Conscious sedation, sometimes referred to as “IV” or “procedural” sedation, involves the administration of pharmacological agents to produce a medically controlled state of depressed consciousness that still allows a patient to respond to physical stimulation and verbal commands, and to maintain an unassisted airway. It is commonly used to alleviate anxiety and/or pain associated with potentially unpleasant procedures. A range of levels of sedation can be achieved depending on the drug that is used.
Anesthetists* and other qualified physicians may provide this service, however, the type of drugs the practitioner may administer for conscious sedation are dependent on his or her training and credentials.
* “Anesthetist” means a medical practitioner who is enrolled on the Specialist Register of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba and whose registration is so defined or a medical practitioner with privileges to administer anesthesia as determined by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (commonly referred to as either a non-specialist anesthetist or general practitioner anesthetist).
Updated: April 2018