Sheffield CAT | About CAT

Anaesthetic Trivia - Curare

Curare is a compound used for dart poisons by tribes in South America. It is derived from vines such as, Chondrodendron tomentosum and Strychnos toxifera. The first non-depolarising muscle blocking agent, d-Tubocurarine, was identified in 1935 by Harold King. It was found in curare that had been packed in hollow tubes.

About CAT

CAT exists to provide both social and educational welfare for the trainee anaesthetists in the South Yorkshire Region.

We meet formally about once every two months. Issues and topics relevant to training and education are discussed formally followed by a more social and relaxed meeting, often in a local pub

CAT also has representatives on local committees involved in training (eg the allocation committee for both CT1+2 and ST3+, and the STC - Sheffield Training Committee)

Guest speakers and representatives are invited to talk to us about issues or new products

Larger more formal social events are also arranged including the annual CAT Ball in the summer

The new Chairman is Helen Roberts and she is happy to discuss any issues that trainees have prior to meeting. Contact her on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it