The study by Caplan et al. examines adverse respiratory events in anesthesia, which account for the largest class of injuries in the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Closed Claims Study (522 out of 1,541 cases; 34%). Death or brain damage occurred in 85% of these cases, with a median settlement or jury award of $200,000. Most outcomes (72%) were considered preventable with better monitoring. The three primary mechanisms of injury were inadequate ventilation (38%), esophageal intubation (18%), and difficult tracheal intubation (17%). Adequate monitoring, such as pulse oximetry and capnometry, was found to be effective in preventing adverse outcomes in 72% of cases. The study highlights the need for improved monitoring and investigative protocols to better understand and prevent respiratory risks in anesthesia.The study by Caplan et al. examines adverse respiratory events in anesthesia, which account for the largest class of injuries in the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Closed Claims Study (522 out of 1,541 cases; 34%). Death or brain damage occurred in 85% of these cases, with a median settlement or jury award of $200,000. Most outcomes (72%) were considered preventable with better monitoring. The three primary mechanisms of injury were inadequate ventilation (38%), esophageal intubation (18%), and difficult tracheal intubation (17%). Adequate monitoring, such as pulse oximetry and capnometry, was found to be effective in preventing adverse outcomes in 72% of cases. The study highlights the need for improved monitoring and investigative protocols to better understand and prevent respiratory risks in anesthesia.