Procedural sedation is common practice in the Emergency Department. Over the last few years, better sedation and analgesia has increased the success rate of many procedures, while shorter-acting agents have allowed same-day discharge of most patients. In addition, sedating patients in ED reduces admissions, pressure on theatre and hospital costs. Sedation is mostly not a life-saving procedure; therefore safety in its practice is paramount.
A properly administered procedural sedation can be elegant and satisfying; one administered improperly can be life-threatening. Studies by NCEPOD1 and NPSA2 have reported avoidable overdose and deaths. For this reason, the development and maintenance of the skills in procedural sedation are of paramount importance.
We strive for excellence and work together to promote patient safety.
In the Wessex Deanery, we have clinical leads that coordinate training in procedural sedation across all sites. We have designed a “Sedation Passport” documenting clear evidence of competency for each trainee so that as you rotate between Trusts your previous experience is recognised and prevents you having to 'prove your competence' at your new trust. We have our own formative and triggered summative assessment forms that if completed alongside a logbook leads to a sign off to be an independent sedationist throughout the Wessex region. The Wessex Deanery (HEE) funded biannual Procedural Sedation course for Wessex trainees involves high fidelity simulation training and debriefing.
The most recent sedation passport and the assessment forms can be accessed here: Sedation Passport Documents for Trainees and Trainers
