Surgical technologists arose historically from assistants whose primary role was restraining patients undergoing procedures. With the lack of anesthesia, the overwhelming pain required several assistants to do so as the process continued (Rouse, 2018). Apart from that, the role of box men rose, requiring staff who mainly only carried the surgeon’s instruments and maintained them as needed. Surgical dressers also played an essential role in the operating theatre by bringing necessary bandages, changing the dressings on patients, and performing any minor surgeries during emergencies. More so, surgical beetles evolved to define the role of technologists with their humble beginnings taking care of beggars and the sick along the streets. Theatre assistants received training to assist medics on the battlefield during the World Wars due to the high number of casualties. However, with the end of the wars, many trained assistants required workstations, leading to their expanded role in civilian hospitals (Rouse, 2018). Consequently, the role of surgical technologists has evolved over history, making them an essential part of the staff in the operating theatre, primarily assisting the surgeons.
From the podcast, the role of surgical technologists involves supporting surgeons during procedures by ensuring that they can access any tools and information. With their training, they can also perform specific functions in the operating room, including the preparation of equipment, administration of anesthesia, closing and opening of incisions, and clamping and retraction of tools (Rouse, 2018). As a student, understanding the role of surgical technologists ensures putting the necessary preparations for clinical rotations in the operating room. These rotations require highly intensive activities since surgical operations involve various probabilities of success. The main goal, however, lies in ensuring that all patients have successful procedures that can guarantee them a healthy life afterward. As a result, paying attention to details becomes critical to ensure that the patients under supervision receive high-quality care. This will further provide the prospect to ask questions and learn more about the roles they undertake in addition to the skills required to complete their tasks effectively as needed. Consequently, practice requirements will also provide a deeper understanding of the processes in the operating room to prevent any instances of mistakes.
The evolving role of surgical technologists, therefore, forms a critical part of the operating room staff through their assistance provided to surgeons during procedures. Assistants in surgery have historically performed functions such as restraining patients, carrying and maintaining surgical instruments, and caring for the sick along city streets. Surgical technologists thus play a vital role by assisting surgeons as required with their responsibilities developing over time to include administration of anesthesia, attending to incisions, and the closing and opening of clamps. They must also possess the necessary knowledge and skills to intervene when required in emergencies to prevent the loss of life. Furthermore, understanding the role of surgical technologists prepares students for the upcoming tasks by taking them through what to expect in the operating room. Clinical rotations hence provide an opportunity to observe and learn from experienced technologists as they perform their duties. Students can thus learn how to react when faced with both high-risk and low-risk surgical operations in the future. As a result, technologists form the first line of defense when operating on patients since surgeons depend on them to offer their expertise as required.
Reference
Rouse, T. (Host). (2018). The history of surgical technologists (Episode 71) [Audio podcast episode]. In Legends of surgery. Apple Podcasts. Web.