ENT Emergency Care Team - Core Skills

The core skills were developed from an audit of overnight activity within the ward. This audit was in place 18 months prior to the change in service, monitoring another project. We were very fortunate in this respect as there was no other detailed measure of activity within the organisation.

As well as the ENT Consultants many other staff within the organisation participated. We also brought in external trainers (Practitioner Development UK Ltd) to provider training in respiratory and cardiac assessment.

The Ear:

1. Performing an Ear Exam,
2. Identifying an Abnormal Ear,
3. Ear Toilet,
4. Suction Clearance,
5. Ear Irrigation,
6. Packing an Ear,
7. Removal of Foreign Body Ear.
8. Use of PGD in Treating Ear Problems.

The Nose:

1. Nasal Exam,
2. Abnormal Nose,
3. Nasal Toilet,
4. Insertion of Nasal Packs,
5. Removing Nasal Splints,
6. Removal Foreign Body Nose.
7. Use of PGD in Treating Nasal Problems.

The Throat:

1. Identify and Treat Tonsillitis
2. Identify and Drain Peri-Tonsillar Abscess
3. First Change of Tracheostomy Tube,
4. Management of Voice Prosthesis,
5. Removal Foreign Body Base Tongue,
6. Use of PGD in Treating Throat Problems.

General Skills:

1. IV Therapy
2. Cannulation and Venopuncture
3. Immediate Life Support
4. History Taking & Respiratory / Cardiac Assessment
5. Early Warning System (eg MEWS)
6. Awareness of Principles in Ordering X-rays
7. Awareness of the Principles of Fluid Management
8. Audit Process / Data Collation
9. Basic Computer Skills