Background and aims Patients admitted to our trauma centre with significant chest wall trauma and morbidity. Requests for block were inefficiently managed and often patients were brought to theatres to facilitate block in an environment with all the equipment readily available. This lead to delays in instituting the block, delays in analgesia for the patients, and removal of anaesthetists from other lists to facilitate regional anaesthesia. The block bag was instituted to provide all the equipment necessary to perform a block in a timely and efficient manner, meaning patients could have their regional technique on the ward (usually HDU or ITU)

Methods Anaesthetist within the trauma anaesthetic group were surveyed prior to instituting the block bag. A questionnaire assessing any difficulties organising equipment outside of theatres was filled out. Another questionnaire was filled out after the block bag was used.

Results This simple measure lead to improved operator satisfaction, decreased block delay and increased block uptake.

Conclusions The simple action of using a block bag has facilitated the performance of neuroaxial and chest wall blocks. This simple measure lead to improved operator satisfaction, decreased block delay and increased block uptake.