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Anaesthetic Technician

Also known as Anaesthesia Paramedical Officer.

Anaesthetic technicians prepare and maintain anaesthetic equipment for operating theatres and clinics, and assist anaesthetists during anaesthetic procedures.

TASKS

Anaesthetic technicians may perform the following tasks:

set up, check and maintain anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment
order and prepare medical supplies for anaesthesia
discuss medical procedures with patients and check whether they have any medical conditions that could cause problems under anaesthesia
assist the anaesthetist to insert breathing tubes and intravascular lines in patients
assist the anaesthetist to administer anaesthesia to patients
monitor patients and their vital signs before, during and after procedures
maintain documentation before, during and after surgery
assist with basic life support and post-operative care
assist the anaesthetist in emergencies

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

good communication and people skills
attention to detail
able to work under pressure
good technical and measurement skills
aptitude for working with computers
organised and methodical
able to cope with the physical demands of the job

Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a qualified anaesthetic technician you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in anaesthetic technology or paramedical science (anaesthesia). To get into these courses you usually have to be employed in the anaesthetic area of a hospital or medical clinic, working under an appropriately qualified supervisor. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

Additional Information

Before undertaking the clinical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate, immunisations and a Working with Children Check (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People Check (ACT). Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Voluntary registration and membership of the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers (ASAPO) may be available upon graduation. Student membership is also available. Registration with ASAPO is not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended as many employers require anaesthetic technicians to be registered as a condition of employment. See the ASAPO website for further information.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Anaesthetic technicians are employed primarily in large public and private hospitals. Opportunities also exist in smaller hospitals, medical clinics and remote area medical assistance.