Anaesthetic Technician

An anaesthetic technician ANZSCO code: 311211 is a healthcare professional of the tertiary hospital system who directly reports to the anesthesiologists and works with the surgical teams. Their efforts are so keen on making sure that every patient is secured and comfortable not only before but also during medical procedures that require anaesthesia, and also after it. Being a highly technical role, it is part of their responsibilities to do so with absolute precision, the preparation and the replenishment of the equipment. The first thing that they do is to get the operating theatre or the clinic ready for the surgical team’s work. All anaesthetic workstations, life support machines, and other related equipment are set up, checked, and maintained so that everything is not only sterile but also functioning properly. Furthermore, they take care of medical supplies and drugs that are given as a prescription by the anesthesiologist.

The technician's mission at the operating table is the diligent identification and sound interpretation of the patient's vital signs, such as cardiac rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and temperature. What is more, they provide hands for important tasks such as the insertion of the breathing tubes and parallel lines, recruitment of specimens like blood for analyses, and a rapid and effective response in case of emergencies or struggles to bring back patients. After the procedures, they perform their duties to awaken the patients safely and transport them to the recovery room, and assure their comfort as well as long-term stability.

If the need arises, they perform the following tasks: IV cannulation, ECG, invasive monitoring, the establishment and administration of IV fluids and medications, and airway management with assistance from the anesthesiologist. Observing patients before, during, and after the procedure and monitoring their vital signs is the main work they do. They identify regular patterns related to patient monitoring and report any significant changes in the patient's condition. Moreover, they assist anesthesiologists during extubation procedures. They also keep patient records accurately and in a timely manner. Apart from that, they ensure that all used equipment has been disposed of, disinfected, or sterilised, and that all places have been cleaned properly.