About Anaesthetic Technicians
The profession of anaesthetic technology is defined as:
Anaesthetic technology is the provision of perioperative technical management and patient care for supporting the provision of quality health care and safe anaesthetic services in New Zealand accredited health facilities.
Activities included in this definition, but not limited to, are:
- Anaesthetic related research and development
- Applied science and anaesthetic technology education
- Advanced patient monitoring
- Collection of samples for diagnostic investigation; and
An Anaesthetic Technician:
- Utilises technical and clinical judgement to assess peri-operative requirements and provide patient care and assistance during all aspects of anaesthetic administration and during anaesthetic related procedures.
- Cannot independently prescribe or administer agents used for general anaesthesia and/or sedation. Administration of anaesthetic agents can only occur in an assisting role under the direction of a medical anaesthetist or intensive care specialist.
- Provides support to the medical anaesthetist or intensive care specialist and collaborates and works alongside other health professionals during peri-operative, interventional and investigative procedures.
- Provides anaesthetic assistance in operating departments, radiology and MRI units, intensive care, obstetric and emergency departments, and any other areas where anaesthesia is administered.
- Provides support for the safe transportation of patients, both within the hospital environment and/or between other hospitals or healthcare facilities.
- Works as a team member alongside other health workers.
- Anticipates and prepares the equipment, monitoring and other requirements specific to each anaesthetic procedure.