Induction

Anaesthetic induction in children can be challenging even for the most experienced clinician. The anaesthetist’s approach must vary depending on the age group. Communication is paramount, since parents are frequently present at induction and are often stressed; the clinician must ensure the parent knows what is expected of them and what will happen at induction. Induction becomes even more challenging with the uncooperative child, and a well-thought-out plan is essential. Anaesthetic induction is performed either by an inhalational or an intravenous route; this chapter provides the reader with some simple top tips to provide a smooth induction process for child and parent. After induction, managing the airway is the priority; this chapter discusses both basic and advanced airway skills. In addition, the issue of administering a standard rapid sequence induction is discussed.