On the occasion of World Anesthesiology Day on October 16, 2025, the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI) and the Professional Association of German Anaesthesiologists (BDA) are highlighting the central role of anaesthesiology. The field not only secures around ten million anesthesia procedures in Germany every year, but also makes a significant contribution to the care of intensive care and emergency medicine.

World Anesthesia Day commemorates the first successful ether anesthesia in 1846, which made painless operations possible. Today, anesthesiology is a high-tech field that combines safety, precise monitoring and human attention. Every day, about 30,000 procedures are made possible by the expertise of anesthesiologists. Around 1.56 million patients are treated in intensive care units every year, many under anesthesiological management. Anesthesiologists are also a mainstay in the emergency services, especially at emergency doctor locations.

The importance of the subject is particularly evident in times of crisis, such as during the pandemic or in the event of major incidents. Anesthesiologists take on responsibility in the operating room, in intensive care units, in shock rooms and in the emergency services. They often form the interface between these areas and stabilize the health system through medical expertise, leadership and logistics. Against the backdrop of current global political challenges, DGAI and BDA are developing concepts for crisis preparation, for example through digital recording of hospital capacities, targeted patient assignment and telemedical networking. These approaches are actively promoted with politics, administration and other professional associations.

In everyday clinical practice, anaesthetists work closely with nurses, medical staff, anaesthesia technical assistants and emergency services. Their use often remains in the background, but is always in the service of patient safety. Initiatives such as “Saving a Life” or “Back to Life” illustrate the social responsibility of the subject by raising awareness among the population about resuscitation and emergency skills.

World Anesthesia Day 2025 recognizes the diversity and cohesion of anesthesiology. It is an occasion to honour the professionals who take responsibility for safety, competence and humanity every day.

Original Paper:

AINS: Journal of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care & Emergency Medicine | Thieme | Georg Thieme Verlag KG

PREVIEW: The German Congress of Laboratory Medicine (DKLM) 2025 promises exciting insights into the interface between science and clinical practice. Under the motto “Science for Precision Medicine”, the German Society for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (DGKL) and the Umbrella Association for Technologists and Analysts in Medicine Germany (DVTA) invite experts from research, clinics and industry to meet on October 23 and 24 at the Congress Center Leipzig (CCL). The two-day event is aimed at laboratory physicians, biomedical analysts and decision-makers to discuss current advances in diagnostics and strengthen networks. The ceremonial opening of the congress will take place on 22 October with the presentation of the MedLabAwards in the Salles de Pologne.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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