Prepares and maintains anaesthetic equipment for operating theatres or clinics, and assists anaesthetists during anaesthetic procedures.

Operates equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the heart, kidneys, nervous system and in anaesthesia; undertakes and assists with medical analytical procedures and assists anaesthetists and surgical teams.

• Works inside in operating theatres and associated hospital areas.
• Work spaces are generally adequately heated and ventilated and all operating areas will be sterile.
• Likely to work in areas where there is the potential for contact with bodily fluids and contaminants, protective clothing will be utilised.

• The physical demand is light to heavy.
• Standing, walking and sitting is frequently required when monitoring machines recording the activity of the hearts and lungs for example.
• Stretching and reaching across is not a significant requirement.
• Bending, squatting, crouching or kneeling is not a significant requirement.
• Twisting of the body or neck is not a significant requirement.
• Contact with contaminants or/and bodily fluids may be required on a frequent basis due to often being based in operating theatres and patient recovery areas protective clothing will be utilised at all times.
• Lifting, pulling or carrying is occasionally required but is unlikely to exceed the light demand level.
• Repetitive movements are not a significant requirement but are likely to be required when operating monitors and computers.
• Driving of vehicles is not required.
• Use of hand tools/hand-held objects will include medical instruments, monitors, computers and writing instruments.
• Mental skills necessary include technical, medical, organisational, problem-solving and communication.

An anaesthetic technician needs to gain a position as a trainee at a recognised training hospital and then complete a Diploma in Applied Science (Anaesthetic Technology) or a Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Anaesthetic Technology). They must sit and pass an anaesthetic technician registration examination, be registered by the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand and hold an Annual Practising Certificate. This is an ANZSCO Skill Level 3 role. In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.

There are limited opportunities for flexibility of movement.