Anesthesia technicians provide important support to ensure the safe delivery of anesthesia. Despite playing an essential role, the impact of anesthesia technicians’ work can be underappreciated. As core anesthesia team members, they undergo rigorous training about anesthesia equipment, medications, administration, and patient care.
During a surgery that is proceeding safely and successfully, an anesthesia technician can support the anesthesiologist as endotracheal tubes are inserted, breathing tubes are positioned, and respiratory parameters are monitored. These steps enhance oxygenation and ventilation. Before the surgery, they will prep anesthesia machines, supplies, and equipment required for each procedure. To ensure reliable anesthesia delivery, technicians sterilize and calibrate all equipment to ensure they will not malfunction during a procedure. Anesthesia technicians work with biomedical engineers and equipment manufacturers to repair, upgrade, and replace anesthesia equipment when needed. Learning about advances in anesthesia technology and equipment maintenance is a requirement for anesthesia technicians, who participate in training programs and continuing education opportunities. 2,3,4
During anesthesia emergencies, anesthesia technicians may work with anesthesiologists to resolve complications. In the case of airway obstruction due to laryngospasm, bronchospasm, or aspiration, prompt cooperation with anesthesiologists facilitates speedy evaluation of the patient’s airway to execute suitable interventions to reinstate ventilation. To resolve these complications, the patient can be manually ventilated using a bag-mask device. The airway can be repositioned, or medication can be administered to the patient. If the patient needs to be resuscitated, technicians can assist with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, and the administration of emergency medications to revive the patient. 2,4
Anesthesia technicians may also assist with the management of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis that can occur as a result of anesthesia medications or other substances by preparing medication or managing the airway.
An important role of anesthesia technicians is in patient communication. Patients can discuss the upcoming procedure with their assigned anesthesia technician, who will help them understand the upcoming process. They demonstrate expert bedside manner by answering questions before and after anesthesia. As the influence of the anesthesia recedes, technicians ensure patient comfort during the waking process.2,1,4
Another role of anesthesia technicians is to maintain compliance with regulatory standards and accreditation requirements. To do so, they maintain detailed records of equipment maintenance and repairs. Moreover, they contribute to the documentation and debriefing process after anesthesia emergencies. Their valuable insights and feedback help improve future responses and enhance patient safety.
Effective communication with the anesthesia team, which includes anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists, is a crucial responsibility of anesthesia technicians. Anesthesia technicians must communicate clearly and concisely with anesthesiologists to ensure patient safety and optimize anesthesia delivery. In training, focus is placed on the non-technical abilities—such as leadership, situation awareness, decision-making, effective communication, mutual support, teamwork, stress and fatigue management—to guarantee the development of cognitive, social, and personal skills in trained anesthesia technicians.2,3,4
References
- McQueen, Kelly, et al. “Anesthesia and Perioperative Care.” The World Bank eBooks, 2015, pp. 263–77, doi:1596/978-1-4648-0346-8_ch15.
- Hammad, Yasser, et al. “Role of Anesthesia Technician in Operating Theatre Including Quality Projects and JCI Accreditation.” Springer eBooks, 2022, pp. 11–24, doi:1007/978-3-030-88849-7_2.
- Elgeziry, Ahmed, et al. “Non-technical Skills for Anesthesia Technician.” Springer eBooks, 2022, pp. 1–10, doi:1007/978-3-030-88849-7_1.
- Al Jawad, Ajeem Saleh, et al. “Unsung Heroes Of The Operating Room: The Crucial Role Of Anesthesia Technicians.” Journal of Namibian Studies: History Politics Culture, 2023, pp. 181-191, https://doi.org/10.59670/jznxqf39.
