About the campaign
For National Anaesthesia Day 2024, we trialled a new community awareness campaign aimed at reassuring Australians and New Zealanders 'You're in Safe Hands' should you ever require the care of a specialist anaesthetist.
For the initial campaign, we filmed six FANZCA from across Australia and New Zealand talking about their personal experiences of being an anaesthetist. They shared what they love most about their work; what personal qualities they believe are critical; and what they say and do to help their patients feel they're in safe hands.
The initiative was so well received by members that we've decided to turn it into an ongoing campaign involving as many members as possible.
How do I get involved?
As much as we'd love to, we can't send a film crew to every anaesthesia department. But thanks to the miracle of modern technology, most of us have everything we need in our back pockets!
So if you'd like to add your voice to the campaign, just grab your phone during a quiet moment between cases and start shooting. Even better, find a willing colleague and film each other! We've put together a handy how-to guide with tips on the perfect set up.
What do you want me to talk about?
Please start by introducing yourself - your name and how long you’ve been involved in anaesthesia and where you work. You could also include any sub-specialties (for example, paediatrics). Then answer as many of the following questions as you like.
What still excites you about anaesthesia?
Share the moments that make your work so rewarding—whether it's the patient relationships, the challenges, or the satisfaction of knowing you make a difference every day.
How do you help patients feel they're in safe hands?
Give us an insight into the little things you do to ease the fears of patients before they go under anaesthesia. What words do you use to reassure them and make them feel safe?
How do you explain anaesthesia to friends or family?
What's your 'elevator pitch'? What do you wish more people understood about anaesthesia and the role of anaesthetists? What’s something surprising about anaesthesia that most people don’t realise?
What kind of person makes a great anaesthetist?
What personal qualities or values do you think are most important in an anaesthetist? What kind of mindset or attitude helps someone thrive in anaesthesia?
Why your story matters
In an age of information overload, authentic stories stand out. They resonate with people on a deeper level, making complex or intimidating topics more accessible and relatable, while also inspiring and empowering others.
Sharing your story in your own words can not only help people feel reassured they're in safe hands should they ever require the care of an anaesthetist, but can also inspire the anaesthetists of the future.
What we'll do with it
With your consent, we'll use all or part of your videos in ANZCA’s ongoing community awareness activities, including on the ANZCA website, YouTube channel, and through our social media channels. Consent can be withdrawn at any time by emailing us at [email protected].
How to submit your video
Please submit your video via WeTransfer using [email protected] as the 'email to' address. WeTransfer is free, secure, and doesn’t require you to create an account. Please also complete this consent form and send it along with your video.