Anaesthesia Assistant

In accordance with established standards of practice and guidelines, works under the direct clinical supervision of the Anaesthesiologist to provide technical support and clinical assistance in the induction, maintenance and recovery phases of anaesthesia, including monitoring physiological responses of patients during surgery.

Maintains, operates and calibrates anesthesiology, cell-saving and related equipment; maintains measurements and equipment recordings; documents procedures performed on individual patients by Anaesthetic Assistants, maintains records, records and enters data/information into database.  As an integrated surgical team member, participates on clinical committees, anaesthesiology research and special projects.

1. Provides diagnostic and therapeutic services under clinical direction of the Anaesthesiologist by assisting with and/or performing duties involving:




• Pre- induction.


• Arterial line catheterization.


• Endotracheal Intubation.


• Central line insertion.


• Autotransfusion (cell saver)


• Pulmonary artery catheter insertion.


• Setting up and assisting with insertion and taping of epidurals.


• Assists in other areas such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), CT (Computed Tomography), Angio, as required.


2. Performs and/or assists with arterial punctures, blood sampling from arterial lines, airway management and assists Anaesthesiologist with difficult intubations.


3. Under Anaesthesiologist direction, checks and administers blood products to meet patient requirements utilizing rapid infusion equipment, in accordance with established transfusion practices. Monitors patient vital signs pre and post transfusion for adverse reactions. 


4. Performs cell saving and blood salvaging functions during surgery as requested by Anaesthesiologist and surgeons by methods such as setting up and operating cell saver equipment to collect patient's blood shed, cleanse and recycle the elements of blood to the patient during surgery.


5. Administers inhaled medications such as bronchodilators, epinephrine, and xylocaine; monitors patient airways; adjusts ventilation modalities as required to ensure adequate patient ventilation and oxygenation. Assists and/or sets up all necessary accessory lines and sets up cardio/respiratory monitoring systems.


6. Administers prescribed pharmacological agents to patients under the direct supervision of the anaesthesiologist by performing duties such as drawing up prescribed drugs, observing patient for side effects and observing the efficacy of treatment during surgery and anesthesia administration to ensure patient is responding to drugs as prescribed; assists the Anaesthesiologist in anaesthetic block and conscious sedation procedures; monitors patients for effectiveness and complications of the procedure.


7. Provides diagnostic data for Anaesthesiologist by performing duties such as arterial blood gas sampling and point-of-care analysis, pulmonary function testing, exhaled gas monitoring, vital signs and pulse oximetry. Maintains hemodynamic measurements and recordings; performs ECG recordings as requested by Anaesthesiologist.


8. Responds to and assists with airway emergencies requiring anesthesiology intervention and with cardiac arrests in the Operating Room (OR) and Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) and other areas of the hospital.


9. In urgent/emergent situations, provides anaesthetic care to stable patients, following clear guidelines as directed by Anaesthesiologist, in the event of a temporary absence by the Anaesthesiologist.


10. Initiates and provides ventilatory support services for patients in PACU such as ventilatory and airway management, high flow oxygen therapy, specialty inhalational therapy; communicates with the Anesthesiologist to develop a care plan for patients requiring long term ventilation.


11. Provides peri-operative support for pacemaker procedures, patient monitoring, operation of analyzer and completion of records.  Supports procedures requiring auto transfusion equipment as requested by physician; performs quality control checks and maintains records per established standards and procedures.


12. Assists clinically and technically with fiber optic bronchoscopy and intubations by performing tasks such as equipment preparation, calibration, and pre/post use operational verification.


13. Provides clinical education for Respiratory Therapy students and paramedics.


14. Provides general orientation/education related to anaesthesia equipment and procedures to medical/allied health professionals and students, as appropriate. Demonstrates equipment as required.


15. Performs scheduled and routine maintenance and repairs on a variety of anesthetic and cell saving equipment or arranges repairs. Receives and assesses equipment, performs testing, and identifies malfunctions. Completes minor maintenance following manufactures and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) guidelines and verifies vendor repairs with Biomedical Engineering Department to ensure equipment is operating in a safe and efficient manner.


16. Maintains and calibrates anesthesia related equipment throughout the hospital (OR, PACU, and FBU) in collaboration with the Biomedical Anaesthetic Gas Machines, Anaesthetic Ventilators, Anaesthetic Vaporizers, Anaesthetic Circuits, Anaesthetic Monitoring Equipment, Scavenging Equipment, Airway Management Equipment, Specialty Carts (bronch, difficult A/W, Paeds), Nerve Stimulators, Fluid Warmers, and Medical Gas Delivery Systems.


17. Maintains documentation of procedures performed on individual patients by Anaesthesia Assistant Respiratory therapist; co-signs the anaesthetic record sheet to acknowledge involvement in each case; maintains a variety of records by methods such as gathering information, entering data into computerized databases and/or recording information into approved formats and summarizing information into reports.


18. As a member of an integrated surgical team, participates on professional committees and teams by attending meetings, drafting/revising patient care documentation methods/forms for review by committee/team and providing input to promote improvements to client care and the efficient and safe operation of the area.


19. Participates in anaesthesiology research and special projects by methods such as collecting data, integrating and interpreting data, summarizing information, and/or providing updates for review and further analysis by the Supervisor.


20. Assists with the transfer and transportation of ventilated and monitored patients by monitoring respiratory status during transport.


21. Maintains and develops professional knowledge by attending educational/training events.


22. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited post-graduate diploma Anaesthesia Assistant Program.

Graduation from a recognized School of Respiratory Therapy Diploma Program plus three (3) years' recent related clinical experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Eligible for membership with the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT), and the British Columbia Society of Respiratory Therapy (BCSRT).

Current certification in CPR, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).

• Comprehensive knowledge of current anesthesia assistant theory and practice.


• Broad knowledge of Canadian Anesthesiologist's Society clinical practice guidelines for Anesthesia Assistants.


• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement anesthesia related plans of care.


• Demonstrated ability to assess client responses to care, and to respond appropriately.


• Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events.


• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.


• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others as a member of the interdisciplinary team.


• Broad knowledge of research process and methodology.


• Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others.


• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.


• Demonstrated computer skills including the ability to effectively use a computerized patient care information system.


• Demonstrated skill in the use of related medical equipment and supplies.


• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.