Founded in 1932 by Dr Henry W Featherstone, the Association of Anaesthetists represents the medical and political views of over 11,000 anaesthetists in the UK, Ireland and internationally. Membership is open to doctors practising or training in anaesthesia, or allied medical disciplines, principally intensive care and pain medicine. The Association’s motto in somno securitas (safe in sleep) encapsulates the major focus of the organisation: safety in anaesthesia. The Association has a broad constitution to promote and advance education, safety and research in anaesthesia, as well as the professional aspects of the specialty and the welfare of individual anaesthetists.