Best Frca Podcasts (2025)

1
GasGasGas - Ether, Enflurane and Explosions! 58:09

Play Pause

5h ago58:09

58:09

The 2025 Bumper Christmas Special, delving into the delights of Ether, Enflurane and Explosions (+ fires) We find out a little bit about the first Ether anaesthetic, and then get to grips with what an explosion is, and why understandably it was problematic for anaesthetists. Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/ether_enflurane_explosions/ ==========…

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67 Substance Use Disorder Among Anaesthetists 11:27

6h ago11:27

11:27

1
66 Substance Use Disorder and Anaesthesia 10:01

7d ago10:01

10:01

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GasGasGas - Desflurane + An Intro To Vapourisers 35:49

13d ago35:49

35:49

I've checked the house, there are no polar bears so we should be fine to talk about this drug. Desflurane is pricey, polar bear poison that you may get examined on! Check it out! Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/desflurane-and-vapourisers/ ================================================ GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists…

1
65 Psychoactive Drugs 10:13

25d ago10:13

10:13

1
GasGasGas - Halothane 20:02

27d ago20:02

20:02

With the advent of halothane, smoking, static and other sizzling was back in style! Gone were the explosive diethyl ether, acetylene, trichloroethylene and cyclopropane anaesthetics of the 1950's and with it a new era of fewer explosions, and possibly a greater prevalence of post operative liver distress. Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/halotha…

1
64 Brugada Syndrome 7:42

1M ago7:42

7:42

1
63 Long QT syndrome 14:04

1M ago14:04

14:04

1
GasGasGas - Sevoflurane 30:10

1M ago30:10

30:10

Having a solid understanding of Sevoflurane is, as you might expect, quite important for the FRCA primary and your career. as it is likely the most commonly used volatile anaesthetic agent, at least in the UK. n.b. polar bears are very allergic to Desflurane Show notes @ https://gasgasgas.uk/sevoflurane-for-the-frca-primary/ =======================…

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62 Anaesthetic Implications of Performance Enhancing Drugs 9:20

2M ago9:20

9:20

1
61 Dermatological complications of critical care 11:08

2M ago11:08

11:08

1
GasGasGas - Isoflurane 24:20

2M ago24:20

24:20

This Primary FRCA podcast episode introduces you to Isoflurane, a ubiquitous and fairly cheap volatile anaesthetic agent that always seems to be left alone while its sevoflurane friend lives the high life, This episode probably won't sway your use, but if you walk into an anaesthetic halfway thru and have no idea what your ET for MAC-1 is, then thi…

1
60 Life threatening skin conditions presenting to anaesthesia and critical care 16:03

2M ago16:03

16:03

1
GasGasGas - Introducing Volatiles! 29:36

2M ago29:36

29:36

This Primary FRCA podcast episode introduces you to Volatile anaesthetic agents and the pharmaceutical particulars that make their behaviour through a human very interesting! We cover Blood gas and oil gas partition coefficients, Saturated vapour pressure, critical temperature and boiling points - and touch on pharmacodynamics and the Viva Question…

1
GasGasGas - Opioids Quiz, the second attempt 26:11

2M ago26:11

26:11

Yet again, the sound engineer has been sacked........ Apologies that this is a second attempt at an Opioids Quiz, the music cuts went rather wrong - so we've slung the music in the bin! This is a straight up quiz, with gaps so you can think up an answer and then, as you might expect... an Answer! The goal isn't to give you verbatim words to regurgi…

1
GasGasGas - Clonidine 19:30

3M ago19:30

19:30

Clonidine is a drug found in many a cupboard, acting as a useful adjunct for pain, sedation and having utility in smoothing out post op emergence, it has off license use as a adjunct in regional and neuraxial blockade (at least in the literature!) Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/clonidine/ ================================================ GasGas…

1
GasGasGas - Dexmedetomidine 24:52

3M ago24:52

24:52

Dexemedetomidine is a drug that it seems we are really only just getting our hands on in the UK, it is an Alpha 2 AGOnist causing sedation, anxiolysis and analgesia. This episode of GasGasGas explores its use, mechanisms side effect profile and kinetics Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/dexmedetomidine/ ===========================================…

