What is an Anesthesiologist Assistant?
An Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) is a person qualified by advanced education and clinical training to work cooperatively with an anesthesiologist in developing and implementing the anesthesia care plan. Anesthesiologist Assistants are highly skilled professionals who, under an anesthesiologist’s direction, may: • Elicit a pre-anesthesia health history and perform a physical examination • Establish patient monitoring devices and intravenous access • Assist in the application and interpretation of advanced monitoring techniques such as pulmonary artery catheterization or echocardiography • Assist in the induction, maintenance and emergence of a patient’s anesthetic • Secure the patient’s airway through mask, endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway • Interpret and record the patient’s physiological and pharmacological status • Provide continuity of care into and during the post-operative period Based on an individual’s qualifications and demonstrated skills, an anesthesiologist may d
Anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) are anesthetists who practice in the anesthesia care team mode under the direction of anesthesiologist. AAs participate in the provision of all types of anesthesia including administering drugs; obtaining vascular access; applying and interpreting monitors; establishing and maintaining the patients airway; assisting with preoperative assessment. For more information about the Anesthesiologist Assistant profession, click here for the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ “Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Anesthesiologist Assistants.
