating objective decision making.

3. Flawless execution of the 'Best Plan'

Referring to 'contingency tables' tailored to a particular patient, all the plans inherant hazards are highlighted preoperatively enabling the anaesthetist to avoid them altogether or plan how to deal with effectively should they arise.

The day long course consists of;

1. Lectures on; ADAM approach, Remifentanil and awake intubation well as postoperative care issues.

2. Workshops on expert use of;

Nasal fibreoptic intubation, Oral fibreoptic intubation, Fibreoptic intubation via LMA using Aintree Catheter, Bonfils, Airtraq, C-Mac, Glidescope, Macintosh, Miller, Cricothyroidotomy (scalpel and needle techniques), Jet ventilation

3. Realistic simulations of difficult airways.

Dental abscess, laryngeal tumor, epiglottitis etc

(Faculty to delegate ratio at least 1:4)

Accredited for 5 CEPD points by RCoA

Course Organiser: Dr Peter Groom.

Location; Learning and Development department, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool.