Most cases were mask inductions with an occasional IV or IM induction for the courageous or the crying, respectively. Dr. Peterman, an anesthesiologist from Sinai and head of the cardiothoracic division, served as our staff and assisted with inductions, emergences, breaks, and lunches. I started slowly, mainly because of unfamiliarity with my surroundings and the machine. Things soon improved and the cases went well with short turnovers. If I was told 15 minutes, then at 17 minutes somebody was moving.
Timing is key.
The last case of the day in the plastics room was done by a CRNA, who actually anesthesized all the plastics cases, as the plastic surgeon was her husband. The patient was a burn victim from years past and his medical records from previous surgeries were not available. He also had a history of WPW and was medically treated. He was given succinylcholine for intubation. Two hours later he was extubated only to be reintubated.