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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes
2. Prepare client and equipment
   • Read procedure information, check anaesthetist requirements and surgical factors that may impact on the anaesthetic procedure
   • Develop and communicate individualised anaesthesia plan in collaboration with anaesthetist
   • Select and prepare equipment and materials in relation to sequence and requirements of the clients and their anaesthetic procedure
   • Ensure all relevant anaesthetic equipment and materials are clean/disinfected/sterile, functioning correctly, prepared for use, and if necessary, calibrated
   • Position equipment and materials for accessibility
   • Accurately document accountable anaesthetic items
   • Position the client for the procedure and provide optimum conditions to facilitate access
   • Check environment for administration of anaesthesia and adjust accordingly
3. Provide assistance to the anaesthetist
   • Provide assistance to the anaesthetist during anaesthetic procedures and the induction, maintenance and completion of anaesthesia
   • Check client’s physiological parameters when required or as directed by anaesthetist
   • Complete required documentation
   • Identify, validate and report deviations from acceptable limits of the client’s physiological parameters to the anaesthetist
   • Report signs of client discomfort, distress or adverse reaction to the anaesthetist
   • Assist with the perioperative medical management of the patient
4. Restore equipment and environment at completion of procedure
   • Clean, disinfect or sterilise equipment in accordance with infection control guidelines and manufacturer’s instructions
   • 3.2 Manage faulty equipment in accordance with organisation policies and procedures and manufacturer's guidelines
   • Restore the environment to required status
   • Restock consumables according to facility requirements

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

planned, prepared and assisted during induction, maintenance and completion of anaesthesia for each of the following for at least two lists each:

general surgery/gastro-intestinal – major laparotomy & minor surgery

ear, nose and throat surgery

gynaecological surgery - major & minor

obstetric surgery

orthopaedic surgery - major & minor

vascular surgery - major & minor

urological surgery - major & minor

ophthalmic surgery

paediatric – minor ear nose and throat (ENT), general & orthopaedic

remote site anaesthesia – radiology, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), endoscopy

provided assistance with each of the following procedures on at least 3 occasions, ensuring use of aseptic technique:

spinal

arterial line

central venous catheter

provided assistance with each of the following procedures on at least 2 occasions, ensuring use of aseptic technique:

local

regional blocks including use of ultrasound

upper limb

lower limb

TAP block

epidural/combined spinal-epidural

caudal

peripherally inserted central catheter

midline catheter

transoesophageal echocardiograph (TOE)

blood patch

intercostal drainage

pain management procedures (e.g. chemical sympathectomy)

vascular 'cut downs'

external pacing

pulmonary artery catheter

balloon pump

intracranial pressure monitoring

12 lead ECG

monitored physiological parameters with reference to standard values of normal physiological function for each client’s usual parameters

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

legal and ethical considerations (national, state/territory) for clinical procedures, and how these are applied in organisations:

codes of practice

duty of care

infection prevention and control

informed consent

mandatory reporting

privacy, confidentiality and disclosure

records management and clinical documentation

rights and responsibilities of workers, employers and clients

work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations

work health and safety (WHS)

types of regional and invasive procedures, how they are performed, and the anaesthetic technician’s role, for the following:

spinal

epidural

combined spinal-epidural

caudal

local

regional blocks, including use of ultrasound

upper limb

lower limb

TAP block

blood patch

arterial line

central venous catheter

peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)

midline catheter

transoesophageal echocardiograph (TOE)

intercostal drainage

pain management procedures

vascular 'cut downs'

external pacing

pulmonary artery catheter

balloon pump

intracranial pressure monitoring

cell salvage/autotransfusion

12 lead ECG

spinal cord monitoring

types of equipment used for regional and invasive procedures, including function and operating guidelines, use, indications and limitations, and criteria for withdrawal

monitoring of and maintenance of stock levels perioperatively, including CO2 absorber, medications, fluids, consumables

anatomy, physiology factors that impact regional and invasive procedures for different client groups

pre-medications and their effects

types of surgery – emergency/urgent/elective/day case

types of common surgical procedures, their classification and factors for planning, preparation and management of anaesthesia, including:

general surgery/gastro-intestinal – major laparotomy & minor

ear, nose and throat surgery

gynaecological surgery - major & minor

obstetric surgery

orthopaedic surgery - major & minor

vascular surgery - major & minor

urological surgery - major & minor

ophthalmic surgery

paediatric – minor ENT, general & orthopaedic

dental/faciomaxillary surgery

cardiothoracic Surgery

neurosurgery

plastic/Reconstructive Surgery

trauma/emergency surgery

remote site anaesthesia - radiology, ECT/endoscopy

indications for surgery and risk factors

surgical approaches and duration of surgery

position of clients for surgery

common anaesthetic and surgical complications

risk of anaesthetic technique for surgical procedure

specialty medications required perioperatively

expected blood loss for different types of surgery

events during surgery that could affect anaesthesia, including:

massive blood loss

client repositioning

cross clamping and unclamping of aorta and other major blood vessels

orthopaedic bone cement syndrome

transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) syndrome

application/release of tourniquet

tourniquet time

abdominal carbon dioxide insufflation

co-existing diseases and their perioperative medical management

age of the client and associated risks

types of anaesthetic techniques and preference card systems

intraoperative procedures, including:

nasogastric tube placement and suctioning

endotracheal tube suctioning

tracheostomy toileting

rapid infusion, blood transfusion & massive transfusion protocol

fluid balance-urine, gastric, blood loss & infusion

invasive/non-invasive clinical measurements

airway exchange

pain management techniques

invasive/non-invasive clinical measurement planning options

airway management planning options

ancillary equipment choices

pressure and nerve care

normal range of motion for client

thermal management

prevention of thromboembolism

patient emotional and physiological responses to surgery

procedures for transfer of anaesthetised patient to intensive care or radiology and equipment used

communication techniques within multidisciplinary team in operating theatre environment

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