DESCRIPTION

The First Assist - Certified Surgical First Assist (CFA) or Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) is responsible for assisting the surgeon under direct supervision throughout the preoperative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases. Preoperative May complete a preoperative interview/assessment to assess the surgical site to better aid in positioning. Assists with the safe positioning of the patient according to the surgeon's preference, patient's anatomical and physiological limits, and surgical procedure to be performed. Assists circulator and anesthesia provider in preparation of the patient to include, but not limited to: Foley catheter placement, tourniquet application, placement of intravenous catheters, cricoid pressure application, and other procedures as needed. Intraoperative Performs specific tasks according to individual surgeon preference utilizing appropriate techniques including, but not limited to: incision and layered closure of surgical sites? providing exposure achieving hemostasis by means of injection, manual, and topical methods, and by application of appropriate energy sources manipulation and dissection/removal of tissues assist with implanting, securing, and/or removal of devices and drains applying appropriate dressing material specific to procedure Postoperative Assists with applying any other specific dressing material such as splints or casts Assesses skin integrity Assists in transfer of the patient Follows the patient to recovery if needed or directed by surgeon Specialty Procedures The FA who has appropriate training also performs other procedures under surgeon supervision including, but not limited to: vein and graft harvesting, and graft and implant preparation. Additional Duties The surgical assistant performs additional duties as delegated by the surgeon in cooperation with state and local policy. As defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), The first assistant during a surgical operation should be a trained individual who is able to participate in and actively assist the surgeon in completing the operation safely and expeditiously by helping to provide exposure, maintain hemostasis, and serve other technical functions. The qualifications of the person in this role may vary with the nature of the operation, the surgical specialty, and the type of hospital or ambulatory surgical facility. To ensure patient safety and clinical quality, this role requires the following education, which varies by hospital and state.