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
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.
