Although most people think they are “asleep” during an operation, you are actually in a state of controlled unconsciousness. Your anaesthetist is there to monitor and control your level of unconsciousness to ensure you are unaware and free of pain during your operation. During this time your anaesthetist takes over care and control of all your major bodily functions such as blood pressure, breathing and fluid requirements.
Unlike some other countries where it may be an anaesthetic tech or nurse who remains with you, in Australia your anaesthetist remains at your side for the duration of your procedure until you are in the recovery ward, where your care will be supervised by a recovery nurse.
Anaesthetists are also highly trained in pain management, preoperative medical preparation and critical care services. They are experts in resuscitation and managing acutely ill patients. They are frequently the ones called to assist other doctors during cardiac arrests and trauma.