Anesthetic technician

An anesthetic technician is an allied healthcare worker who performs a patient care role predominantly assisting with the administration and monitoring of anesthesia and has an extensive knowledge of anesthesia techniques, instruments, supplies and technology.

Anesthetic technicians use infusion pumps to deliver medications.
Drug ampoules contain small amounts of medications.

Anesthetic technicians are mainly employed by anesthetic departments or operating theatre suites, but can be found in other areas of clinical practice including emergency departments, intensive care units (ICU) and day surgery clinics.

Role description

Anesthetic technicians are involved with all aspects of the delivery of a patient's perioperative anesthetic care,[1] taking into account the patients' religious and cultural beliefs and respecting their right to medical privacy and dignity at all times. Anesthetic Technicians’ also provide a key role in the emergency resuscitation of patients.

Prior to anesthesia

Anesthetic technicians prepare equipment needed for the patient to safely undergo anesthesia. This involves:

During anesthesia

The anesthetic technicians role includes assisting with:

  • inducing and maintaining adequate anesthesia.
  • establishing and securing an airway.
  • making sure that patients are positioned in such a way NOT to cause discomfort or injury during their procedure.
  • monitoring and maintaining patients' vital signs and anesthesia depth.
  • temperature monitoring and regulation.
  • collection and analysis of patient (blood) samples.
  • acquiring and administering transfusion fluids and equipment.

After anesthesia

Anesthetic technicians assist the anesthetic with:

  • waking the patient.
  • removing airway devices.
  • transferring patients to post-operative care units

Other activities

Regional variations exist, but anesthetic technicians may also be involved with:

American Society of Anesthesia Technologists & Technicians

American Society of Anesthesia Technologists & Technicians (ASATT), acknowledges the scope of practice for the Anesthesia technical personnel. The commitment of ASATT is to ensure that efficient, safe, competent, and ethical practices are provided to society and maintaining professional standards of practice. ASATT acknowledges that the Anesthesia technical personnel are a part of the Anesthesia care team as listed in the practice guidelines of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).[2] This position should not be confused with that of an anesthesiologist assistant who actively participates as a licensed anesthesia provider.

Certified Anesthesia Technician

Certified Anesthesia Technologist

Associate & Bachelors Programs

See also

References

  1. NZATS Scope of Practice
  2. "ASATT - Standards of Practice". American Society of Anesthesia Technologists & Technicians. Archived from the original on 2010-10-28. Retrieved 2010-10-27.
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