1
GasGasGas - Midazolam 19:10

3M ago19:10

19:10

Midazolam represents the cornerstone benzodiazepine in perioperative medicine, offering rapid onset sedation, anxiolysis, and amnesia with predictable pharmacokinetics. Understanding its mechanism, dosing strategies, and clinical applications is fundamental for safe anaesthetic practice and optimal patient care. Show notes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/m…

1
GasGasGas - Etomidate 19:50

4M ago19:50

19:50

Having an Iota of a Scooby-Doo about Etomidate is perhaps what is required for the FRCA primary exams. We've gone into naturally more detail when we're talking Etomidate for gasgasgas, because we love a bit of detail. This episode covers the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Entomidate, but also explores briefly steroidogenesis and what the …

1
GasGasGas - Classifying Isomers! 29:24

4M ago29:24

29:24

Understanding molecular stereochemistry is fundamental to modern anaesthetic practice. The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within drug molecules directly impacts their pharmacological properties, with some arrangements being therapeutically beneficial while others may be inactive or even harmful. This episode explores the concept of isomeris…

1
GasGasGas - Peri-Neural LA Adjuncts 28:10

4M ago28:10

28:10

Welcome to the final local anaesthetic episode - Peri-neural adjuncts- because we should not forget the medley of mixing options that you could stir into your NRfit cauldron.... although most folks don't. Ketamine in it goes, give it a stir - a dash of clonidine for a bit of dozy chill - 3 grains of morphia and don't forget the sodium bicarbonate. …

1
GasGasGas -Local Anaesthetics Quiz 17:25

4M ago17:25

17:25

Welcome to an experimental episode of GasGasGas - where you get the joys of a quiz after listening to all these episodes on local anaesthetics agents. Let me know if you think it's dry as hell. Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/local-anaesthetic-quiz/ ================================================ GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for An…

1
GasGasGas - Comparing Local Anaesthetics - Quiz to follow! 14:00

4M ago14:00

14:00

Welcome to another essential episode of Gas Gas Gas, where we summarise all the local anaesthetic content we have covered - In order to get you fired up for the most exciting quiz on local anaesthetics you've ever had the pleasure of listening to. Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/comparing-local-anaesthetics/ ====================================…

1
GasGasGas - Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity 34:27

5M ago34:27

34:27

Welcome to Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity!! (LAST) is one of the most significant complications in regional anaesthesia practice. This episode explores the pathophysiology, recognition, and management of LAST with particular emphasis on emergency management protocols and risk mitigation strategies. Understanding LAST is crucial for safe region…

1
GasGasGas - Ropivacaine 19:10

5M ago19:10

19:10

Today we're exploring ropivacaine - the local anaesthetic you might not see every day, but absolutely need to understand when bupivacaine is in short supply or when examiners want to test your knowledge of enantiomeric purity and differential motor blockade.... Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/ropivacaine/ =======================================…

1
GasGasGas - Lidocaine 22:43

5M ago22:43

22:43

Welcome to lidocaine - the ubiquitous local anaesthetic that's everywhere in clinical practice but comes with some important caveats. Whether you're preparing for your primary FRCA exams or just starting your anaesthesia rotations, understanding lidocaine's extensive clinical applications, antiarrhythmic properties, and the growing role of IV infus…

1
GasGasGas - Prilocaine (+Ampres) for the FRCA Primary 22:20

5M ago22:20

22:20

Welcome to the Prilocaine episode - the local anaesthetic that's often overshadowed by Bupivacaine but deserves a place in your clinical toolkit. Whether you're preparing for your primary FRCA exams or just starting your anaesthesia rotations, understanding Prilocaine's unique properties will help you tailor anaesthesia to patient and surgery, bupi…

1
GasGasGas - Cocaine Local Anaesthesia for the FRCA 23:30

5M ago23:30

23:30

If you like a story about extensive testicular traction and hammering shins then this is the episode for you. This FRCA Primary Podcast episode explores cocaine and the exposure patients have to it in the clinical environment, chiefly courtesy of the ENT surgeons. The episode explores mechanism, side effects, onset, implications, but also the histo…

