For an operating room to function effectively, there needs to be close collaboration between those involved in medical procedures. The surgeon will not be able to perform his work smoothly and efficiently without an OT technician.
A team always remains present with the surgeon to assist him and includes nurses, anesthetists, and of course the operating room assistant. Being an operating room assistant is a good way out for many professionals with a vocation for health and service to people.
The operating room assistants are not involved in the actual operation, but they are of great importance. They perform fundamental tasks for the proper development of surgical interventions and other tasks in an operating room.
Therefore, the auxiliary profile requires specific knowledge and qualification, which includes knowledge of protocols and familiarization with the surgical environment. To become an expert in this field, we suggest you choose Diploma in Operation Theatre Technician.
The collaboration of these professionals in the operating room is essential. They allow the rest of the professionals who work in it to maintain their concentration. Thus, they can perform the intervention as efficiently as possible.
The Functions of an Operating Room Assistant
- This individual is a qualified professional who is responsible for assisting both surgeons and anesthetists during surgical interventions. Its fundamental scope of work is the operating rooms. But it also includes pre and post-operative areas and hospital emergency surgical rooms.
- As we have seen before, for the surgical intervention to be successful, the operating room must function as a perfectly oiled and orderly mechanism. This is achieved by coordinating the activities of the surgeon, anesthetist, and hospital assistant.
- The work of these professionals begins before the surgical process itself. They are in charge of preparing the necessary equipment and instruments. They also identify the patient and verify that the entry into the operating room is made under certain standards.
- During the operation, the assistants are in charge of distributing the material that is needed at each moment of the medical procedure. They are also empowered to carry out soundings or fixation of lines, as well as to monitor the patient and inform the medical team.
- Another of its functions is to provide support to the anesthetist, preparing the equipment and treatments. It will also ensure the safety of each patient during the administration of anesthesia. After the intervention, they are in charge of supporting the patients during the postoperative period.
Functions of the Hospital Assistant
The daily work of these professionals includes all kinds of support for the surgeon, assistants, and technicians. In the operating room and sterilization area, the hospital assistant is in charge of caring for, conserving, and replacing the material. For example, sheets, towels, gowns, gloves, dressings, and other sanitary supplies.
It helps to prepare the necessary equipment for each operation, such as a:
- Microscope,
- Aspirator,
- Electric scalpel,
- Ischemia device,
- Endoscopy tower, etc.
In addition to the appliances, the assistant must arrange the boxes of instruments, catheters, sutures, drains, implants, and prosthetic components.