Conscious sedation: Pharmacology.
Basic and advanced sedation techniques

For training purposes, the UK has two broad levels of technique – basic and advanced. Extra training is required for advanced techniques, as there is a greater risk of losing control of the depth of sedation.

Basic techniques (aka standard sedation techniques)

1. Inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide: all ages.
2. Midazolam sedation (any route) for people aged 12 years or older.
3. If inhalation sedation is used to start sedation, prior to inserting a cannula for midazolam, the nitrous oxide must cease before the midazolam is injected for it to remain a “basic” technique.

Advanced techniques (aka alternative sedation techniques)

1. Midazolam sedation (any route) for people aged under 12.
2. Combined routes of administration (e.g. oral plus intravenous)
3. Combined drugs (e.g. opioid plus midazolam, midazolam plus nitrous oxide/oxygen)
4. Some sedative drugs (e.g. ketamine, propofol)

This course will make clear which pages relate to basic, and which to advanced.