Prolonged Field Care Podcast

PFC Podcast 255: Combat Anesthesia in PFC

Nov 17, 2025
Explore the complexities of narcotics in long-term care, especially in military settings. Discover the critical role of drug metabolites and context-sensitive half-times in patient management. Learn how fentanyl infusions can provide prolonged relief while requiring vigilance. Gain insight into the comparison of anesthetic agents like midazolam and ketamine, as well as the risks of morphine metabolites. Timing and dosing adjustments are essential for effective analgesia and sedation, particularly for patients with low urine output.
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INSIGHT

Fentanyl Creates A Prolonged Analgesic 'Sponge'

  • Fentanyl infusions create a tissue 'sponge' that redistributes drug back into blood and prolongs analgesia.
  • Use low-dose fentanyl infusions intraop to extend post-op pain control but monitor for delayed respiratory depression.
ADVICE

Watch Ventilation With Prolonged Fentanyl

  • Monitor ventilation closely when using prolonged fentanyl infusions and avoid overshooting doses.
  • Keep infusion rates modest (e.g., 25–50 mcg/hr) to remain below the apnea threshold while gaining prolonged analgesia.
INSIGHT

Midazolam Has A Longer Context Half-Time

  • Context-sensitive half-time varies between sedatives; midazolam's is longer than ketamine or propofol.
  • Expect about a one-hour half-time for midazolam versus ~30 minutes for ketamine/propofol when stopping infusions.
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