Profession: x-ray technician

Based in Kandahar, Afghanistan Non-family posting

Background information

ICRC supports the Mirwais hospital in Kandahar province, Afghanistan since
2007 for improving the quality of care in main services: surgery, obstetric and gynaecology, paediatrics, internal medicine and non-medical support services (pharmacy, X ray department, laboratory…). It is a 400 beds hospital covering an estimated population of 4 millions people.

Objectives

Support, coach and train the medical and surgical X-ray staff on the areas identified in the previous assessments.

Training of x-ray department staff in:

• Basic radiation techniques and science (origin of X-ray, primary beam, scatter, etc.)
• Radiation protection / hygiene = ALARA principle (keep distance, protection methods, dangers of radiation, practical solutions)
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Positioning patients (high quality anterior /posterior, lateral and angled positioning)
• Pregnancy checks
• Choice of exposure parameters, thick, thin, with / without plaster of paris
• Using grid (manual) and chest X-ray filter (0,2mmCu + 1mmAl) if present at the department at time of training.
• Practical solutions for radiation protection of patients and family members in the room
• Recognizing X-ray pathology at image
• X-ray image evaluation (decision taking if X-ray is up to standard or if the examination needs to be repeat)
• Evaluation of the collected failed X-ray films present in the darkroom. Collect the films and discuss/ analyse them with the team.
• Administration and marking of the film with patient details

Review of x-ray protocols

• Help the staff reviewing the imaging protocols (available, but presently not used)

Upgrade of x-ray techniques

• Plan and propose upgrading the X-ray equipment, using the information of the assessment X-ray technician October 2011.

Selection requirements

• Diploma in X Ray
• Experience and ability to coach and train
• Excellent command of oral English

Your profile

• Flexible, diplomatic and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to adapt to Afghan culture
• Able to stand stress due to the environment
• Good coordination and communication skills
• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work

Length of assignment: 3- 4 months
Beginning of the assignment: First trimester 2012