1
GasGasGas - Bupivacaine and Friends 25:00

6M ago25:00

25:00

This FRCA Primary Podcast episode dives deep into bupivacaine, exploring its friends (additives), mechanism of action, and clinical applications. We'll also cover the key differences between neuronal and cardiac action potentials, and discuss why levobupivacaine has become the preferred choice in many clinical scenarios. Show notes at: https://gasg…

1
GasGasGas - Introduction to Local Anaesthetics 33:10

6M ago33:10

33:10

This FRCA Primary Podcast episode establishes the scientific foundation you need to understand how Local Anaesthetic drugs work, why they behave differently, and how to use them safely. By the end, you'll understand nerve physiology, sodium channel blockade, drug classification, and the basics of local anaesthetic toxicity. Show notes at: https://g…

1
GasGasGas - Comparing Opioids - Viva Style! 25:00

6M ago25:00

25:00

This FRCA Primary Podcast covers: Opioids are a significant cornerstone of anaesthetic practice, forming part of the triad of anaesthesia with their analgesic properties. We utilise these analgesic properties not just because "surgery hurts," but also because our interventions cause physiological upset - laryngoscopy being a prime example. Show not…

1
GasGasGas - RemiFentanil and the Minto TCI Model 27:30

7M ago27:30

27:30

Remifentanil is an anaesthetist’s dream: ultra-short acting, reliably titratable, and deeply potent. This episode takes a dual-pronged approach—covering both the FRCA-relevant pharmacology of remifentanil and introducing the Minto target-controlled infusion (TCI) model. Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/remifentanil-and-minto-tci-model/ =========…

1
GasGasGas - Neuraxial Opiates for the FRCA Primary 21:40

7M ago21:40

21:40

In this explainer episode of GasGasGas, James delves into the joyful complexities of neuraxial opiate pharmacology. Why do we bother putting opiates into this space at all? What governs their journey, how do they behave once administered, and what clinical pearls can be drawn from their behaviour? This episode follows the journey of a single opioid…

1
GasGasGas - Diamorphine for the FRCA Primary 10:08

7M ago10:08

10:08

In this episode of Gas, Gas, Gas, we dive deep into the pharmacology of diamorphine — also known by its more notorious street name, heroin. Diamorphine is a synthetic diacetylated derivative of morphine, and this episode details its mechanism of action, clinical applications, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and side effect profile. The episode …

1
GasGasGas - Oxycodone for the FRCA Primary 13:55

7M ago13:55

13:55

We are plunging into the pharmacology of oxycodone, a potent semi-synthetic opioid analgesic widely used in perioperative and chronic pain settings. We explore oxycodone's mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics We dissect its action on mu-opioid receptors, compare it to morphine and other opioids, and review evidence regarding …

1
GasGasGas - Methadone for the FRCA Primary 10:45

8M ago10:45

10:45

In this episode of the GasGasGas Primary FRCA podcast, we explore methadone—its pharmacology (pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics), diverse receptor activity, and its clinical uses. While traditionally associated with managing opioid dependency, methadone’s unique pharmacodynamics and potential utility may have been overlooked given its other use…

1
GasGasGas - Tramadol for the FRCA Primary Exam 12:28

8M ago12:28

12:28

This episode takes a dive into the detailed pharmacology of Tramadol focussing on the content for the FRCA Primary exam. We explore its unique multi-mechanism analgesic action, pharmacokinetics, clinical uses, and key points. Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/tramadol-for-frca-primary-exam/ ================================================ GasGasG…

1
59 Epidermolysis bullosa 7:21

8M ago7:21

7:21

1
GasGasGas - Alfentanil for the FRCA Primary Exam 21:00

8M ago21:00

21:00

In this episode of GasGasGas, we explore Alfentanil, a short-acting μ-opioid receptor agonist pivotal for anaesthetic practice. Discovered in 1976 by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Alfentanil remains a super handy agent, especially for (modified) rapid-sequence inductions and acute pain management. Show notes at https://gasgasgas.uk/alfentanil-for-the-fr…

