Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1 

Manage vessel medical care 

1.1

Availability of adequate resources is monitored and maintained to support medical responses

1.2

Regular inspections of stock and equipment are conducted to ensure currency and operational readiness, according to organisational requirements

1.3

Equipment and resources are stored and maintained according to regulatory requirements and manufacturer/supplier instructions

1.4

Risks on the vessel are reviewed and organisational policies and procedures related to the provision of medical care are validated

1.5

Planning is conducted for responses to major incidents on board the vessel

2 

Take charge of a casualty on board 

2.1

Safety of injured or ill person, bystanders and self in an accident situation is assessed according to first aid procedures

2.2

Safety requirements associated with providing medical care and vessel environmental requirements are adhered to

2.3

Condition of injured or ill person is assessed according to first aid procedures

2.4

Position of injured or ill person is adjusted to optimise personal comfort for the medical condition or injury

2.5

Injured or ill person is reassured and supported during the wait for medical assistance

2.6

Nature of the illness/injury is explained to injured or ill person

2.7

Significance of changes in person’s condition is promptly recognised and appropriate action is taken if there are signs of deterioration in injured or ill person

2.8

Calm, confident and reassuring personal attitude is conveyed

3 

Provide medical care 

3.1

Medical emergencies and injuries are identified and assessed correctly, and appropriate action is taken to prevent further injury

3.2

Symptoms and appropriate treatment are identified based on the concepts of clinical examination and medical history

3.3

Medical emergencies and injuries are diagnosed and managed according to accepted medical practice, and relevant national and international guides

3.4

Manufacturer recommendations and accepted medical practice with regard to dosage and application of drugs and medication are complied with

3.5

Complete and effective methods to protect against infection and spread of diseases are used

3.6

Resuscitation techniques are performed following safety procedures, if required

3.7

Appropriate techniques for moving injured or ill person are used

3.8

Resources and equipment are recovered and reprocessed, and waste is disposed of safely

4 

Seek external assistance 

4.1

Condition of injured or ill person is documented over time to assist with ongoing management

4.2

Communication links are established with external medical services to ensure prompt control action is taken

4.3

Clinical examination procedures are completed and instructions received are complied with

4.4

Assessments of person’s condition are relayed to external medical advisors

4.5

Medical procedures are carried out under medical instruction using relevant communication equipment and instructions received are complied with

4.6

Condition of injured or ill person is evaluated to determine transport requirements for additional medical care

4.7

Preparation for the evacuation of injured or ill person by emergency services is provided, if required, according to organisational procedures and welfare of person is maximised

4.8

Resources and equipment are recovered and reprocessed, and waste is disposed of safely

5 

Manage first aid records 

5.1

Documentation is completed in accordance with regulatory and organisational requirements

5.2

First aid records are maintained in accordance with regulatory and organisational requirements

5.3

Relevant documents are sent to appropriate bodies in accordance with regulatory and organisational requirements

5.4

Confidentiality of records and information is maintained in accordance with privacy principles and regulatory and organisational requirements

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.

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

Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

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

Resources include one or more of the following:

• backboards
• blood pressure cuff
• cervical collars
• defibrillation units
• dressings
• eyewash
• first aid kits
• injections
• oxygen resuscitation cylinders
• pocket face masks
• pressure bandages
• rubber gloves
• soft bag resuscitator
• spacer device
• stretchers
• thermometers
• thermal blankets

Safety of injured or ill person includes one or more of the following:

• bodily fluids
• environmental risks
• equipment, machinery and substances
• first aid equipment
• risk of further injury
• risks associated with the proximity of crew or passengers

Medical emergencies and injuries include one or more of then following:

• care of casualty involving:

• head and spinal injuries
• injuries of ear, nose, throat and eyes
• external and internal bleeding
• burns, scalds and frostbite
• fractures, dislocations and muscular injuries
• wounds, wound healing and infection

• dealing with a death at sea
• dressing and bandaging
• giving vaccinations
• managing acute abdominal conditions
• providing:

• dental care
• gynaecological, pregnancy and childbirth support
• medical care of rescued persons
• minor surgical treatment
• pain relief

• treating:

• sexually transmitted diseases
• tropical and infectious diseases
• alcohol and drug abuse

• using disease prevention techniques including disinfection, de-infestation, de-ratting
• using techniques of sewing and clamping

Medication includes one or more of the following:

• adrenaline
• analgesics
• aspirin
• bronchodilators
• oxygen
• pain relief/paracetamol

Communication links include one or more of the following:

• electronic equipment
• email
• flags
• HF/VHF radio
• satellite phones
• two-way radio
• use of medical codes

Preparation for the evacuation includes one or more of the following

• communicating with helicopter, vessel or ambulance conducting the evacuation
• relevant first aid supplies and resources
• selecting relevant communication equipment

Documentation includes one or more of the following:

• casualty history forms
• day book
• disease notification to quarantine officials
• D-Rat Certificate
• first aid risk assessment
• incident/injury reports
• infection control records
• management records
• medical histories
• medication registers
• stock records
• workcover forms
• workers’ compensation