GasGasGas - Anaesthetic Science for the FRCA Exams
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
Episodes
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/
================================================
GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach me Anaesthetics
With the advent of halothane, smoking, static and other sizzling was back in style! Gone were the explosive diethyl ether, acetylene, trichloroethylene and cyclopropane anaesthetics of the 1950's and with it a new era of fewer explosions, and possibly a greater prevalence of post operative liver distress.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/halothane/↗
================================================
GasGasGas - Covering Anaestheti...
Having a solid understanding of Sevoflurane is, as you might expect, quite important for the FRCA primary and your career. as it is likely the most commonly used volatile anaesthetic agent, at least in the UK.
n.b. polar bears are very allergic to Desflurane
Show notes @ https://gasgasgas.uk/sevoflurane-for-the-frca-primary/
================================================
GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
...This Primary FRCA podcast episode introduces you to Isoflurane, a ubiquitous and fairly cheap volatile anaesthetic agent that always seems to be left alone while its sevoflurane friend lives the high life, This episode probably won't sway your use, but if you walk into an anaesthetic halfway thru and have no idea what your ET for MAC-1 is, then this is for you!
GasGasGas - putting knowledge in your brain!
Show notes at: https://gas...
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/...
Yet again, the sound engineer has been sacked........
- Apologies that this is a second attempt at an Opioids Quiz, the music cuts went rather wrong - so we've slung the music in the bin!
- This is a straight up quiz, with gaps so you can think up an answer and then, as you might expect... an Answer!
- The goal isn't to give you verbatim words to regurgitate but to build up these facts in your mind so then next time you cover it you...
Clonidine is a drug found in many a cupboard, acting as a useful adjunct for pain, sedation and having utility in smoothing out post op emergence, it has off license use as a adjunct in regional and neuraxial blockade (at least in the literature!)
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/clonidine/
================================================
GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthet...
Dexemedetomidine is a drug that it seems we are really only just getting our hands on in the UK, it is an Alpha 2 AGOnist causing sedation, anxiolysis and analgesia.
This episode of GasGasGas explores its use, mechanisms side effect profile and kinetics
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/dexmedetomidine/
================================================
GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach...
Midazolam represents the cornerstone benzodiazepine in perioperative medicine, offering rapid onset sedation, anxiolysis, and amnesia with predictable pharmacokinetics. Understanding its mechanism, dosing strategies, and clinical applications is fundamental for safe anaesthetic practice and optimal patient care.
Show notes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/midazolam/
================================================
GasGasGas - Covering Anaes...
Having an Iota of a Scooby-Doo about Etomidate is perhaps what is required for the FRCA primary exams. We've gone into naturally more detail when we're talking Etomidate for gasgasgas, because we love a bit of detail. This episode covers the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Entomidate, but also explores briefly steroidogenesis and what the implications of this is clinically
GasGasGas - putting knowledge in your brain!
====...
Understanding molecular stereochemistry is fundamental to modern anaesthetic practice. The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within drug molecules directly impacts their pharmacological properties, with some arrangements being therapeutically beneficial while others may be inactive or even harmful. This episode explores the concept of isomerism in anaesthetic drugs, with particular focus on how molecular handedness affects dru...
Welcome to the final local anaesthetic episode - Peri-neural adjuncts- because we should not forget the medley of mixing options that you could stir into your NRfit cauldron.... although most folks don't.
Ketamine in it goes, give it a stir - a dash of clonidine for a bit of dozy chill - 3 grains of morphia and don't forget the sodium bicarbonate.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/peri-neural-adjuncts-to-local-anaesthetics/
=====...
Welcome to an experimental episode of GasGasGas - where you get the joys of a quiz after listening to all these episodes on local anaesthetics agents. Let me know if you think it's dry as hell.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/local-anaesthetic-quiz/
================================================
GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
Welcome to another essential episode of Gas Gas Gas, where we summarise all the local anaesthetic content we have covered - In order to get you fired up for the most exciting quiz on local anaesthetics you've ever had the pleasure of listening to.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/comparing-local-anaesthetics/
================================================
GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored ...
Welcome to Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity!!
(LAST) is one of the most significant complications in regional anaesthesia practice. This episode explores the pathophysiology, recognition, and management of LAST with particular emphasis on emergency management protocols and risk mitigation strategies. Understanding LAST is crucial for safe regional anaesthesia practice, as it can occur with any local anaesthetic administration an...
Today we're exploring ropivacaine - the local anaesthetic you might not see every day, but absolutely need to understand when bupivacaine is in short supply or when examiners want to test your knowledge of enantiomeric purity and differential motor blockade....
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/ropivacaine/
================================================
GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Te...
Welcome to lidocaine - the ubiquitous local anaesthetic that's everywhere in clinical practice but comes with some important caveats. Whether you're preparing for your primary FRCA exams or just starting your anaesthesia rotations, understanding lidocaine's extensive clinical applications, antiarrhythmic properties, and the growing role of IV infusions for pain management is essential.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/lidocaine/
...Welcome to the Prilocaine episode - the local anaesthetic that's often overshadowed by Bupivacaine but deserves a place in your clinical toolkit. Whether you're preparing for your primary FRCA exams or just starting your anaesthesia rotations, understanding Prilocaine's unique properties will help you tailor anaesthesia to patient and surgery, bupivacaine isn't always the answer
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/prilocaine-for-th...
If you like a story about extensive testicular traction and hammering shins then this is the episode for you.
This FRCA Primary Podcast episode explores cocaine and the exposure patients have to it in the clinical environment, chiefly courtesy of the ENT surgeons. The episode explores mechanism, side effects, onset, implications, but also the history of spinal anaesthesia and treatment of cocaine toxicity in the A&E department...
This FRCA Primary Podcast episode dives deep into bupivacaine, exploring its friends (additives), mechanism of action, and clinical applications. We'll also cover the key differences between neuronal and cardiac action potentials, and discuss why levobupivacaine has become the preferred choice in many clinical scenarios.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/primary-frca-podcast-episode-31-bupivacaine-and-friends/
===================...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Betrayal Weekly is back for a brand new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-4 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.