How to become a Critical Care Technologist – About the Role

In the UK, there are around 200 NHS critical care technologists (CCTs) employed within hospital critical care units. CCTs are multi skilled and adaptable with wide-ranging functions, evolving with changes in technology, patient therapy and service needs, all of which they actively participate in. Using sophisticated and relevant equipment for the maximum benefit of each patient, CCTs are an integral part of the multi disciplinary team delivering care to critically ill patients. The key component of their work is that it allows the medical and nursing staff to focus their own components of patient care, and not upon the technology. Routine daily functions of the role may include:

Near patient testing, including quality control, maintenance, performing biochemical / haematological analysis and training medical and nursing staff. This is important to ensure accurate results, as support therapies will be adjusted accordingly and to prevent analytical equipment /areas being cross contamination points.
Physiological monitoring, support and diagnostic techniques e.g. respiratory therapies, extra corporeal circuits, temporary cardiac pacing, Intra Aortic Balloon pumping, haemodynamics, cardiac outputs, cannulation, intubation etc.
Equipment management/maintenance (including decontamination).
The evaluation/procurement of new equipment for critical care areas.
Ensuring consistent support for patients transferring between departments or hospital trusts.
Scientific and technical training of new equipment to medical, nursing, healthcare scientists and allied health professional colleagues.
Risk management.
Research and development
Liaison with external providers of services to critical care to ensure that essential supplies are maintained, and that appropriate safe guards are in place e.g.

- Electricity
- Gas supplies
- Ventilation/ barrier nursing
- Consumable items

Critical Care Technologists will likely use some or all of the following equipment: