• K L Woods and D Aldington.
• James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.
• J R Army Med Corps. 2010 Dec 1; 156 (4 Suppl 1): 393-7.

ObjectivesAs epidurals are now used for pain relief on deployment a survey was conducted to look at the current epidural practice of U.K. military anaesthetists. The aim was to identify any potential issues with regard to equipment and training to allow future development ofpre-deployment training.MethodsAn Internet based survey was carriedout. All military anaesthetistswere sent an e-mail containing a link to the survey and the results of those who responded were analysed.ResultsA total of 49 surveys were completed. 78% of respondents carried out epidurals more than once a month, in a wide range of specialities. There was considerable variation in methods of securing epidurals and in drug choice amongst respondents.ConclusionsThe results of this survey show that whilst epidurals are commonly carried out amongst military anaesthetists during their U.K. practice, there is significant variation within the practice. Areas have been identified for development of educational courses, for example methods of securing epidurals, and these have already been acted upon.

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