Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

2

PUA12 V1

Layout adjusted. Application added.

1

PUA00 V8.1

Primary release.

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 Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Assess scene 

1.1 Initial assessment  is made of extent and nature of emergency care required.

1.2 Hazards to self and others are identified and appropriate action taken to safeguard against injury.

1.3 Identify and communicate additional or specific resource requirements.

2. Assess casualty 

2.1 Identified injuries are managed in line with approved emergency care.

2.2 Treatment  is monitored, assessed and management plan  amended appropriately in response to changes in condition of the casualty and/or environment.

2.3 Additional or specific resources  are identified.

3. Implement emergency management procedures 

3.1 Immediate life saving treatment is administered as determined.

3.2 Signs and symptoms of shock are recognised and managed.

3.3 Vital signs are monitored and recorded at regular intervals.

3.4 Equipment is used according to casualty's condition, availability and to organisation's procedures.

4. Move the casualty 

4.1 Moving casualty  to a safer location is assessed.

4.2 Casualty is moved in accordance with operational standards.

4.3 Continual assessment of casualty is conducted in accordance with organisation's procedures.

4.4 Treatment is maintained while moving patient.

5. Complete documentation 

5.1 Details of casualties' condition, treatment and response to treatment are accurately recorded in line with organisation's procedures.

5.2 Hand over of the casualty and records to medical personnel is conducted.

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

Required Skills 

• communicate verbally with casualties and others
• provide reports to paramedical personnel
• work with others in a team situation
• remain calm under pressure
• assess casualty

Required Knowledge 

• applying resuscitation techniques
• casualty assessment
• casualty management
• crush injury syndrome
• contraindications
• wound management
• basic toxicology
• environmental exposure
• spinal injuries
• head injuries
• shock:

• absolute
• hypovolaemic
• relative

• legal and ethical issues in pre-hospital care
• anatomy and physiology
• haemorrhage
• cardiovascular emergencies
• hypoxia
• triage
• documentation
• communicate with casualties
• remain calm under pressure
• knowledge of current practices and procedures in emergency care

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

It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in the practical demonstration of emergency care skills including:

• maintaining universal hygiene precautions
• accurate documentation
• observation and assessment skills
• correct use of life saving equipment
• appropriate management techniques for emergency encountered

Consistency in performance 

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

A real life incident, exercise or simulation, or a series of tasks are required to demonstrate competence in this unit. This may involve setting scenarios to be completed either individually or as a member of a team or as part of an interagency exercise. Written or verbal questions may be used as supporting evidence.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to first aid equipment used in general operations is essential.

Access may also be required to shore based transport, an ambulance or helicopter, depending on the context.

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.

Treatment  may include:

• monitor vital signs
• management of shock
• checking and maintaining an airway
• application of spinal immobilisation techniques
• applying resuscitation techniques
• utilisation of oxygen
• managing wounds
• managing fractures
• use of life saving devices
• giving fluids orally
• use of bandages

Equipment  may include:

• oxygen resuscitation
• defibrillation
• first aid kit
• stretchers
• spinal immobilisation collards
• spinal immobilisation frames/devices
• fracture immobilisation devices
• stokes litter

Assessment  may include:

• environmental considerations
• casualty triage
• primary survey
• vital signs survey
• secondary survey (head to toe examination)
• evacuation procedures
• helicopter access
• nearest land/wharf based access

Moving a casualty  may include:

• individually
• as a member of a team

Management plan  may include:

• written
• protocols
• verbal
• transmitted

Resources  may include:

• equipment
• personnel