GasGasGas - Anaesthetic Science for the FRCA Exams
Dr Gas
An Anaesthesia Podcast focusing on the science knowledge anaesthetists should know. We track the UK Primary FRCA Curriculum.> GasGasGas will fit into a corner of your day, delivering a treatise on a drug, concept or practice critical to the knowledge required to pass the FRCA Primary Exam!
> There are naturally tangents, as hearing a word vomit of data with no joy is not the aim of Dr gas!
> This is relevant to anyone in the world interested in these pharmacological, physiological, clinical, physical and chemical concepts,
> Notes on https:/gasgasgas.uk
> Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics SBA Resource
All content is my personal opinion, not medical advice and is never a substitute for formal education / training.
© GasGasGas – The FRCA Primary Anaesthetic Sciences Podcast 2025
> There are naturally tangents, as hearing a word vomit of data with no joy is not the aim of Dr gas!
> This is relevant to anyone in the world interested in these pharmacological, physiological, clinical, physical and chemical concepts,
> Notes on https:/gasgasgas.uk
> Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics SBA Resource
All content is my personal opinion, not medical advice and is never a substitute for formal education / training.
© GasGasGas – The FRCA Primary Anaesthetic Sciences Podcast 2025
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 29, 2025 • 58min
GasGasGas - Ether, Enflurane and Explosions!
Discover the fascinating history of Ether and its role in early anaesthesia. Uncover the explosive risks associated with anaesthetic agents and learn about the chemistry behind combustion and fire safety in the operating theatre. Explore how to manage airway fires step-by-step and the consequences of detonation on patients and equipment. Plus, hear personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of safety when using volatile substances. This eye-opening discussion brings a thrilling edge to anaesthetic science!
Dec 12, 2025 • 36min
GasGasGas - Desflurane + An Intro To Vapourisers
Dive into the fascinating world of desflurane, a volatile agent that faces decommissioning due to its environmental impact. Explore its chemistry, boiling point, and clinical implications like onset and dosing. Discover the mechanisms of action and the systemic effects it can have, from vasodilation to respiratory changes. Get insights into vaporizers, their components, and the importance of temperature compensation. Plus, learn about the use and monitoring of these devices to ensure safety in clinical settings.
4 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 20min
GasGasGas - Halothane
Dive into the world of halothane, a game-changer in anaesthesia that replaced explosive agents of the past. Discover its intriguing chemistry and the hazards associated with its decomposition. Learn about halothane’s cardiovascular and respiratory effects, including arrhythmia risks and impacts on blood solubility. Unpack the potential for liver distress, distinguishing between various types of halothane hepatitis. This engaging discussion wraps up with crucial clinical implications for practice.
5 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 30min
GasGasGas - Sevoflurane
Dive into the fascinating world of Sevoflurane, a go-to volatile anesthetic! Discover its smooth induction properties and mild environmental impact compared to other agents. Learn about its unique breakdown products and the challenges of stability in storage. The podcast also tackles intriguing topics like its cardiovascular effects, respiratory benefits, and how it interacts at the molecular level. Plus, find out about its history, pharmacokinetics, and clinical implications, making it vital for any aspiring anesthetist!
Oct 31, 2025 • 24min
GasGasGas - Isoflurane
Discover the fascinating world of isoflurane, an underrated volatile anesthetic. Learn about its unique chemical properties and how it compares to its flashier counterparts. The discussion dives into its mechanisms, including GABA potentiation, and explores its cardiovascular and respiratory effects. Dr. Gas Lurks also highlights dosage concerns and how Dalton's law relates to anesthetic use. Plus, get insights into isoflurane's pharmacokinetics and safety profile. Perfect for anyone keen on mastering the art of anesthesia!
Oct 17, 2025 • 30min
GasGasGas - Introducing Volatiles!
Discover the fascinating world of volatile anaesthetic agents and their unique properties. Explore critical temperatures and learn how they differentiate gases from vapours. Understand saturated vapour pressure with a creative thought experiment. Delve into the significance of boiling points and the need for specific vapourisers. Uncover the intricacies of blood-gas and oil-gas solubility and how they relate to anaesthetic potency. Gain insights into the ideal characteristics of a volatile agent and the underlying mechanisms of action.
Oct 13, 2025 • 26min
GasGasGas - Opioids Quiz, the second attempt
This quiz dives deep into the fascinating world of opioids. Discover how opioids work at a cellular level and explore different receptor subtypes. Learn why diamorphine is both rapid and potent, and understand the significance of pKa for drug onset. The podcast also compares the onset of alfentanil and fentanyl while discussing the critical topic of context-sensitive half-times. Key insights into morphine metabolism and the risks of respiratory depression add to the rich educational content.
Oct 3, 2025 • 20min
GasGasGas - Clonidine
Explore the fascinating world of clonidine, an alpha-2 partial agonist with a rich history and diverse applications in anesthesia. Learn about its various forms, from tablets to patches, and its crucial role in pain management and sedation. Discover dosing intricacies, off-label uses, and the potential risks of withdrawal. Delve into the cardiovascular effects, CNS interactions, and unique pharmacokinetics that make this drug both versatile and complex. This discussion promises to expand your medical knowledge and understanding!
Sep 26, 2025 • 25min
GasGasGas - Dexmedetomidine
Discover the fascinating world of dexmedetomidine, a newly embraced sedative in the UK. Unravel its unique alpha-2 agonism and how it creates sleep-like sedation. Learn about its clinical applications, including its use in awake craniotomies and pediatric sedation. The discussion covers its side effects, like cardiovascular impacts and minimal respiratory depression. Plus, insights into its pharmacokinetics reveal important information about dosing and metabolism. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge in anaesthetics!
Sep 19, 2025 • 19min
GasGasGas - Midazolam
Explore the fascinating world of midazolam, the go-to benzodiazepine in perioperative settings. Discover its rapid action, unique pharmacokinetics, and vital role in sedation and amnesia. Learn about dosing strategies, especially for pediatric premedication, and the potential risks for vulnerable patients. Uncover how midazolam interacts with the GABA-A receptor and reduces MAC during procedures. The conversation also delves into practical applications in critical intubations and managing alcohol withdrawal, making it essential for any anaesthetic professional.
