A Brief Overview AAAHP (Australian Anaesthesia Allied Health Practitioners) was conceptualised in 1994 as the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Technicians (ASAT) when a steering committee representing all regions was formed. The final governing authority came about in 1999 in Perth where there was consensus from all regions resulting in the signing of a common Constitution. All members abide by the Code of Ethics as published by the Society. All regions have similar aims and objectives. ASAT decided to rename the association in 2002, to reflect a more professional title for the profession. With a lot of member feedback the name ASAPO (Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers), was chosen. However in recent years, due to the Ambulance paramedics pushing for national registration, the title PARAMEDIC will become a protected title. Due to this issue the ASAPO committee and Working Party discussed at some length over three years and came up with the new title, AAAHP, Australian Anaesthesia Allied Health Practitioners. The Association Committee currently consists of eight members who are elected from each region and act as the Management Committee (above). The Executive consists of members from these regions. The regions are Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and also a liaison with New Zealand. The successes of AAAHP are a reflection of the commitment of the original steering committee that convened the first meeting and created the concept of ASAT, now known as AAAHP. In recent times the Society has undertaken the mammoth task of obtaining information from each region about: the number of members the qualifications accepted who has undertaken training what courses are available, and the development of nationally recognised training through the Health Training Package. This has been the most expansive and thorough study to date in Australia to ascertain the depth and breadth of qualified "Assistants to the Anaesthetists". Where to from here? AAAHP will continue to develop the national course and postgraduate courses for both technicians and assistants. AAAHP will also continue to improve the membership registration process for Anaesthetic Technicians. Work is underway in the establishment of a technicians' and assistants' Voluntary Registration process to protect the patients we care for. We will continue to work with all disciplines in the development of our profession..