

GasGasGas - The FRCA Primary Exam Podcast
Dr Gas
GasGasGas The Primary FRCA Exam Podcast.This will fit into a corner of your day, delivering a well explained concept critical to the knowledge required to pass the FRCA Primary Exam!This is relevant to anyone in the world interested in these pharmacological, physiological, clinical, physical and chemical concepts, naturally it is flavoured towards UK practice.Episodes will be (mostly) succinct, conceptually specific, and exam material focussed. Notes on https:/gasgasgas.ukAll content is my personal opinion, not medical advice and is never a substitute for formal education / training.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 12, 2025 • 36min
GasGasGas - Desflurane + An Intro To Vapourisers
I've checked the house, there are no polar bears so we should be fine to talk about this drug.
Desflurane is pricey, polar bear poison that you may get examined on! Check it out!
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/desflurane-and-vapourisers/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Check out the Teach Me Anaesthetics 1100+ SBA Resource [affiliate]
Contributions to keep the lamps lit here
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Dr Gas Lurks On:
> BlueSky: Gas Gas Gas (@gasgasgaspodcast.bsky.social)
> X / Twitter: GasGasGasFRCA (@GasGasGasFRCA) / X
> FaceBook: Facebook - Gas Gas Gas
> Website: www.gasgasgas.uk
Disclaimer / Sage Advice
> All content is educational in nature and never intended to be acted upon.
> This information is not a suitable substitute for medical advice.
> Whilst the body of medical knowledge is slowly shifting and expanding, there are often differing numerics and notions for these core concepts, as such, accuracy of the content is not guaranteed.
> Where deemed sensible by the author, numerical ranges for technical data and references where reasonable will be present.
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Music Credit: Streets of Sant Ivo - Mid-Air Machine - Free music archive & Sassy Jazzy - La Faena - Free music archive

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!
This Primary FRCA podcast episode introduces you to Volatile anaesthetic agents and the pharmaceutical particulars that make their behaviour through a human very interesting!
We cover Blood gas and oil gas partition coefficients, Saturated vapour pressure, critical temperature and boiling points - and touch on pharmacodynamics and the Viva Question 'What is the ideal anaesthetic agent' approach.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/introduction-to-volatile-anaesthetic-agents/
GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Check out the Teach Me Anaesthetics 1100+ SBA Resource [affiliate]
Contributions to keep the lamps lit here
Dr Gas Lurks On:
BlueSky: Gas Gas Gas (@gasgasgaspodcast.bsky.social)
X / Twitter: GasGasGasFRCA (@GasGasGasFRCA) / X
FaceBook: Facebook - Gas Gas Gas
Website: www.gasgasgas.uk
Disclaimer / Sage Advice
All content is educational in nature and never intended to be acted upon.
This information is not a suitable substitute for medical advice.
Whilst the body of medical knowledge is slowly shifting and expanding, there are often differing numerics and notions for these core concepts, as such, accuracy of the content is not guaranteed.
Where deemed sensible by the author, numerical ranges for technical data and references where reasonable will be present.
Music Credit:
Streets of Sant Ivo - Mid-Air Machine - Free music archive // Sassy Jazzy - La Faena - Free music archive

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.

Sep 12, 2025 • 20min
GasGasGas - Etomidate
Delve into the fascinating world of Etomidate, from its GABA-A activity to its adverse effects like myoclonus. Explore dosing nuances and its hemodynamic stability in sedation. Learn about the drug's impact on adrenal suppression and enzyme inhibition, and consider the clinical applications alongside toxicity. The discussion also covers intriguing historical findings in ICU settings and research on Etomidate analogues. With insights on steroidogenesis and bioavailability, this discussion is packed with essential details for aspiring anesthetists!


