We studied 20 anaesthetic assistants applying simulated cricoid pressure with the left or right hand in random order. Simulated cricoid pressure was continued for up to 5โmin with one hand and then, after resting, with the other hand. Applied pressure was measured at intervals and the subjects were blind to the results. Nineteen assistants were rightโhanded and all routinely applied cricoid pressure with their right hand. Mean (SD) force applied during simulated โawakeโ cricoid pressure was 13.8 (5.7)โN with either left or right hand, and during โanaesthetisedโ cricoid pressure it was initially 25.1 (8.2)โN and 24.7 (8.8)โN with left or right hand, respectively. Mean force was maintained above 20โN and below 30โN throughout the study period with either hand. Force applied with the left hand was significantly lower than with the right hand but the difference was clinically insignificant (0.4โN). Inadequate or excessive force was more frequently associated with use of the left hand (p <โ0.0001). Cricoid pressure was released before 5โmin in three cases, two leftโhanded and one rightโhanded. Our results demonstrate that anaesthetic assistants apply a lower force than is classically taught and are able to maintain the force with either hand for a sustained period. Application with the left hand is justified where clinically indicated but may have a lower margin for error than when applied with the right hand.