Anesthesia Technician

Anesthesia technicians help anesthesiologists to sedate patients before medical procedures and surgeries by preparing patients and equipment before a doctor arrives. Anesthesia technicians assist anesthesiologists, nurses, and other medical staff working on the anesthesia team. They fill out forms and medical charts with patient information and listing the procedure. They ensure the equipment used in surgical procedures is clean, maintained, and prepared and perform pre-operation responsibilities, including the anesthesia gas machine’s setup and checking the gas lines.

Anesthesia technicians prepare supplies for intubation, central breathing lines, and oxygen measurement tools. When surgery completes, anesthesia technicians enter the operating room to break the equipment down. They check, calibrate, and test the medical equipment and keep daily records of their inspections. They are required to troubleshoot identified problems, and if any equipment malfunctions, they ensure it’s repaired or replaced. Anesthesia technicians need a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and graduation from an accredited program.

What responsibilities are common for Anesthesia Technician jobs?

• Ensure proper functioning and integrity of anesthesia equipment.

• May provide patient transport and environmental service support as needed.

• Monitor, transport, and transfer care to appropriate anesthesia or recovery personnel.

• Stock anesthesia supplies in carts at the point of care.

• Complete, document, and report all mandatory education and training.

• Manage ventilators and other respiratory care parameters as directed by the physician.

• Maintain immediate availability to assist in routine and emergency procedures.

• Help to maintain a safe, clean and orderly work environment.

• Maintain supply stock in workrooms and all anesthesia workstations.

• Perform lower level troubleshooting and takes corrective action to prevent hazardous situations.

• Collaborate with the Anesthesia team in develop a plan of care for each patient.

• Assist in transporting post-operative patients to the Intensive Care Unit.

• Respond to emergency service requests made after regular working hours on a rotating basis.

• Utilizing the OR schedule, prepares OR rooms and other procedure areas where anesthesia is provided with appropriate equipment and supplies.

• Assist nursing units with difficult intravenous (IV) insertions when requested, when available and when attempts by other professionals have been unsuccessful.

• Follow laboratory protocols and standards for specimen handling and blood products.