Duties of An Operation Theatre Technician

Last Updated on February 4, 2023 by Dr Bucho

Overview

An essential element of the medical team is a surgical technologist, commonly referred to as an Operation Theatre technician. This person is in charge of supporting and aiding the surgical team throughout operations and procedures. They play a crucial part in ensuring the operating room is equipped and ready for surgery and that the patient is safely situated and prepared for the procedure. An excellent job path to take into consideration if you’re thinking about working in the healthcare field is becoming an operation theatre technician.

Who is an Operation Theatre Technician?

Assisting the surgical team in the operating room is a highly skilled specialist known as an operation theatre technician. They are in charge of setting up the tools, prepping the operating area, and helping the surgeon. The patient’s vital signs are also monitored, they aid with positioning the patient for surgery, and they contribute to keeping the area sterile.

History of An Operation Theatre Technician

Operation Theatre Technician’s origins may be traced back to the 1940s and 1950s when hospitals first realized the importance of having trained personnel assist the surgical team during surgeries. The first school programs to teach and certify these professionals were founded in the 1960s as surgical technicians started to be acknowledged as a separate and unique specialty. The effectiveness of surgical treatments today depends on the operation theatre technicians, who are a crucial component of the healthcare team.

What does an operation Theatre Technician do?

Role of an Operation Theatre Technician

For surgical treatments to be successful, an operation theatre technician plays a crucial role. They are in charge of making sure the operating room is ready, the tools are set up correctly, and the patient is placed safely for the procedure. They also aid in keeping the area sterile, keeping track of the patient’s vital signs, and positioning the patient for surgery. The Operation Theatre Technician may also be in charge of holding retractors, cutting sutures, and carrying out other duties as assigned by the surgeon during the process.

The job of an Operation Theatre Technician

Operation theatre technicians support the surgical team while working in the operating room. They are in charge of preparing the operating room, setting up the tools, and helping the surgeon do the procedure. They also aid in keeping the area sterile, keeping track of the patient’s vital signs, and positioning the patient for surgery. Operation theatre technicians need to be able to work fast and effectively while also being aware of the requirements of the patient and the surgical team.

How to be an Operation Theatre Technician?

1. Formal Education: An accredited associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in surgical technology is required for those who wish to pursue a career as an operation theatre technician. These schools offer thorough instruction as well as practical training in anatomical knowledge, patient care, and operating room protocols.
2. Certification: Obtaining certification through a professional body, such as the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, is an option after completing a formal schooling program (NBSTSA). The NBSTSA offers certification tests that gauge surgical technicians’ expertise and indicate their dedication to the field.
3. Stay Up-to-date: It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and advancements in the field by reading healthcare industry publications, attending conferences, and participating in continuing education opportunities.

Best way to apply for Operation Theatre Technician College

• Admissions: The first step in applying for a position as an Operation Theatre Technician is to research and apply to accredited surgical technology programs that align with your educational and career objectives. Admissions requirements vary by program, but most require a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as evidence of basic math and science skills.
• Exams: Consider taking certification exams offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or other professional organizations to improve your chances of getting hired.
• Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance may be available. It is critical to investigate your options and seize the opportunities that best meet your requirements.
• Health News: Subscribe to healthcare industry publications, follow relevant social media accounts, and participate in online communities to stay up to date on the latest health news, alerts, and notifications.
• Discover New Opportunities: Networking is an excellent way to learn about new opportunities and connect with other professionals in the field. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and participate in online forums to network and learn more.

10 responsibilities of an Operation Theatre Technician

1. Preparing the operating room: Making ensuring the operating room is clean, clutter-free, and stocked with all necessary tools and materials.
2. Setting up the equipment: This entails assembling and testing the tools that will be used during the procedure, including the surgical instruments, monitoring devices, and illumination.
3. Assisting the surgeon during the procedure: Helping the surgeon out throughout the process entails holding retractors, cutting sutures, and other duties as assigned by the physician.
4. Monitoring the patient’s vital signs: Monitoring the patient’s vital signs requires keeping an eye on their heart rate, blood pressure, and other indicators while the procedure is being performed.
5. Maintaining a sterile environment: Making ensuring the operating area is always sterile and that all supplies and equipment are appropriately sanitised is known as maintaining a sterile environment.
6. Assisting with positioning the patient for surgery: Assisting to put the patient on the operating table and ensuring that they are appropriately secured for the procedure counts as helping to position the patient for surgery.
7. Maintaining and updating patient records: Keeping accurate and current records of the patient’s health status and surgery history is part of maintaining and updating patient records.
8. Instrument sterilization and preparation: This entails carefully sanitizing and getting ready the instruments that will be used during the process.
9. Helping Anesthesia area: Helping the anesthesiologist administer anesthesia includes getting the patient ready for the surgery and keeping an eye on their vital signs while it is being done.
10. Supporting and assisting the surgical team: This entails supporting and assisting the surgical team as necessary, including by responding to inquiries and helping with procedures as instructed.

Conclusion

The surgical team is supported and helped during procedures by an operation theatre technician, who is a crucial element of the medical staff. An excellent career choice to think about if you are interested in working in the healthcare sector is becoming an operation theatre technician. The information and abilities required to succeed in this sector and have a positive impact on patient’s lives can be acquired through formal education and certification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)