Anaesthetics Initial Assessment of Competency (IAC) Simulation Day
It is a requirement for all trainees starting their first Anaesthetic attachment (including ACCS trainees from all parent specialties) to complete an Initial Assessment of Competency (IAC) at around 3 months. This includes the structured management of critical incidents and failed intubations demonstrated through simulation.
All trainees starting their first anaesthetic attachment will be allocated a place onto one of the IAC skills days. These will take place at the end of September/start of November (for those starting in August) and end of April/start of May (for those starting in February) and be run over a full day at regional simulation hubs in the North, East, South East and West of Scotland. All participants are required to complete pre-learning in advance of the course, and more information on this is available at the bottom of the page.
It should be noted this course has been run with final year ODP student participants, and the benefit gained from this interprofessional approach was evident in the feedback. It is anticipated that this course could incorporate ODPs or Anaesthesia Associates in the future, and links with training programmes and the National Academy will be developed in the coming months.
| Date | Venue | Training Programme Region |
| 2 April 2026 | St John's Hospital, Livingston | South East trainees |
| 10 April 2026 | Suttie Centre, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen | North and East trainees |
| 6 May 2026 | Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert | West trainees |
| 7 May 2026 | Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert | West trainees |
Anaesthetic Core Trainees and ACCS trainees in their first Anaesthetic post, who have done at least two months of an anaesthetic attachment will be allocated a place on the course and will receive email confirmation of the booking at least 8 weeks in advance of the IAC skills day. If you have not received booking confirmation and think that you are eligible to attend, please contact us at nes.anaestheticssimulation@nhs.scot.
Please ensure study leave is approved and booked at the earliest opportunity. It is also important to advise your TPD and local rota co-ordinator of your course booking.
If you are unable to attend the date you have been allocated please let us know and we will either offer the opportunity to attend a date at a different region, or we will help support the local team to deliver these simulation workshops at a convenient time.
Upcoming course dates and booking links can be accessed via the course booking page.
1. QRH scenario videos
Please watch these very short videos we have made especially for the IAC simulation day:
Structured approach to the management of high airway pressure video
Structured approach to the management of hypotension video
2. The Quick Reference Handbook
Please aim to be familiar with the ‘Key Basic Plan’ (page 5) and try to familiarise yourself with the guidelines for the ‘Unknowns’. We will be focusing primarily on these during the simulation day:
The Quick Reference Handbook (PDF)
3. Difficult Airway Society guidelines
You should be familiar with the DAS guideline for unanticipated failed intubation:
4. Front of neck access video
Please watch this video demonstrating front of neck access. You should be familiar with this technique which we will be practicing on manikins in the course:
Front of neck access video (YouTube)
5. Adult advanced life support guidelines
You should be familiar with the up-to-date ALS guidelines:
Adult advanced life support guidelines (Resus.org.uk)
6. Other Resources
External links to other relevant videos that could be helpful for pre course preparation are:
If you have any queries regarding the IAC course, please contact nes.anaestheticssimulation@nhs.scot.
A member of the CSMEN Medical SimulationTeam will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.