An anesthesia technician is a health-care professional who works in an operating room with anesthesiologists, nurses, and surgeons. He or she gathers the materials and supplies needed by the team to sedate the patient during a procedure. An anesthesia technician also assists in the monitoring of equipment that tracks vital signs and brain activity to ensure that the patient remains stable and comfortable. Although some technicians work for private doctors and emergency response services, the majority of technicians work for general hospitals and public surgical centers.
An anesthesia technician’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the anesthesiologist has all of the necessary supplies prior to surgery. He or she locates sterile masks, gloves, intravenous (IV) lines and pouches, as well as the appropriate amounts of anesthetic. A technician with the necessary training may be allowed to set up IV equipment and explain why and how anesthesia will be administered to the patient.
An anesthesia technician keeps a close eye on monitoring equipment during surgery. He or she informs the surgical team if the patient’s pulse, heart rate, or breathing rate becomes abnormal so that appropriate measures can be taken. In addition, if the patient begins to wake up or exhibit signs of pain, the technician can assist the anesthesiologist in re-administering a predetermined amount of medication. After a procedure, the technician usually stays in the room with the patient to ensure that the anesthesia wears off properly and that no other complications arise.
Anyone interested in working as an anesthesia technician should research the specific education and training requirements in their area. Some regions and employers will hire new workers with little or no prior experience if they are willing to go through on-the-job training and a six-month supervised probationary period. The majority of anesthesia technicians, on the other hand, have an associate’s degree in health science, medical assisting, or a related field. A new anesthesia technician may also be required to pass a certification exam before working directly with patients in a particular region.
As an anesthesia technician gains experience, he or she is given more and more responsibilities. Many technicians choose to continue their education in order to advance to positions such as lead assistants or nurse anesthetic specialists. To become a fully licensed anesthesiologist, dedicated workers who enjoy their jobs can attend medical school and complete several years of practical training.