Anesthesia Tech

Overview

The Anesthesia Technician/Technologist will coordinate and perform technical and supportive tasks to assist the attending anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in performing anesthetic procedures for patients ranging from infancy to geriatrics. These tasks will include but are not limited to the routine maintenance and setting up, calibration, and troubleshooting of equipment required for the delivery of anesthesia care. Will assist the anesthesia provider with application of invasive/non-invasive monitoring devices, provides assistance with regional blocks, intravenous line placement, basic and difficult airway set-ups, and ensuring the necessary equipment is in good working condition and properly set up for the anesthesia procedures.

Responsibilities

1. Consults Operating Room schedule to determine supply and equipment needs for scheduledprocedures.
2. Stocks and restocks anesthesia supplies in all anesthetizing locations including, but not limited to, regular anesthesia supply carts, fiberoptic carts, emergency carts (e.g. MH, emergency airway, etc.), Ambu-bags, and any other necessary anesthesia supplies.
3. Perform function checks on the anesthesia machines daily and perform a leak test any time a circuit has been replaced.
4. Prepares anesthetizing locations for indicated procedure to include, setting up and calibrating monitoring devices and anesthesia machine, troubleshooting anesthesia equipment malfunctions, and when needed, routing non-functional equipment to the proper department for repair.
5. Obtains supplies and equipment as requested by anesthesia providers.
6. Reorders supplies and equipment as necessary.
7. Appropriately cleans/sanitizes anesthesia machines, monitors and equipment following procedures and guidelines established by Infection Control.
8. Assists anesthesia providers using aseptic or sterile technique with non-invasive and invasive patient procedures including peripheral and/or central intravenous and/or arterial line placement as well as intravascular monitors.
9. Assists in airway management techniques including mask, endotracheal and/or emergency methods.
10. Assists Anesthesia Provider(s) with regional anesthesia techniques in the ORs/SAU.
11. Coordinates plans with identified anesthesia supply and equipment personnel to ensure supplies and equipment are available for anesthetic procedures.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic working knowledge of medical terms and equipment utilized.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge relating to the anesthesia procedure in order to efficiently anticipate the needs of the anesthesia provider(s).
• Demonstrates the knowledge, comprehension, and support the application of anesthetic principles and guidelines in relation to airway management during patient care.
• Demonstrates the knowledge, comprehension, and practical assistance with relation to fluid, whole blood, salvaged blood, and blood component management during patient care.
• Demonstrates the knowledge of pharmaceuticals and their practical use by the anesthesia provider during patient care.
• Resourcefulness in troubleshooting anesthesia equipment and making sure the necessary equipment is selected, properly functioning, and set up for the anesthesia procedures.
• Ability to think critically during stressful and emergent situations.
• Ability to prioritize, demonstrate flexibility with regards to scheduling, assignments.
• Established a good working relationship and communicates consistently and effectively with other members of the anesthesia team and various teams of the OR.
• Demonstrates ability to secure intravenous access.

Education Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited Anesthesia Technician/Technologist program or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Licensure/Certification Requirements:

• Recertification will be maintained according to the standards set forth by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT).
• Continuing educational requirements are governed by the ASATT based on recertification of Certified Anesthesia Technician or Technologist status.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required and Advanced Life Support (ACLS) along with Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is recommended.