Effective Management of Anaesthetic Crises (EMAC)

Effective Management of Anaesthetic Crises (EMAC) is a simulation-based course drawing on aspects of human factors, including principles of crisis management and non-technical and teamwork skills, and clinical techniques to enhance the management of anaesthetic emergencies.  

It consists of five modules, run over two and a half days, and is a compulsory requirement for anaesthesia trainees and specialist international medical graduates.  Specialist anaesthetists are also welcome to participate and “experience” realistic clinical events in an intensive, supportive, and engaging learning environment. 

Through immersive and interactive learning, participants will have the opportunity to refine their ability to manage complex clinical situations with confidence and competence.  The emphasis is on small group teaching and intensive hands-on simulation practice. Many of the scenarios and drills are designed to build effective communication and teamwork. 

Date: 9-11 December, 2026  

Modality: In-person

Duration: Three days (Wednesday – Friday)

Day 1: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm 

Day 2: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm 

Day 3: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm  

Price:  $2,950 (Inc. GST) 

Short course structure and topics covered:

•  Human factors   
• Airway management   
• Cardiovascular emergencies   
• Anaesthetic emergencies   
• Trauma management

Learning outcomes:  

• It is taught by experienced anaesthetists and offers a valuable educational opportunity for participants to learn and practice systematic skills in a safe, simulated environment, using high-tech mannequins.
• Completion of this course fulfils the FANZCA fellowship training requirements.   
• It provides recognised professional development for those in anaesthesia practice.
• Participants in the ANZCA and FPM CPD programs may claim this course as an emergency response activity in their CPD portfolio. 

Who should attend? / any entry requirements? 

• Specialist and trainee anaesthetists.
• You must have given unsupervised anaesthetics to be eligible for this course with a minimum of current competence in anaesthesia to manage an acute appendicectomy.
• Intending participants with less than one year of clinical anaesthesia experience, please get in touch with the Supervisor of EMAC prior to registering.
• Participants are advised not to be on call or scheduled for night or evening work immediately before or during the course.
• Each course day is designed to be as demanding as a complex clinical day. It is therefore recommended that participants also consider their availability for on-call duties for the weekend following the course.

Previous participant reviews:

"EMAC was a brilliant course. I really enjoyed it and found it the most helpful simulation-based course I've done. I would strongly recommend it to all anaesthetists."

Recent EMAC participant and a senior consultant having gone through the SIMG pathway

Payment for short courses is normally by credit card. If you need to pay by invoice or require assistance, please email shortcourses@auckland.ac.nz. Please note the University does not issue individual invoices for amounts less than $500 New Zealand dollars.  

By enrolling in a Short Course at the University of Auckland you agree to the Short Course Terms and Conditions