Press Releases

Oak Creek, WI, March 30, 2021

The American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) celebrates their fellow Anesthesia technologists and technicians during Anesthesia Tech Week (March 29th – April 2nd). This week is dedicated to all technologists and technicians in the field of anesthesiology and the contributions they make to anesthesia care departments year round.

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Anesthesia technologists and technicians, are integral members of any anesthesia patient care team. Their role consists of assisting licensed anesthesia providers in the acquisition, preparation and application of both the equipment and general supplies needed for the administration of anesthesia. ASATT members improve themselves to a higher level of educational experience through continued certification courses, this translates to a safer, more efficient anesthesia team setting.

COVID-19 has strongly impacted the medical industry, placing new and stringent demands on medical staff, in particular, those in emergency divisions. Anesthesia departments are among the many impacted, thus requiring more from their teams, including their technologists and technicians, to keep up with these changes. ASATT members continually maintain the professional health standards required for day-to-day practice.

“Among their many responsibilities, the techs protect us by providing hands-on support and confirming our equipment is functioning as we care for our patients. They were invaluable teammates during the worst of the pandemic.” said ASA president Beverly K. Philip, M.D., FACA, FASA. “ASA, in return, is there for ASATT and its anesthesia tech members throughout the country as they strive for recognition of their education and skills.”

ASATT reports more than 83 percent of its members are certified as technologists or technicians. The certification process consists of completing a two-year course at an ASATT approved school, including clinical studies, and passing a stringent exam, which is administered by ASATT and a third party testing company, with tightly held testing protocols. To maintain certification, individuals need to gain continued educational credits each year, and every two years pass another exam to complete the recertification process. Having this acquired level of education and skill makes certified anesthesia technologists and technicians’ valuable members of any anesthesia patient care team.

ASATT is fully dedicated to all its members, so in celebration of Anesthesia Tech Week, each year ASATT conducts a contest, which is offered to its members to design a poster that best depicts Anesthesia Tech Week and the important contributions that their profession provides. Contest entries are received and made available to all members who can then cast their winning vote for the poster. ASATT’s 2021 Anesthesia Tech Week poster contest winner was awarded to Karen Martin Cert.A.T.T, a current ASATT member of 10 years, for her winning poster design. In winning the contest, Martin received a complimentary two year membership to ASATT, and her poster design was recognized on ASATT’s website for members to download and display at their place of employment for Anesthesia Tech Week.

Greg Farmer, ASATT’s interim president, had this to say, "As we maneuver our way though these challenging times, we sometimes don't feel appreciated. The mental, emotional, and physical stress that we all have endured in the past year has definitely taken its toll on anesthesia technicians and technologists. It can be difficult and frustrating in this profession of ours, but we fight on. In spite of the odds, few healthcare workers understand, we persevere. With all of your dedication to the patient and profession, I say thank you, for all the work you do. You all contribute in ways that most couldn't comprehend. Thank you to anesthesia technicians and technologists who fight the good fight. Happy Anesthesia Tech Week!"

Industry news and more can be found on the ASATT website www.asatt.org.

About the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT)

The American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) is an international society accountable for maintaining and raising allied health professional standards for anesthesia technology education, patient care and professional competence for anesthesia technologists and technicians. ASATT’s organizational mission is to promote the essential role of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians, to positively affect healthcare and educational standards for the field of anesthesia technology, and as a result, raise the quality of patient care by providing a safe and positive anesthetic environment. To learn more about the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians, please visit www.asatt.org.

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Contact: Amy Jurgens
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