The anaesthetist and the obstetric flying squad. Could complacency creep in?

The demands made upon the Bristol obstetric flying squad over the past 14 years have been analysed. During this period, the number of calls received per year has decreased dramatically. The reasons for this are discussed in the context of current obstetric practice. The management of retained placenta is reviewed. Of importance to anaesthetists is the gross reduction in the number of cases where it is necessary to give anaesthesia 'in the field'. This may lead to complacency and lack of familiarity with the equipment carried by the flying squad.