The American Society of Anaesthesiologists defines the continuum of sedation [1] as follows;
Minimal Sedation – Normal response to verbal stimulation
Moderate Sedation – Purposeful response to verbal/tactile stimulation
Deep Sedation - Purposeful response to repeated painful stimulation
General Anaesthesia – No response even with painful stimulus
It is anticipated that sedation premedication would result in minimal to moderate sedation. On occasion a deeper level of sedation may be desirable, this should be provided by staff trained in airway support as necessary.