1
GasGasGas - TIVA Models for Propofol TCI 34:06

8M ago34:06

34:06

Today is TIVA Models for Propofol particularly the: Marsh, Schnider, and Eleveld TCI models. Avoid the classic pitfalls of blindly trusting a pump. If you’re prepping for the FRCA or just want to master the ‘why’ behind TCI behaviour, you’re in the right place. Sorry to the USA folks stuck with mcg/kg/min! Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/tiva-m…

1
Vivacast 16 - Misplacing 1000ml of circulating volume on the floor, Nerve conduction physiology, pH and acid base derangement 26:31

8M ago26:31

26:31

In this VivaCast episode, we simulate a comprehensive FRCA Primary physiology viva covering three key topics: physiological response to acute blood loss, nerve conduction and classification, and acid-base balance including pH regulation and anion gap interpretation. Show Notes @ https://gasgasgas.uk/hemorrhage-nerves-ph/ ===========================…

1
Interview - The first three months of UK anaesthetics, insights and learning - Dr James Smith 52:38

9M ago52:38

52:38

Welcome to a special interview edition of GasGasGas – the podcast that explores anaesthetic life in all its glorious detail, venturing out into its terrifying, and human dimensions. I want those thinking about anaesthetics to gain insight, and I want everyone else Post IAC to remember the IAC experience and focus on what we can do to make the IAC t…

1
VivaCast 15 - Clinical Case PsuedoAneurysm 29:42

9M ago29:42

29:42

In this VivaCast episode, we present a complex clinical scenario involving an intravenous drug user (IVDU) presenting with an infected pseudoaneurysm. Tom grapples with the challenges of these high BBV risk cases and managed local anaesthetic toxicity as it all goes terribly pear shaped! Show Notes Here! ============================================…

1
VivaCast 14 - Kinetics, Hypoglycaemics and Drug Trial fun! 17:35

9M ago17:35

17:35

In this episode of GasGasGas, we dive into the essential principles of pharmacokinetics, focusing on how drugs are processed by the body. We also explore the mechanisms and clinical implications of hypoglycaemic medications and discuss the fundamentals of clinical trials. Whether you're a medical professional or an interested listener, this discuss…

1
VivaCast 13 - Ultrasound - Cardiac Output Monitoring - Diathermy 27:27

9M ago27:27

27:27

This VivaCast episode covers essential FRCA Primary knowledge areas, focusing on ultrasound use and physics, cardiac output monitoring techniques, and the principles and safety considerations of diathermy in anaesthesia. Designed to simulate the viva experience, this episode prepares candidates with model answers and key concepts likely to appear i…

1
VivaCast 12 - Anti Emetics, Propofol (again!) and Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Surgery 20:34

10M ago20:34

20:34

Tom's exam inches ever closer to reality, here he gets caught out on Droperidol, nails the Journey a Propofol Bolus Takes and handles Anti-Microbial Surgical Prophylaxis. Show-notes on gasgasgas.uk ================================================ GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists! Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics Check ou…

1
VivaCast 011 - Liver Physiology, 26:19

10M ago26:19

26:19

Tom and James wade through Liver physiology, debrief afterwards when we try and devise a way to talk about this functions without listing out something written on our arms! Check out the show-notes at gasgasgas.uk/liver ================================================ GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists! Sponsored by Teach Me…

1
VivaCast 010 - Physiology - Classifying Hypoxia, Oxygen Delivery and Oxy-Haemoglobin Sat Curves 14:07

10M ago14:07

14:07

Classifying Hypoxia, Oxygen delivery and taking oxy-haemoglobin Sat Curves Tom gets quizzed on what defines hypoxia, how oxygen is delivered to tissues and how the oxyhemoglobin disassociation curve behaves. Shownotes on gasgasgas.uk ================================================ GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists! Sponsor…

1
58 Laryngeal Clefts 10:43

10M ago10:43

10:43

1
VivaCast 009 - Physiology - Pressure, Flow, Coronary perfusion, Cardiac Cycle 14:33

10M ago14:33

14:33

Tom talks cardiac physiology, exploring blood pressure, Hagen–Poiseuille law, and coronary blood flow, finishing up with a brief chat of the cardiac cycle. There is a debrief and extra detailing at the end in very quick fire ‘words that convey you know what you’re on about’ sot of standing. Show notes here! =========================================…