World Anaesthesia Day (also known as National Anaesthesia Day or Ether Day in some countries) is celebrated every year globally on 16 October to acknowledge one of the most significant events in the history of medicine. World Anaesthesia Day commemorates the first successful demonstration of diethyl ether anaesthesia in 1846.
This day celebrates the discovery of anaesthesia which made it possible for patients to undergo surgical procedures without any physical pain.
The World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) celebrates World Anaesthesia Day annually with more than 134 societies representing anaesthesiologists from over 150 countries taking part. Medical professionals, hospitals and clinics hold events and campaigns like film screenings, exhibitions and seminars to acknowledge the first successful demonstration of anaesthesia.
History of World Anesthesia Day
On October 16, 1846, American dentist and physician William Thomas Green Morton performed the first public demonstration of diethyl ether anaesthesia at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston in the USA using ether as an inhalational anaesthetic agent for removal of a jaw tumour.
For the first time in history, a patient underwent surgery without any sensation or pain. Following this medical discovery, doctors and surgeons began to use ether for general surgeries across the world. Morgan, considered the founder of modern anaesthesia, proved that ether was effective as an anaesthetic gas and also highlighted the significance of delivery of a proper dose of anaesthesia for safe practice.
What is Anaesthesia?
Anaesthesia, which is induced for medical purposes, makes the patient lose consciousness for a short period of time to numb the pain during surgical procedures, it also causes a temporary loss of awareness or sensation.
Anesthesia puts a patient into temporary unconsciousness during an operation or surgery. Anaesthesia is divided into four categories; general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia, monitored anaesthesia care and local anaesthesia.
