Anesthesia apparatus adapted for operating in one of a gas-dispensing mode and a gas-less simulation mode, and method of operating the anesthesia apparatus. A mode selection command is received from an input/output unit of the anesthesia apparatus. A control unit of the anesthesia apparatus selects one of a gas-dispensing mode and a gas-less simulation mode based on the received mode selection command. At least one gas control parameter is received from the input/output unit. When the gas-dispensing mode is selected, the control unit actuates gas dispensing means of the anesthesia apparatus based on the received at least one gas control parameter. When the gas-less simulation mode is selected, the control unit prevents actuation of the gas dispensing means, and transmits the at least one gas control parameter to a patient simulation system via a communication interface of the input/output unit.
