Anesthesia for Kids Ages 3-5

Anesthesia

I am a special sleepy air called Anesthesia. A long time ago, a kind dentist named William T.G. Morton discovered that I could help people take a deep nap. This way, doctors could fix boo-boos without any ouchies. Today, I still help doctors, dentists, and even veterinarians keep everyone safe and comfortable so they can wake up feeling all better.

First use of ether as an anesthetic by Crawford Long 1842

First use of nitrous oxide as an anesthetic by Horace Wells 1844

First successful public demonstration of surgical anesthesia 1846

The Story of the Sleepy Air

Hello, I am a special kind of sleepy air. My name is Anesthesia. Before I was here, going to the doctor to fix a boo-boo could sometimes have an ouchie. But I came to help. I am like a soft, gentle cloud that floats all around you. When you breathe me in, I help you take a very cozy nap. It is a deep, peaceful sleep where you can have sweet dreams. While you are napping with me, you do not feel any ouchies at all. It is my special job to keep you comfy and safe so the doctor can help you feel better.

There once was a very kind dentist named William T.G. Morton. He did not like it when his friends felt ouchies while he was trying to fix their teeth. He thought and thought about how he could help them feel cozy and comfortable. He searched for a special secret to help everyone. One day, he discovered me. He learned that I, the special sleepy air, could help people fall into a deep and quiet sleep. On a very important day, October 16th, 1846, William showed everyone my magic. He helped a person breathe me in. The person fell fast asleep, and a doctor fixed a big problem. When the person woke up, they felt no ouchies. They had just been dreaming. Everyone was so happy and amazed.

After that special day, everything changed for the better. I started helping doctors and dentists everywhere. They could fix big problems and little problems, all while people were having nice dreams. Today, I am still a very important helper. I help doctors help grown-ups and kids. I even help veterinarians when they need to fix a puppy's paw or help a little kitten. My job is to make sure everyone stays sound asleep and comfortable. I love helping you wake up feeling all better, ready to play again. It makes me proud to be the special sleepy air that keeps you safe.