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University hospitals in BW: Reduce anesthetic gases, protect the climate!
Baden-Württemberg promotes sustainable university medicine by reducing anesthetic gases and innovative anesthesia procedures.
University hospitals in BW: Reduce anesthetic gases, protect the climate!
In the medical world, a lot is currently focused on the topic of sustainability. The university hospitals in Baden-Württemberg bear particular responsibility. How MWK Baden-Württemberg reports, these institutions are taking a pioneering role in implementing environmentally friendly measures. The goal? The reduction of CO2 emissions and a conscious approach to health and the environment in medical care.
One of the central concerns of these clinics is to drastically reduce the emission of anesthetic gases. These highly potent greenhouse gases make up a significant portion of the emissions in the German healthcare system. Although the healthcare sector only causes around 8% of all greenhouse gases in Germany, anesthesia and intensive care medicine contribute to the fact that around half of these emissions come from inhalation anesthetics. This illustrates the importance that Medical Journal to climate protection in the field of anesthesia.
Innovations and strategies
In May 2022, university hospitals in the region were asked to identify and implement measures to reduce anesthetic gas emissions. One focus here is on the use of sevoflurane instead of the previously used desflurane. This change has the advantage that sevoflurane has a 20-fold lower greenhouse effect. Nitrous oxide, which was also often used for anesthesia, is only used in isolated cases in obstetrics. Medicine therefore actively contributes to reducing the ecological footprint.
Loud Federal Medical Association The ambitious goal is for the German healthcare system to become climate neutral by 2030. Decision makers are encouraged to approach this goal in a motivated and consistent manner. Climate-friendly alternatives such as regional anesthesia and total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) are being discussed and are being increasingly used.
Conclusion and outlook
Anesthesia medicine is just one of many areas of healthcare that are under pressure from environmental responsibility. In Germany, clinics and specialists are constantly filtering their CO2 footprint and developing sustainable action concepts. Increasing the efficiency of ventilation technology in operating rooms and consciously avoiding harmful anesthetics are approaches with great potential. By reducing the flow of fresh gas and using innovative surgical technologies, emissions can not only be minimized, but can even be significantly reduced.
Time is short, but the signs point to progress. A good hand for the future is required because it is important to protect people's health as well as that of the environment. The message is clear: When it comes to climate protection, everyone has to pull together. This affects both doctors and healthcare decision-makers.