Open drop ether (part one). No. 2.

An unidentified patient is shown with a gauze mask covering their face whilst ether is dropped on to it. First section; Essential apparatus . The exact construction of the mask is shown.The second section Premedication ; the patient is rested for 24 hours in bed; given no food for 4 hours or drinks for 2. Enemas are unnecessary. A female patient is prepared for surgery. She has morphine and atrophine. This is timed and added to her chart.The next section, course of anaesthesia; begins with the importance of speaking to the patient, providing reassurance having a good bedside manner in order that the patient co-operates. Scrolling text reminds the practioner of the four stages of anaesthesia. The first is progressive loss of consciousness, the second is unconsciousness but not full anaesthesia. The third stage is marked by automatic breathing. The fourth stage is when the respiratory centre fails and breathing stops. Each stage is illustrated in detail focussing on the observation of breathing and eyes. As ether is an irritant and the patient conscious, she coughs and the anaesthetist pauses. The second and third stages progress uneventfully. An artificial airway is inserted. Additional ether is applied (surgery is not shown). Her breathing changes and is remarked upon.The following section entitled Pitfalls of ether anaesthesia , shows a comedy of errors about what you shouldn t do. Firstly the anaesthetist hasn t stoppered the ether securely and so the agent spills out over his hands - luckily not over the patient. Ether is dropped too rapidly onto the mask and the patient panics and chokes. Next the patient starts struggling, even though unconscious (apparently common in nervous patients). Ether is continuously applied. Stops abruptly.