The PACU needs appropriately trained staff, who are capable of managing airways and postoperative complications. Staffing requirement will depend on the patient population, but all patients should be nursed individually. There will also need to be a number of ‘floating’ staff to enable flexibility and management of emergencies without compromising other individual patients, during such an event. There should also be a named person in charge of the recovery area to liaise and coordinate the flow of patients in the recovery area.