Release 1.0

This unit was released in CSC Correctional Services Training Package release 2.0.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to support a response to medical emergencies. It does not include administering first aid or providing emergency life support.

This unit applies to individuals working in custodial and non-custodial environments who may be required to support the immediate response to a medical emergency within the limits of own skills and abilities to prevent further harm until specialist or senior staff take charge. If First Aid or Basic Life Support is required in the workplace, it must be undertaken by a qualified, competent or authorised person.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to emergency response and medical emergencies.

Statutory/legislative requirements apply to this unit and may vary across states and territories. Users are required to check with the relevant jurisdiction for current requirements.

Not applicable.

Safety and security

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1  

Provide an immediate response to urgent conditions 

1.1 

Control any hazards and consider the safety of self, the casualty and others in all action taken

1.2 

Assess the severity of the situation in line with established emergency response procedures and the casualty's condition

1.3 

Call for medical support according to the casualty’s condition, using appropriate alarm codes and responses

1.4 

Monitor the casualty and situation continually for indications of risk to safety and security

1.5 

Provide immediate care to casualty until specialist support arrives

1.6 

Record and report incidents and own response in accordance with workplace policies and procedures

1.7 

Communicate clear and concise situational reports as required to keep all relevant individuals informed of the situation

1.8 

Participate in incident briefing and debriefing as required

2 

Monitor an incident site 

2.1 

Apply emergency procedures according to the assessed degree of risk, and consider the safety of self and others in all actions taken

2.2 

Maintain a calm and confident manner in all communication and actions

2.3 

Comply precisely with organisation’s work health and safety (WHS) and infection control guidelines

2.4 

Call for specialist help according to the urgency of the situation

2.5 

Report all aspects of the incident and response accurately and in accordance with workplace policies and procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit supersedes and is equivalent to CSCSAS006 Respond to medical emergencies.

Release 1.0

This unit was released in CSC Correctional Services Training Package release 2.0.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least two occasions and includes:

• rapidly assessing a medical emergency to ensure duty of care by:

• maintaining security
• adhering to infection control precautions and other WHS guidelines
• responding appropriately to the urgency of situation and in accordance with workplace policies and procedures

• communicating effectively and assertively in a medical emergency including:

• providing a sufficient handover to specialist medical support
• accurately recording and reporting information in a timely manner

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• workplace policies and procedures related to responding to medical emergencies

• emergency response procedures
• responsibilities of first responding officer
• alarm codes and responses for medical emergencies
• priorities of casualty management when dealing with medical emergencies

• duty of care related to medical emergency situations including:

• basic principles of, and concepts underlying the practice of first aid and life support
• organisational Work Health and Safety (WHS) guidelines
• basic understanding of infection control and transmission
• workplace support services including counselling

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in suitable workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in suitable simulated workplace operational situations reflecting actual industry workplace conditions that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when responding to medical emergencies, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine. Because of the unpredictable factors included in this unit, assessment in the workplace may depend on indirect or supplementary evidence, particularly the use of simulations or practice drills.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• relevant and appropriate materials, tools, facilities, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in the industry
• applicable documentation relevant to the industry including workplace policies, procedures, industry standards, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
• case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered.