Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide essential first aid for animals by recognising and responding to an emergency using basic first aid measures. The first aider is not expected to deal with complex casualties or incidents, but to provide an initial response where first aid is required.

This unit is applicable to new entrants to the animal care and management industry. Animal care may occur in a wide variety of workplaces, including retail pet stores, kennels and catteries, shelters, veterinary practices, zoos, animal research facilities and others.

This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.

NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Unit Sector

General Animal Studies (GAS)

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Unit Mapping Information

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has:

• provided basic first aid for at least two animals, in a simulated environment, covering different types of emergencies
• identified hazards and minimised the risk to self, bystanders, the public and the animal.

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

• basic first aid techniques including how to:

• stop bleeding
• administer oxygen
• minimise impact of shock by keeping animal quiet, warm and away from activity or noise
• immobilise limb injuries, if soft tissue damage or fractures are suspected
• hose or apply water, if available, in cases of burns or heat exhaustion
• administer emetics or antidotes under instruction if appropriate
• feed or water as advised
• transport animal to veterinary assistance as soon as possible

• basic examination techniques to determine health status
• how to assess physical conditions, including:

• broken bones
• burns
• lacerations
• other injuries, trauma and medical conditions
• scratches

• vital signs of animals, including:

• hydration status
• pulse rates
• respiration
• temperature

• risks of providing first aid to animals, including:

• risks to self, bystanders and public
• risks to animals

• first aid casualty management principles
• first aid sources for assistance
• safe animal handling techniques and procedures
• WHS and animal welfare legislative requirements and codes of practice
• the animal emergency network.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of skills must take place under the following conditions:

• physical conditions:

• an environment that accurately reflects a real workplace setting

• resources, equipment and materials:

• a range of animals or models
• emergency scenarios
• equipment and resources appropriate to work undertaken in an animal care environment, including personal protective equipment

• specifications:

• access to organisational policies and procedures
• current WHS and animal welfare legislation and regulations

• relationships (internal and/or external):

• interactions with bystanders.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103