Emergency Department Technician

Job overview

The role of the Emergency Department Technician (EDT) is pivotal in initiating early intervention to patient care and decision making. The department sees in excess of 400 patients each day and although challenging is a vibrant and diverse department that reflects the demographics of the location we serve. This role requires enthusiasm, attention to detail and ability to work under pressure while ensuring safe delivery of care and prioritising work load. There is a team of 3 EDT's on each shift so there is support within each shift and the team is led by two Lead EDT's.

Main duties of the job

This role involves the maintenance of Point of Care Equipment (PoCT) including trouble shooting on faulty equipment. Cannulation and venepuncture of patients across all areas of the Emergency Department. Training cannulation and venepuncture to clinical staff as required. Communicating with external companies in the event of equipment failure as required. Computer literate and  familiar with IT systems. There is a significant amount of moving and handling  involved in this role.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Key Working Relationships

To work as an Emergency Department Technician assisting in the delivery of emergency and urgent care within a specialist area.

To assist and support the Medical and Nursing staff working in the Emergency Department.

To initiate the process of preliminary investigations of patients attending the Emergency Department.

To contribute to the safe transfer of patients who are critically ill or injured by ensuring transfer and patient monitoring equipment is available and tested on a daily basis.

Organisation Structure Chart

Main Duties and Responsibilities

To ensure appropriate prioritisation of work in collaboration with the Lead Emergency Technicians and the Nurse in Charge.

To undertake venepuncture and cannulation of patients, obtaining results using near patient testing in conjunction with Point of Care Testing and ensuring the prompt despatch of samples to the laboratories.

Undertaking venous blood gas sampling and processing the result using the Arterial Blood Gas near side patient testing.

The post holder will be able to demonstrate the ability to use a variety of IT.

The Emergency Department Technician will inform medical and nursing staff of any variance to results from local parameters.

To maintain near patient testing equipment and undertake internal quality control checks.

You will be expected to liaise with Medical Engineering in terms of maintenance contracts concerning the checking of equipment, faults and repair. A system should be in place to ensure there is a trail of equipment sent for or needing to be repaired.

To be able to carry out basic life support in emergency situations.

To be fully aware of your role in the Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CRBN) plan and role of other staff within the Emergency Department.

To be fully aware of local plans that may impact on the ED, for example, Fire / Bomb / IT