anaesthetic-technician/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — anaesthetic technician

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 29-1071.01 (Anesthesiologist Assistants).

Task statements

• [Core] Verify availability of operating room supplies, medications, and gases.
• [Core] Participate in seminars, workshops, or other professional activities to keep abreast of developments in anesthesiology.
• [Core] Provide airway management interventions including tracheal intubation, fiber optics, or ventilary support.
• [Core] Respond to emergency situations by providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic cardiac life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), or pediatric advanced life support (PALS).
• [Core] Pretest and calibrate anesthesia delivery systems and monitors.
• [Supplemental] Provide clinical instruction, supervision or training to staff in areas such as anesthesia practices.
• [Supplemental] Collect samples or specimens for diagnostic testing.
• [Supplemental] Collect and document patients' pre-anesthetic health histories.
• [Supplemental] Monitor and document patients' progress during post-anesthesia period.
• [Supplemental] Assist anesthesiologists in monitoring of patients, including electrocardiogram (EKG), direct arterial pressure, central venous pressure, arterial blood gas, hematocrit, or routine measurement of temperature, respiration, blood pressure or heart rate.
• [Supplemental] Assist in the provision of advanced life support techniques including those procedures using high frequency ventilation or intra-arterial cardiovascular assistance devices.
• [Supplemental] Assist anesthesiologists in performing anesthetic procedures, such as epidural or spinal injections.
• [Supplemental] Assist in the application of monitoring techniques, such as pulmonary artery catheterization, electroencephalographic spectral analysis, echocardiography, or evoked potentials.
• [Supplemental] Administer blood, blood products, or supportive fluids.
• [Supplemental] Control anesthesia levels during procedures.
• [Supplemental] Administer anesthetic, adjuvant, or accessory drugs under the direction of an anesthesiologist.

Detailed work activities

• Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.
• Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain.
• Administer blood or other fluids intravenously.
• Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.
• Collect biological specimens from patients.
• Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Gather medical information from patient histories.
• Implement advanced life support techniques.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.
• Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
• Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
• Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
• Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
• Record patient medical histories.
• Supervise patient care personnel.
• Train medical providers.
• Treat medical emergencies.