Anesthesia Tech

Responsibilities

• Sets up monitoring equipment in the operating room, including the operating table, autotransfusion system, electrocardiograph (ECG) and temperature cables, hyper/hypothermia blanket, medication and pressure manifolds, rapid infusion warmer, recorders, defibrillators, the patient monitoring system, and transesophageal echocardiography imaging unit (TEE) machines.
• Assists in the insertion of arterial pressure lines, central venous and Swan-Ganz catheter insertion during surgical procedures.
• Draws arterial and/or venous blood samples for diagnostic testing.
• Checks ventilators for proper operating efficiency.
• Operates monitor and recording systems.
• Identifies various types of intubation blades and fiberoptic bronchoscopes, as well as any other special equipment or supplies required for difficult intubation.
• Calibrates all pressures and recording systems within the patient monitoring system to ensure and maintain precise readings.
• Assists in transfers of patients to and from the operating room, collects all data sheets, transports them with the patient, and establishes ECG and pressure monitoring at the destination.
• Cleans all non-disposable equipment after each procedure, performs daily maintenance checks, and stocks equipment.
• Moves anesthesia equipment to the proper surgical suite and checks equipment to verify proper connections and gases turned off.
• Maintains an adequate supply of proper equipment such as needles, syringes, air-ways, endotracheal tube (ET) tubes, scopes and blades, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and other necessary items in anesthesia carts.
• Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions or failures and takes necessary steps to promptly return the equipment to a safe and reliable operating condition, using backup equipment when necessary.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, including the principles of growth and development over the life span.
• Assesses patient data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs.

Requirements

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) must be obtained within 6 months unless the department leader has determined it is not required.

Education

• High School Graduate.

Experience

• Typically requires 1 year of experience in a surgical, medical, or related healthcare setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Maintains annual educational requirements for hospital-based certifications (e.g., DNV, CARF or others).

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Exposed to chemical and radiation hazards; protective clothing must be worn as necessary.
• Must stand the majority of the workday, as well as sit, walk, and lift throughout.
• Must be able to:
  • Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
  • Lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
  • Carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
  • Push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
  • Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Working atmosphere may contain fumes and odors from the Operating Room (OR).