Anesthesia Technician

Role Overview

Anesthesia Technician at NMC Healthcare.

Role Purpose

Support anesthesiologists and anesthetists throughout the patient anesthesia journey by preparing patients, managing specialized equipment, maintaining sterile environments, and ensuring all anesthesia delivery systems function safely and optimally before, during, and after surgical procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Preparation and Support

• Prepare patients and assist during induction, maintenance of, and recovery from anesthesia.
• Perform duties under the direct supervision of an Anesthesiologist.
• Provide support for routine surgical cases by assisting in the preparation and maintenance of patient equipment and anesthesia delivery systems before, during, and after anesthesia.
• Position patients for surgery who require spinal or epidural anesthesia with awareness of sterile techniques.
• Assist anesthetists with starting intravenous infusion.
• Perform Sellick's Maneuver (Cricoid pressure) as required.

Anesthesia Equipment Management

• Ensure properly functioning suctioning equipment is on hand.
• Set up endotracheal tubes and arrange transtracheal jet ventilation devices.
• Stock self-inflating resuscitation bags, breathing circuits, and masks.
• Ensure adequate stock of laryngoscope blades.
• Ensure gas cylinders are full, functional, and on hand.
• Work with a wide variety of equipment specific to administration of anesthesia, patient monitoring, and related life support systems.
• Handle and store all volatile gas cylinders and related supplies.
• Maintain familiarity with equipment, supplies, and pharmacological agents and their locations.

Equipment Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform first level maintenance on anesthesia equipment.
• Clean, sterilize, disinfect, stock, order, and maintain routine anesthesia equipment and supplies.
• Check anesthesia machine on a daily basis prior to surgery to ensure the gas scavenging system and suction apparatus are attached and functioning at optimal level.
• Double-check instrument calibrations.
• Recalibrate instrumentation.
• Clean equipment and store supplies related to anesthesia.
• Disassemble and reassemble absorbers before surgery for cleaning and sterilization.
• Post-surgery check for soda lime depletion in the CO2 absorbers.
• Dispose of spent CO2 absorbent.

Clinical Procedures

• Understand the sequence of procedures required for rapid induction and intubation used in emergency cases to prevent vomiting and aspiration.

Safety and Hazard Management

• Maintain awareness of safety hazards and take necessary action to prevent accidents.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Anesthesia Technology from an accredited university (minimum 3 years course duration), OR
• Diploma in Anesthesia Technology from an accredited university (minimum 2 years course duration)

Licensure and Certification

• Valid DOH/DHA License or DOH/DHA Exam pass result as Anesthesia Technologist or Technician
• Valid home country registration as Anesthesia Technologist or Technician
• Valid Basic Life Support certification from American Heart Association

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience after qualification and registration or license to practice
• Preference given to candidates with experience from maternity care hospitals

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication skills in English