Pediatric sedation: The approach in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

While two different countries in the Southern Hemisphere separated by a slice of the Pacifi c Ocean, sedation practice in Australia and New Zealand is similar and will be considered in a joint chapter. The two countries share related medical histories, practices, and conventions. Although medical registration bodies and medical regulatory agencies for drugs and devices are country-specifi c, many professional bodies cover both countries including key sedation relevant colleges. Where topics differ between countries, we will address this in relevant subsections. While distinctly local approaches have evolved, sedation practice in Australia and New Zealand also draws on overseas standards and experience.