Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Provide an immediate response to urgent conditions .

1.1 Identify alarm codes and responses for medical emergencies.

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

1.3 Assess the casualty's condition in line with established first aid principles .

1.4 Call for medical support according to the nature and urgency of the casualty's condition.

1.5 Provide first aid management and monitor the casualty's vital signs  according to established first aid principles.

1.6 Record and report incidents and own response according to organisational requirements.

1.7 Participate in incident debriefing and counselling according to organisational policies.

2 Supervise an incident site .

2.1 Assess the degree of risk and apply emergency procedures  if required, considering 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 your organisation's occupational health and safety (OHS) and infection control guidelines.

2.4 Call for specialist help if required and according to the urgency of the situation.

2.5 Report all aspects of the incident and response accurately and according to the required process.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills :

• assessing hazards and risks to safety and welfare
• applying infection control precautions and other OHS guidelines
• applying established first aid principles
• calling an ambulance and providing relevant details
• assessing and monitoring condition of casualty
• communicating effectively and assertively in a medical emergency
• recording and documenting reports on medical emergencies.

Required knowledge :

• organisation's policies and procedures relating to responding to medical emergencies
• responsibilities of first responding officer
• basic principles of and concepts underlying the practice of first aid
• priorities of management in first aid when dealing with life-threatening conditions
• OHS requirements in the provision of first aid
• infection control principles and procedures
• first aiders' skills and limitations
• organisation's reporting procedures and format
• duty of care responsibilities and humane treatment.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Assessment of this unit can be applied using a combination of training outcomes and performance in the workplace or in a suitable simulation that draws upon the context or range of applications appropriate to the workplace and the defined work role and responsibilities.

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.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

• the knowledge requirements of this unit
• the skill requirements of this unit
• application of employability skills as they relate to this unit
• ability to respond to medical emergencies in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

• a workplace environment or one 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
• copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to medical responses to emergency situations
• access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Method of assessment 

Evidence must include observation and information generated in the workplace as well as observation of performance in routine work functions or, where this is not possible, in a simulated exercise to confirm the transferability of the competencies.

The following assessment methods are suggested:

• observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations
• written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
• completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities
• third-party reports from experienced practitioners
• completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues
• scenarios
• simulations or role plays.

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Hazards  may include:

• physical hazards
• biological hazards
• chemical hazards
• kinetic hazards
• workplace hazards
• environmental hazards
• proximity of other people.

Established first aid principles  include:

• preserve life
• prevent illness, injury and condition(s) becoming worse
• promote recovery
• protect the unconscious casualty from further harm.

Vital signs include :

• breathing
• circulation
• consciousness.

Emergency procedures may include :

• activating alarms
• separation and isolation
• intervention of health and medical staff
• evacuation
• crowd control
• call for ambulance or other transport services
• counselling.