Awareness by request : Anaesthesia for a caesarian section.

This film opens with a scene of a mother-to-be intubated and under anaesthesia. The consultant has prepared her arm so that she can respond if she is resistant to anaesthesia. The technique under review in this film looks at an actual patient who would like to be under light, but relatively pain-free, anaesthesia. The consultant anaesthetist briefs the patient, a woman who is having her second baby. Her caesarian operation commences - the operation is described on the sound track but not shown as this film focuses on anaesthesia. Although not an exact science, the consultant talks to the patient and communicates with her by her squeezing his hand. A baby boy is born and cries lustily. The next day, the new mother is interviewed in her hospital bed. She comments on her awareness and how she felt under anaesthesia. The consultant speaks to camera and cautions tact in the communication between medical staff as well as to the patient in the operating theatre.