As defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), Surgical Assistants provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative functions. In this high precision role, The Surgical First Assistant (or SA) works closely with the surgeon in a hands-on capacity, helping the surgeon by handling vital tasks such as prepping the patient for surgery, providing suturing, clamping, removi
ng scar tissue and positioning patients during surgery to ensure a safe operation. Because the surgical first assistant job requires such honed skills and specific training, the salary range is generally above the pay grade for surgical techs, surgical second assistants, entry level assistants or physicians assistants. Duties of a Surgical First Assistant
A Surgical First Assistant is usually the surgical assistant with the highest level of expertise and training. While first assistants are expected to perform different tasks at different medical locations, they are generally trained and certified to perform and be proficient in the following tasks among others:
Cauterizing wounds and vessels
Packing sponges in body
Positioning patient to maintain circulation and access for surgeon
Placing clamps and sutures
Closing skin with adhesives, sutures or staples etc. Applying direct pressure on veins and tissue
Performing or aiding in patient suction, drainage and irrigation
Hemostasis: The stopping of excess bleeding and blood flow
Immobilizing patients on the operating table
Surgical First Assistant Fields of Specialization
Surgical First Assistants can add to their usefulness and odds of employment by learning the skills to be a specializing surgical first assistant in some of the following specialties:
Plastic Surgery
General surgery
Neurosurgery
Obstetric surgery
Cardiac surgery
Thoracic surgery (chest)
Vascular surgery
Trauma surgery/ trauma units
Ophthalmic surgery
Urinary / Ge***al surgery
Craniofacial surgery
Oral surgery
Ear, nose and throat surgery
Reconstructive surgery
Juvenile surgery (and related issues)
Geriatric surgery
Laparoscopic surgery
Automated Robotic Surgery
Hand surgery
Orthopedic surgery/ Podiatry
