American Society of Anesthesiologists Releases Statement Related to Media Inquiries Regarding Michael Jackson’s Death and the Trial of Dr. Conrad Murray

In response to media inquiries regarding propofol reportedly found at the scene of Michael Jackson’s death and now being discussed at Dr. Conrad Murray’s trial, the American Society of Anesthesiologists releases the following statement:

"The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), which is made up of physicians providing professional anesthesia care, does not know the specific circumstances surrounding Michael Jackson's death. However, ASA unequivocally maintains that Diprivan, or its generic name Propofol, is a drug meant only for use in a medical setting by professionals trained in the provision of general anesthesia. Though the drug is often used for procedures requiring sedation, patients can have extremely variable responses to the drug and some patients can become completely anesthetized, including losing the ability to breathe. Diprivan should never be used outside of a controlled and monitored medical setting. Use of the drug should be directly supervised by a physician trained in anesthesia and qualified to provide physiologic rescue should too much drug be given."

About Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists are physicians who make modern medicine possible. Every day, their practice enables life-saving care across a broad range of specialties when patients need it most. Anesthesiologists are responsible for the total care of the patient prior to, during and after surgery by keeping patients stable and safe through the administration of anesthesia, the monitoring of vital signs and body functions, and intervention during an emergency. Anesthesiologists have developed leading medical advances that have allowed modern medicine to become what it is today. Without advances in anesthesia many surgical procedures, such as transplants, cardiac surgery and brain surgery, would not be as advanced as they are currently.