An Introduction to Critical Care Technology

Who is a Critical Care Technologist?

Critical care technologists (CCTs) are professionals who specialise in medical physics and clinical engineering. They are an integral part of the Critical Care team and make sure that the equipments and technology needed to support organ function and maintain life are working and being used properly.

Critical care technicians often arrive on the scene to assist during health emergencies. These professionals can treat a variety of injuries or physical ailments, as well as transport patients to a hospital for extended treatment.

Job Description and Duties

Critical care technician’s are trained to provide high-quality out-of-hospital care to patients in emergency situations. They may encounter various situations like cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, choking, fractures, childbirth, road traffic accidents etc. When entering an accident scene, a critical care technician quickly assesses the problems and begins implementing medical aid. Their primary duty is to provide medical care and get patients to a medical facility where they can receive extended treatment. Critical care technicians also work in medical facilities where they assist the critical care team. Additional job duties are based on the amount of training and experience of the technician. For example, critical care technicians with paramedic training can perform procedures like endotracheal intubations, as well as use complex equipment like electrocardiograms.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), emergency medical workers, including critical care technicians, can work over 40 hours a week and sometimes at odd or irregular hours (www.bls.gov).

Critical care technicians can also be exposed to harmful diseases, violence from patients, stress, and injuries. Some of the work may involve handling of hazardous chemicals and substances. So, protective overalls, gloves, glasses, mask etc may have to be worn according to the demand of the situation.

A critical care technician works alongside doctors, nurses and other medical staff like physiotherapists, dietitians and pharmacists. So he/she should be able to work in a team. There is possibility of frequent contact with very sick patients and distressed relatives, so the work can be stressful and emotionally challenging at times.​​​

Routine work usually includes the following duties:

• setting up equipment, connecting it to patients and monitoring the machinery as it is being used
• carrying out regular maintenance checks and cleaning of intensive care equipment and bedside technical support
• decontaminating machinery when it needs to be sent for repair
• working with other healthcare professionals during life threatening events, trained at providing CPR

Some of the equipments commonly used include (but are not limited to):

• Blood analysers (ABG machine)
• Dialysis machines
• Mechanical Ventilators
• Defibrillators
• Multichannel monitors – both invasive and non-invasive monitoring devices
• Infusion pumps
• 12 lead ECG
• Portable X-ray
• USG
• Glucometers
• Computer

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Qualities

To become a critical care technologist, you will need:

• an interest in technology, science and medicine
• the ability to work accurately, precisely
• good problem solving and decision making skills
• the ability to empathise with patients, and put them at ease
• good communication skills
• the ability to cope with distressing situations
• Physical strength
• Ability to work under stress

Training and development

Skills and knowledge should be kept up-to-date through the career by continuing professional development activities (CPD).

Opportunities

Job opportunities may be found within larger Govt. hospitals as well as in private set-ups like ICU, Dialysis unit etc.

With experience, one may be able to progress in his/her career from CCT to Lead CCT. Alternatively, one can move into a specialist field of critical care such as the liver and transplant work, cardiology, neurophysiology, burns, premature baby units, and respiratory physiology.

Pros and Cons of a Critical Care Technician

Pros of Being a Critical Care Technician

Faster-than-average job growth (expected 23% growth between 2012 and 2022)*

Satisfaction of helping others*

May be responsible for saving lives*

Does not require years of formal training*

Cons of Being a Critical Care Technician

May be required to work nights or weekends*

Must pass licensure exam to work*

Work may be physically strenuous and stressful*

May be exposed to contagious diseases*

Sources:*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job Prospects 

Current statistics from Indian perspective was not available during write-up of the article. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that EMTs may see an employment growth of 33% from 2010-2020. Predicted contributory factors include an increase in the number of natural disasters, car accidents and violence. With an increase in life expectancy there has been a steady increase in the elderly population. This has led to an increase in the incidence of age-related health emergencies, which also puts these workers in demand.