Emergence from anaesthesia, although usually uneventful, can be associated with major morbidity. In the immediate postoperative period, patients are at risk from respiratory and cardiovascular complications, which account for approximately 70% and 20% of critical recovery room incidents respectively. The unconscious patient may develop upper airway obstruction or inadequate ventilation with subsequent hypoxaemia and hypercapnia, and is at increased risk of aspiration because of the absence of the protective airway reflexes. Ongoing blood loss and residual drug effects may compound cardiovascular compromise. The importance of observation and early intervention during this period has been recognised for many years. Hazards may be reduced by the provision of adequate postoperative recovery facilities along with fully trained staff. Guidelines for postoperative care are provided by the Royal College of Anaesthetists as part of the Guidelines for the Provision of Anaesthetic Services, 2014.