Which team member is responsible for transferring the patient from the stretcher to the operating room table?

The anesthesiologist is primarily responsible for patient safety and comfort during the transition from the stretcher to the operating room table. Their role includes monitoring the patient's vital signs and ensuring that the patient is stable and adequately anesthetized before and during the transfer. They may also assist in positioning the patient properly on the operating room table, which is critical for both safety and surgical access.

In the operating room, teamwork is essential, and while the anesthesiologist plays a significant role in the transfer, other team members, such as the scrub nurse and circulating nurse, may also assist in this process to ensure that it is performed smoothly. The surgeon’s focus is primarily on the surgical procedure rather than the transfer itself, and the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) primarily assists with instrument preparation and maintains a sterile field. Therefore, the anesthesiologist's responsibilities highlight the importance of monitoring the patient's condition during this critical phase of pre-operative care.