Department of Anesthesia Technology, under the College of Health Sciences (CoHS) at Gulf Medical University (GMU), commemorated World Anesthesia Day 2025 with an engaging community celebration held at the Library Foyer at GMU on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The event combined education, creativity, and public awareness, emphasizing the essential role of anesthesia professionals in safe surgical care.
World Anesthesia Day, observed globally on October 16, marks the anniversary of the first successful use of ether anesthesia in 1846—a milestone that transformed the practice of surgery. This year’s celebration at GMU honored that historic moment while showcasing how advancements in technology and teamwork continue to shape modern anesthesia practice.
Educational and Interactive Activities
The program featured a series of interactive, creative and educational activities led by Anesthesia Technology students under faculty supervision.
Highlights included:
- AIRWAY CHALLENGE: Participants demonstrated airway management skills using simulation models. The challenge tested participants’ knowledge of airway anatomy, use of airway adjuncts, and rapid response techniques during emergencies.
- CPR (CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION) COMPRESSION CHALLENGE: Students and visitors practiced proper CPR technique and timing. Emphasizing the importance of timely resuscitation in perioperative and community settings.
- DRUG IDENTIFICATION CHALLENGE: An engaging activity to test quick recall of anesthetic agents and their uses. Along with identifying commonly used anesthetic agents and understanding their pharmacological properties, uses, and safety considerations.
- ANESTHESIA QUIZ: A fun yet informative test of anesthesia knowledge, history, techniques, and equipment.
- HAND-DRAWN POSTER EXHIBITION & VIDEO PRESENTATION: Students showcased creative posters and a short film tracing the evolution of anesthesia.
- ROLE PLAY: Students performed a dramatization of operating room teamwork, emphasizing communication and crisis management. The performance was both educational and entertaining, offering a glimpse into the dynamic world of anaesthesia practice.
The celebration was attended not only by the students and faculty members from the College of Health Sciences, but also by the faculty, staff from other colleges within Gulf Medical University. Including the university library staff and visiting members of the community. The enthusiastic participation reflected the strong spirit of learning and collaboration at GMU.
The event concluded with a refreshment session featuring Arabic coffee and sweets, encouraging informal interaction among students, faculty, and guests.
Dr. Praveen Kumar, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, appreciated the department and students for their enthusiasm and creativity and remarked, “The World Anesthesia Day celebration reflected the essence of experiential learning. The activities not only demonstrated the technical expertise of our Anesthesia Technology students but also highlighted their teamwork, innovation, and passion for patient safety. Such initiatives strengthen the bridge between classroom learning and real-world healthcare practice.”
The celebration saw active participation from students, faculty, and community members. It served as an opportunity to enhance public awareness about anesthesia’s importance in surgical safety and to showcase the hands-on learning culture at GMU.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, commending the interactive approach, creative displays, and educational value of the event.
College of Health Sciences extended appreciation to faculty and student organizers, the IT Department, Administrative staff of CoHS and the Thumbay Institute of Clinical Simulation for their support in logistics and coordination, making the event a memorable success.
