Coda Change

This is the second episode of the three part series of the podcast dedicated to technical and communications aspects of managing the airways of COVID patients. In this episode we are breaking down the case of a particular difficult airway case published online by Chris Hicks earlier, and discovering that the approach is not all that different to the guiding principles, communications and checklists we would have used in the non-COVID related intubations.

What seems to trip us up is the process, precautions and PPE. Sticking to general principles and processes is the rule here but we have to be careful in how we're communicating, and the specific terminology we're using.

Bottom line, COVID or no COVID, best way to manage a difficult intubation is via the tried and tested emergency resuscitation procedures that have proven to be safe, effective, simple and familiar.

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The Coda v COVID podcasts have been focusing on the non-technical skills we need to manage the pandemic crisis, but we have received increased requests to discuss more technical aspects of management. Accordingly, this is the first in a three part series dealing with the process for emergency intubation in the crashing patient with the novel corona virus. Here we discuss the technical protocols and the nomenclature around aerosol generating and airborne type precautions. Importantly, we also discuss the recent decision by some UK and Australasian bodies to designate chest compressions as a non-aerosol generating procedure, a decision that has caused ripples of confusion with different craft groups. This has added to confusion around PPE, again with different professional bodies providing conflicting advice for their members. Tune in to join the conversation as we attempt to decipher the messages and give our take on what we are doing and why.

Mary Freer, Roger Harris and Jane Sloane digging deep into the issues of gender equality during the current pandemic. At least 70% of those in the front line as health and community workers are women- and so they have a higher exposure to the virus. But often policies are designed by men, with no diverse representation of women, highlighting the issues of social inclusion. One thing is certain, when women contribute to strategies, we save lives.

Why are we all so tired and hungry? Mary Freer, Jesse Spurr and Fiona Kerr talk about the value of human connection, and the effects of communication technology has on human brain. As many people are currently working from home, not sharing the same space and touch has a roll on effect on our mood and energy levels. We find ourselves going into inertia, getting tired easily, different parts of our brains are trying to look for information as we live in the emerging environment and don't know what is going to happen week on week. And this makes you very fatigued. The good news is that what if going to come out of this is our choice.

Today Roger and Liz invite Angela Tonge, the Intensive Care and Trauma Social Worker, to talk about how distressing it is to not be able to have the families visit patients in the ICU. With the focus on treatment, family distress has been out of sight, out of mind. And the distress of someone dying in the ICU is immense.

The muscle whisperer Kym Siddons, talks with Mary Freer, Roger Harris and Oli Flower about sprinkling self care into your day. How important it is to be checking in with your body, and incorporating movement into your routine. Little movements can make a lot of difference, like shifting up your body weight may provide a welcome relief, or a covert stretch alleviate lower back pain. Great tips that are easy to implement.

If you're finding yourself reaching for a bowl of cereal late at night after a long and stressful shift at work, you're not alone. Roger Harris, Mary Freer and Emma Strutt talk diet, and what to do when your body is craving quick release carbs.

Jane Munro takes us through the Pandemic Kindness project, and the way the Maslow's hierarchy of needs is applied in the current times of the COVID-19. We have to get the basics right, psychological safety at work is important.

To learn more about Jane's Pandemic Kindness fundraiser follow the link.

Human factors are affecting our performance day to day. How do we make it easy for other people to work with us? Covering a wide array of issues, from PPE to simulation, Martin Bromiley, Liz Crowe and Oli Flower share valuable communications tactics, and the ways human factors affect teams and safety during the COVID-19 crisis.

Many of us are having troubles sleeping. The levels of stress have impacted sleep. Are you waking up multiple times a night, not feeling rested? In this podcast Roger, Mary, Liz and Andrew Davies tackle the issue.