Needles, drips, muscle relaxants, patient-monitoring devices,
face mask – just some of the equipment I use in my job.
Now which anaesthetist do I start with this morning? Looks like a full day.
Twenty years ago, I started working in hospitals as a patient care assistant.
Over the years I have become very accustomed to the work I was doing in the hospital.
I needed a challenge so I upgraded my skills at TAFE.
I completed a Certificate IV in Medical Technicians and Assistants.
It’s a two-year course then there’s 14 weeks practical
experience in a number of different hospitals.
It’s given me a great knowledge base for a job I really enjoy.
The first case – now what’s needed?
This is the repetitive part of the job where things
can get really stressful with emergency patients.
Is this gauge reading correctly?
Being competent with all equipment is very important.
Everybody’s busy so you have to be thorough and take responsibility for
your own actions. I enjoy working with my colleagues in a team environment.
Morning, Brenda.
If I want to travel, the skills I have acquired enable me to work interstate or overseas.
My name’s Trevor. I’m the anaesthesia technician. I’m here
to help the anaesthetist look after you this morning.
I’m going to start by putting some monitoring on you. OK? OK.
Just rest it down.
I’m just going to connect it up. OK.
When it starts taking your blood pressure readings,
this cuff will get really tight on your arm. OK.
I remember doing this in training on a lifelike simulator called SimMan.
He’s very realistic – almost too real.
The pressure cuff’s a bit tight, isn’t it? Can you sort it out for me?
Are you sure you’re a doctor? Is there anybody else around that can give you a hand?
What’s that funny thing you’re putting on my finger?
But when it comes to a living person, I get about two minutes to
convey to the patient that I’m confident, competent and professional.
You’re going to be fine. You’ve got a highly skilled team looking after you today.
Relax. OK.
Good morning. Good morning.
Good morning, Roy. Is there anything special required for this case?
No, just the usual stuff’s fine, Trevor. Thanks.
OK. This is a little bit of oxygen we want you to breathe before you go off to sleep.
It’s just fresh air.
OK. Off to sleep now.
During and after the TAFE course, I get ongoing support and
training from the anaesthetists and the staff I work with.
I didn’t get into healthcare for the money. The pay’s
OK but it’s the hours that required me to adjust.
Tube.
My week is governed by a roster. I have to be prepared to work
a variety of shifts covering 24 hours any day of the year.
Make sure that tie’s nice and tight.
At present, I start at the decent hour of 8 am and
work a 38-hour week but that’s sure to change.
When I first started and I heard that I’d be working
with a ‘bear hugger’, I didn’t know what to expect.
Now I know it’s the industry term for an air-filled, heated blanket.
Crossed feet – no good. That will hinder circulation and can cause injury.
A maintenance period follows the procedure. This is when I restock consumables.
Mr James is finishing now. I’m sending for the next patient. Thank you, Brenda. Thanks.
I’m also responsible for patient data entry.
Stomach’s calling. Lunch is generally any time I can fit it in.
Back into it.
Time to set up for the next patient.
To be an anaesthetic technician, you can’t be squeamish.
You must be observant, level headed and have a methodical approach to your work.
But if you like helping people and can handle
irregular hours, then this job is very rewarding.
An added benefit is developing great camaraderie with my colleagues.