Anesthesia Technician Course Outline
1. Introduction to Anesthesia Technology
Role and responsibilities of an anesthesia technician
History of anesthesia
Overview of anesthesia care team (anesthesiologists, CRNAs, etc.)
Ethical and legal considerations
2. Anatomy and Physiology Related to Anesthesia
Respiratory system
Cardiovascular system
Nervous system
Renal and hepatic systems
Pharmacology basics (drug interactions, metabolism)
3. Anesthesia Equipment and Technology
Anesthesia machines (components, safety checks)
Ventilators and breathing circuits
Monitoring devices (ECG, pulse oximetry, capnography, blood pressure)
Defibrillators and emergency equipment
4. Pharmacology for Anesthesia Technicians
Common anesthetic agents (inhalational, IV anesthetics)
Muscle relaxants and reversal agents
Analgesics and adjunct medications
Emergency drugs (vasopressors, antiarrhythmics)
5. Anesthesia Techniques and Procedures
Preoperative preparation (patient assessment, machine check)
Airway management (intubation, LMA, suctioning)
Regional anesthesia support (spinal, epidural, nerve blocks)
Intraoperative monitoring and troubleshooting
6. Patient Safety and Complications
Recognizing anesthesia emergencies (hypoxia, hypotension, malignant
hyperthermia)
Infection control and sterilization techniques
Crisis management and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) basics
1. Introduction to Anesthesia Technology
Role and Responsibilities of an Anesthesia Technician
Definition
An Anesthesia Technician (AT) is a trained allied health professional who assists
anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and other anesthesia providers in preparing, maintaining,
and monitoring anesthesia equipment and supplies for safe patient care.
Core Responsibilities
Equipment Management
o Set up and check anesthesia machines, vaporizers, and breathing circuits.
o Prepare and calibrate monitoring devices (e.g., ECG, pulse oximeter,
capnograph).
o Ensure oxygen supply, suction apparatus, and backup equipment are functional.
Medication & Supply Preparation
o Stock and prepare anesthetic drugs and IV solutions.
o Maintain sterile supplies (airway devices, intubation kits, IV cannulas).
o Assist in labeling and safe handling of controlled substances.
Intraoperative Support
o Assist with airway management (handing over laryngoscopes, LMAs, ETTs).
o Monitor and troubleshoot equipment alarms during surgery.
o Rapidly respond to anesthesiologist’s requests (e.g., extra IV lines, emergency
airway).
Postoperative Care & Maintenance
o Clean and sterilize anesthesia equipment.
o Re-stock supplies in the operating room (OR).
o Maintain accurate records of usage and equipment checks.
Emergency Role
o Assist in CPR and resuscitation (bag-mask ventilation, setting up defibrillator).
o Prepare emergency drugs (adrenaline, atropine).
o Ensure immediate availability of difficult airway cart.
2. History of Anesthesia
Ancient Times
o Early methods included herbal extracts (opium, mandrake), alcohol, and ice for
pain relief.
Key Historical Milestones
o 1804: Hanaoka Seishū (Japan) – first documented surgical anesthesia using herbal
mixtures.
o 1846: William T.G. Morton demonstrated ether anesthesia at Massachusetts
General Hospital – “the birth of modern anesthesia.”
o 1847: James Young Simpson introduced chloroform in obstetrics.
o 1930s–1950s: Development of intravenous agents (thiopental, curare as a
muscle relaxant).
o 1960s–Present: Safer inhalation agents (halothane → sevoflurane, desflurane)
and improved monitoring (capnography, pulse oximetry).
Modern Era
o Focus on safety, precision, and team-based care.
o Development of subspecialties: pediatric anesthesia, cardiac anesthesia,
neuroanesthesia, pain medicine.
3. Overview of the Anesthesia Care Team
Anesthesiologist (Physician Anesthetist)
o Medical doctor specialized in anesthesia, critical care, and pain medicine.
o Responsible for overall perioperative management and decision-making.
CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) – [in some countries, esp. USA]
o Advanced practice nurse trained in anesthesia delivery.
o Often provides anesthesia independently in rural/underserved areas.
Anesthesia Assistants / Physician Assistants (Anesthesia) – [Canada, USA]
o Mid-level providers working under supervision of anesthesiologists.
Anesthesia Technician / Technologist
o Provides technical and equipment support (setup, monitoring, troubleshooting).
o Ensures smooth workflow and patient safety.
Perioperative Nurses, Surgeons, Operating Room Technicians
o Collaborate with anesthesia team for safe surgical care.
✅ Key Point: Anesthesia is always team-based, requiring close coordination among multiple
professionals.
4. Ethical and Legal Considerations in Anesthesia Technology
Patient Safety First
o Equipment must be checked thoroughly before every case.
o Never ignore alarms or bypass safety features.
Confidentiality (HIPAA / patient privacy laws)
o Maintain patient information confidentiality.
o Do not share medical details without authorization.
Informed Consent
o Obtained by anesthesiologist, but technician should respect patient autonomy and
dignity.
Professional Accountability
o Work within scope of practice (do not administer drugs independently unless
legally authorized).
o Maintain accurate documentation of equipment checks and incidents.
Legal Risks
o Equipment malfunction → technician may be held accountable if due to
negligence.
o Loss or misuse of controlled substances (anesthetic drugs, opioids).
Ethical Principles
o Beneficence: always act in the patient’s best interest.
o Non-maleficence: avoid harm by ensuring proper equipment function.
o Justice: equal and fair treatment of all patients.
o Respect for autonomy: communicate respectfully, even when patient is anxious
or sedated.
