I would agree that the typical EBME tech does need to have a broader knowledge than the typical renal tech. However, whilst EBME tends to be largely bench work with faulty equipment etc sent down to the dept., renal techs usually have to respond in the clinical area NOW as there is a patient in the middle of a treatment. There is no time for call logging and all the other niceties of EBME.
In addition to this, many renal techs provide cover for patients dialysing at home, including out of hours on-call. They are often the first point of contact and this can routinely require the tech to advise the patient directly.
I could go on but its getting late on a Friday....
