What does an Anesthesia Technician do?
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.
- 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.
- Submit postoperative report on patients condition, and maintain records of anesthetics administered.
- Serve as a clinical resource to support and develop peers.
- Demonstrate the knowledge of risk and safety issues and uses measures to ensure optimal outcomes
- Follow laboratory protocols and standards for specimen handling and blood products.
- Bachelor's Degree in biology.
- A confident, natural leader and problem solver with demonstrated critical thinking and collaboration skills.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced setting that requires multitasking.
- Capable of working in stressful situations requiring quick thinking and agile decision making.
- Advanced understanding of HIPAA regulations.
How much does an Anesthesia Technician make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$57,009
/ yrAnesthesia Technician Career Path
Learn how to become an Anesthesia Technician, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Anesthesia Technician Insights
Loma Linda University Health“Pay was ok and got a raise but not much”
Scripps Health“Good people and doctors to work with”
University of Virginia“Career advancement is good if u plan to further your education”
Boston Medical Center“good job to work at”
UW Health“No performance based nor seniority raises/wages”
HCA Florida Brandon Hospital“Great people to work with”
Albany Medical Center“Great people who love to teach”
Horizon Health Network“Great docs to work with”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of an Anesthesia Technician
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