LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
In 2009, the 633d Medical Group admitted more than 2,000 patients to undergo some type of surgery. Those patients met their surgeons, nurses and anesthesia providers prior to their surgery; however, there is one vital member of the surgical team that patients rarely meet: the surgical technologist.
The surgical technologist or surgical technician, while not always visible, ensures patients receive the best care before, during and after their procedures.
Surgical technicians perform a wide variety of tasks in the operating room. One essential area within the department is central sterile supply or CSS. This is the starting and ending point of all surgery. Surgical technologists assigned to CSS are responsible for the decontamination, assembly and sterilization of every instrument used in the operating room. Their attention to detail ensures sterility parameters are met and instrumentation and supplies are available for use.
Technicians also maintain sterile supplies, guaranteeing the supplies are not expired, damaged or contaminated. Before a patient ever steps inside the operating room, technologists have assessed, gathered and coordinated items and equipment necessary to perform a safe and successful procedure. These behind-the-scenes duties ultimately reduce surgical times as well as the risk of infection.
Surgical technologists are "scrubbed" at the patient's bedside. Scrubbing entails preparing and maintaining the sterile surgical field and passing instruments and supplies to the surgeon. The tech must possess an understanding of the anatomy involved as well as the steps of the procedure.
Technicians are expected to be technologically savvy. The operating room is replete with specialized equipment, each with its own nuances. Surgical technologists become excellent multi-taskers, accounting for all items, passing instrumentation and anticipating the needs of the physician as well as informing the perioperative nurse of any needs. Anticipation, combined with quick responses, helps the team expedite the surgical process, promoting positive outcomes.
Postoperatively, surgical technicians help transition patients to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit, disassemble all equipment and assist in cleaning and preparing the operating room for the next case.
Through all phases of patient care, the main focus is safety. The 633d MDG surgical technologists are key players in meeting National Patient Safety Goals as set forth by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. They are vital in the prevention of wrong site surgery. An operation does not proceed until every team member confirms a patient's identity and the actual type and site of the surgical procedure.
Currently, there are 22 surgical technologists assigned to the 633d MDG, boasting a combined experience of more than 50 years. Each technician brings a diverse scope of knowledge and skills to the operating room. They are committed to acquiring and maintaining the most current knowledge in practices and striving to deliver the quality care patients at Joint Base Langley-Eustis expect and deserve, both here and abroad.