Belmont

I have had problems loading the Belmont Rapid Infuser. The represntative came to our institution and gave me tips on how to properly load the cassette and prime the infuser.

This is what I gleaned:

Here is an interesting link on the death of a liver transplant donor at the Lahey Clinic that was reported by CNN.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/08/health/cohen-donor-safety/index.html?hpt=hp_bn12

The reports cites three factors as to the probable cause of death.

Possible abnormal preop cardiac status (abnormal EKG).
Failure to use the Belmont Transfuser, which was available.
Failure to activate the Massive Transfusion Protocol.

What we as anesthesiologists need to do is insure that we can transfuse life saving fluids/blood/coagulation factors as rapidly as possible while surgeons work to stop bleeding. THIS IS THE CHALLENGE.

Anesthesiologists need to practice/drill with:

Obtaining large bore IV access (RIC, Arrow Rapid Infusion Catheter).
Practice with quickly setting up and using the Belmont Rapid Infuser.
Ironing out the kinks of obtaining blood products from the blood bank when the Massive Transfusion Protocol is activated.