Der Anaesthesist
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Systemic air embolism is a dramatic event frequently resulting in death. The clinical manifestations are polymorphic and unspecific. We report a case of a systemic air embolism in a patient with lung contusion. We wish to arouse a sensibility for this clinical picture, which seems to be underestimated in its frequency and importance, and discuss concepts of mechanical ventilation in patients with blunt thoracic trauma.
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Simulation has gained an important role in medical education and continuing education in the field of anaesthesia and emergency medicine. This article gives background information on how full-scale simulators are applied in medical education as well as in continuing education for advanced anesthesia and scientific applications. Acceptance of training seems enhanced by inclusion of the human factor aspect, since this has proven to be a major source for the development of critical situations in our specialty. Furthermore, drawbacks of the simulators available and the current training availability in Germany is described.