Provision of efficient resuscitation is mandatory to the success­ ful functioning of all hospital wards and departments. Failure to provide such a service increases morbidity and mortality. Resuscita­ tion falls largely into the domain of the anaesthetist. However, an anaesthetist is not always instantly available and resuscitation has to be initiated by those in other specialities who have had little or no for­ mal training in resuscitation techniques. The purpose of this book is to guide those involved in resuscitation in the indications and methods of resuscitation. Its creation and con­ tents were stimulated by noting the difficulties encountered in both teaching centres and provincial hospitals. 'Basic' is included in the title to emphasize that, with the exception of 'the acid-base laboratory', the apparatus is simple and available in all hospitals. Furthermore, 'basic' indicates the authors' intention to limit their discussion on resuscitation to that involved in the first hour following the start of treatment. Successful treatment during these 60 minutes, and very often the first few minutes, is often vital in the sav­ ing of life. Further management can then be decided by the ap­ propriate specialist.