Which team member is responsible for escorting the patient to PACU at the end of surgery?

The team member primarily responsible for escorting the patient to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at the end of surgery is the anesthesiologist. This responsibility arises because the anesthesiologist oversees the patient's anesthetic care throughout the surgical procedure and is tasked with ensuring that the patient is stable and safe before transferring them to PACU.

The anesthesiologist monitors the patient’s vital signs and recovery from anesthesia during the time leading up to the transfer. They are in the best position to assess the patient's readiness for transport and to provide immediate care if necessary during the transition. Safety during this phase is crucial, as the patient may still be under the effects of anesthesia. Thus, the anesthesiologist plays a vital role in maintaining patient safety while escorting them to the PACU, making them the most appropriate choice for this task.

Other team members, such as the surgeon, nurse, or surgical technician, have their specific roles during surgery, but the responsibility of overseeing the patient’s anesthetic recovery falls distinctly to the anesthesiologist at this critical stage.