As defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the surgical first assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. These functions include, but are not limited to, positioning of the patient, suturing, and closure of body planes and skin, and the application of wound dressings. Source: The Association of Surgical Technologists [7/1/2007: new]