Regional anaesthesia is widely used in modern anaesthetic practice for perioperative and postoperative analgesia. In the operating theatre, regional anaesthesia is used both on its own and in combination with other techniques (general anaesthesia and sedation). Regional anaesthesia is now a core skill set in anaesthetic training. This article provides a basic outline of regional anaesthesia for surgeons and other non-anaesthetic staff working with anaesthetists, reviewing preparation, consent, basic and specialist equipment, central neuraxial blocks (spinal, epidural and caudal), trunk blocks, upper limb blocks (interscalene, supraclavicular, infraclavicular and axillary) and lower limb blocks (femoral, fascia iliaca, sciatic, popliteal and ankle). It also discusses the pharmacology of the agents used and common complications.