What are the duties of a ER Tech?

While not an essential member of the team -- you can still run an E.R. without a tech -- a quick and efficient tech is worth their weight in gold. Every great E.R. team has a good tech. The duties of an E.R. tech depend largely on tech experience. Every tech is responsible for: *changing linen's and cleaning rooms quickly after patient discharge *making certain all supplies are stocked *daily quality control checks on equipment *running samples to the lab *checking and recording vitals *bringing in and gathering information from new patients for quicker assessment by the nurse and doctor *assisting medics with ambulance transfers *putting patients on leads/bp/O2 stat *cleaning and dressing wounds *physical transfer of patients and their belongings to other wings of the hospital *crutch training *sling/brace applications *all other CNA responsibilities, though not all tech's are CNAs. Techs must still assist with bedpans, urinals, dressing/undressing of patients, etc. The best techs are usually CNAs as these skills are not taught in an EMT class. Tech's with more experience and training by staff and facility classes can also apply fiberglass splits, shut off and/or remove IV's and monitor EKG's. I have heard that some facilities allow certain tech's to start IV's, but my hospital does not as it is out of the scope of practice for a tech here. The tech is the lowest rung of the ER ladder. As such, there is tons of upward knowledge available for you to learn from both nurses and doctors. For those who are interested in the medical field and would like to see if a career in the ER is for them, I would highly recommend a position as an ER tech. A great place to get started. Be smart. Be fast. Have fun.