MOST people have heard of life support machines and the important role they play in hospital operating theatres.
But few know much about their human counterparts the life support doctors.
This is how the team of anaesthetists at the Princess Margaret Hospital regard themselves. Last week, they gathered to acknowledge National Anaesthesia Day.
Anaesthetists form the largest single group of hospital doctors in NHS hospital practice. There are more than 10,000 anaesthetists in the UK, with around 4,000 consultants.
Yet a report from the Royal College of Anaesthetists showed that 60 per cent of people are unaware of their roles in hospital life. Many do not realise that they are doctors.
Sean O'Kelly, consultant anaesthetist at PMH, was on hand to answer questions from the public and curb some of their worries.
He said: "The aim of the day is to raise public awareness about our role and the scope of anaesthesia to enable people to make more informed decisions should the need arise.
"The day was launched last year and was regarded as a great success. People came away knowing that anaesthesia is now much safer than before because of the nature and length of training."
Indeed, it takes more than 15 years to become a specialist.
Dr O'Kelly's basic medical training lasted six years. He then spent eight years specialising and a further five at the University of Michigan. He is now 40.
"The training is extensive. When people realise this they seem more at ease.
"Patients understand surgery but not what happens when they are under anaesthetic. Another common myth is that we administer an injection and then leave the surgeons to it.
"In fact, we are constantly monitoring the patient throughout the operation. The initial dose of the anaesthetic is followed by a constant check and we administer more as and when the patient needs it.
"There is a real team effort in the theatre."
Mark Turnbull, 33, is a senior operating departmental practitioner, or ODP, who works alongside Sean on the team.
He said: "There are on average six or seven staff members in the theatre. Sometimes more. As well as us, this would include a scrub nurse and surgeons. We all help each other in times of stress."
Anaesthesia transports patients into a state of unawareness, rather like a coma.
Some people dream throughout the process but most wake up unaware that time has passed.
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