Orderly duties can range in scope depending on the area of the health care facility they are employed.
Orderlies are described as nonlicensed hospital assistants who are instructed to perform delegated functions under the direct supervision of a licensed practitioner in the healthcare setting.
Orderlies in United Kingdom hospitals were known as "attendants" (primarily in lunatic asylums), but that role has been phased out.
This is not to be confused with healthcare assistants, who are essentially carers for patients (not qualified or licensed health care professionals), and may be of both sexes.
They respond to every medical emergency team call that originates within the hospital to provide extra oxygen and so that the patient is able to be moved to another area (such as the intensive care unit) as soon as is required.