3-8.
ASSISTING THE SURGICAL TEAM
a.
Assist the surgeons in donning their sterile gowns.
b. Assist in moving the back table, the ring stand, and the Mayo stand into
position (refer to paragraph 3-25). At this point, the sterile field has been established
and the circulator must not enter this sterile field.
c. Connect the suction machine and adjust the light. Connect and adjust the
portable light if it is to be used for additional illumination of the operative site.
d. Place the kick buckets in positions convenient for their use, one on each
side of the operating table.
e. Connect the electrosurgical electrode cord or any other electrical equipment
to be used. Place foot pedals within easy reach of the surgeon's foot if they are
required.
f. Place the straight stools (footstools) or other types of stools into position if
they are to be used.
g. During all these procedures the circulator must be aware of and practice
aseptic technique. The circulator must be alert for any breaks in aseptic technique by
any member of the operating team and take appropriate action if a break occurs.
Section II. DUTIES OF THE OPERATING ROOM SPECIALIST AS A SCRUB
3-9.
GENERAL
a. Just as the circulator has specific responsibilities in the operating room, the
scrub has specific duties and responsibilities.
(1) Although all the members of the surgical team have a responsibility for
the sterility of supplies, the scrub has a particular responsibility. In order to function
both effectively and efficiently, he must familiarize himself with the routine established
by the hospital as well as the routine followed by each surgeon with whom he scrubs.
Only with continued practice and experience can the specialist become a competent
assistant at the operating table, but the specialist's experience will take on added
meaning if he fully understands what is expected of him. Although surgeons vary in
their techniques, the procedures outlined in the following paragraphs are in general use.
Additional procedures in setting up will be required for specialized surgery.
MD0935
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