GasGasGas - Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthesia!
Dr Gas - Anaesthesia Education
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 7, 2024 • 20min
VivaCast 002- Co2 Journey, IntraCranial Pressure and Neonatal Physiology
In this engaging discussion, anaesthetic trainee Tom dives into the intricacies of CO2 transport and its crucial role in physiology. He explains how carbon dioxide moves from tissues to the atmosphere, stressing the significance of bicarbonate formation and the role of carbonic anhydrase. The conversation also explores the impact of CO2 and oxygen on intracranial pressure. Tom highlights the cardiovascular changes triggered by a newborn's first breath and umbilical cord clamping, making complex concepts accessible and lively for listeners.
Dec 3, 2024 • 13min
VivaCast 001 - Cleaning and Sterilisation
Dive into the world of medical sterilisation and cleaning! Explore the differences between cleaning and disinfection, with practical tips to tackle common equipment like endoscopes. Uncover the fascinating methods for sterilisation, including steam and gas techniques. Learn about the critical importance of pre-cleaning and the various risk levels associated with different medical devices. Plus, get insider advice on how to structure viva answers effectively for your exam challenges!
Dec 1, 2024 • 22min
Suxamethonium: Depolarising Neuromuscular Blocker for Anaesthetists
Dive into the fascinating world of suxamethonium! Discover its mechanism of action as it influences nicotinic receptors, leading to unique physiological effects. Learn about the metabolism by plasma cholinesterases and the associated risks like bradycardia and hyperkalaemia. Explore strategies to minimize adverse effects, including pre-curarization. The discussion also touches on malignant hyperthermia and important clinical dosing practices. Wrap it up with key takeaways for handling emergency scenarios!
Nov 22, 2024 • 20min
Morphine Pharmacology: Opioid Analgesic for Medical Practice
Dive into the fascinating world of morphine as experts dissect its role in pain management. Learn about opiate receptors and how they work through G-protein mechanisms. Discover the various opioid agonists, from morphine to fentanyl, used in anesthesia. The discussion delves into morphine’s absorption, metabolism, and systemic side effects, including cardiovascular and respiratory impacts. Clinical cautions around dosage and renal clearance are also highlighted, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in pharmacology.
Nov 17, 2024 • 14min
Ketamine: NMDA Mechanisms, Pharmacology, Clinical use thoughts
Dive into the fascinating world of ketamine as the podcast unpacks its NMDA receptor mechanics, detailing the role of magnesium in activation. Explore the drug's unique formulation and dosing strategies for anaesthesia and analgesia. Discover its dissociative effects and cardiovascular impacts during use. Learn about ketamine's neurological implications and its pharmacokinetics, including enantiomers and their clinical significance. Anecdotes add a personal touch, highlighting intriguing patient experiences with this powerful anesthetic.
Nov 13, 2024 • 4min
Gas Gas Gas - Why (lucky number 13)
Discover the inspiration behind this engaging educational podcast as the host critiques the shortcomings of existing exam content. Dive into a passionate discussion about the diverse world of anaesthetic science and how it fuels the host's teaching style. Learn about the innovative structure designed to build a solid understanding for exams. Get excited for the upcoming VivaCast series and a special episode on ketamine. Join the community to share insights and support this unique take on anaesthesia preparation!
Nov 11, 2024 • 17min
Gas Gas Gas - Comparing Volatiles
Explore the intriguing world of volatile anaesthetics and learn about their unique properties. Discover the significance of saturated vapour pressure and boiling points in relation to vapourisers. Compare the global warming potential of different agents and their physiological effects on patients. Delve into the merits of agents like isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane, including their blood-gas solubility differences. Gain practical tips for memorizing key values for your future exams!
Nov 3, 2024 • 23min
MAC & Blood:Gas Coefficients: Volatile Anaesthetic Pharmacology
Dive into the fascinating world of volatile anesthetics as the discussion unfolds around Minimum Alveolar Concentration (MAC). Learn how age and effect sites influence MAC, and why end-tidal concentrations matter. Explore the different MAC values for sevoflurane and halothane, alongside insights into the wash-in curve. Delve into the blood-gas coefficient's impact on onset and recovery, and uncover how opioids modify MAC responses. Plus, the implications of MAC-amnesia and thresholds for airway procedures make for a riveting listen!
10 snips
Oct 25, 2024 • 16min
Michaelis-Menten Kinetics: Zero-Order Fun for the FRCA Primary
Dive into the fascinating world of enzyme kinetics! Learn about the roles of competitive and non-competitive inhibitors and how they impact enzyme activity. Discover the nuances of allosteric regulation and the significance of cofactors. The podcast breaks down the Michaelis-Menten equation and its graphical interpretations, including the effects of different kinetics. Clinical examples like phenytoin and alcohol highlight practical implications. Tune in for a deep understanding of enzyme behavior in the human body!
Oct 17, 2024 • 19min
Atracurium: Benzylisoquinolinium NMB for Anaesthesia
Dive into the fascinating world of atracurium! Discover its unique properties and clinical uses, why it's not ideal for rapid sequence induction, and the intricacies of its metabolism through Hofmann elimination. Learn about potential side effects related to histamine release and how to structure answers for drug-related exam questions. Explore the neuromuscular junction, competitive antagonism, and the differences between atracurium and its potent sibling, cis-atracurium. A treasure trove of pharmacological insights awaits!
