Course Overview

The Thoracotomy and Airway Course is designed to provide healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform thoracotomy and manage the airway in emergency situations. This course is typically intended for healthcare providers who work in emergency medicine, critical care, trauma surgery, or related fields.

By completing the Thoracotomy and Airway Course, healthcare providers can improve their ability to manage emergency situations that require thoracotomy and airway management. They can also improve their ability to work collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. Ultimately, the Thoracotomy and Airway Course is critical for improving patient outcomes, reducing morbidity and mortality rates, and providing high-quality emergency medical care to those in need.

Who will benefit:

  • Higher Specialty Trainees (ST4+ in Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, Intensive Care, and Trauma Surgery)
  • Core Trainees (CT1–CT3) with an interest in trauma or airway management
  • Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) working in Emergency or Critical Care settings
  • Pre-hospital and Retrieval Medicine Practitioners
  • Senior Emergency Department Nurses involved in trauma care
  • Military and Tactical Medicine Personnel
  • Doctors with a demonstrated interest in acute or trauma care (subject to availability)

Venue:

DREEAM, A Floor, West Block, QMC Campus, Derby Road, Nottingham. NG7 2UH

Start and finish times:

09:30 – 16:15 (breaks are built into the course timetable)

Refreshments:

Light lunch and refreshments provided.

Skills Stations

Participants will rotate through the following stations:

  1. Thoracotomy Practical Skills
  2. Front of Neck Access (FONA)
  3. Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI) and Advanced Airway Techniques
  4. Surgical Chest Drain Insertion

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the skills stations, participants will be able to:

  1. Perform key steps of a clamshell thoracotomy, including opening the chest and managing cardiac injuries.
  2. Demonstrate emergency front of neck access (FONA) using appropriate techniques and equipment.
  3. Safely conduct RSI and apply troubleshooting techniques for difficult airway scenarios.
  4. Insert a chest drain using a safe, systematic approach in accordance with current clinical guidelines.

Previous Course Attendees said:

"Excellent course, well organised, thank you very much" 

"A very well run course by experts in the field with a hands-on approach for learners" 

"We has an amazing day of hands-on learning. Thank you so very much" 

"Excellent simulation and teaching"

"Wonderful course”

Timetable

Waiting List

To secure your spot and be among the first to know when registration opens, sign up to our waiting list here.