Unit of competency details

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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. Identify suspected spinal injury 

1.1 Signs and symptoms  from a conscious casualty that may suggest a spinal injury are identified.

1.2 Signs of life  in an unconscious casualty are confirmed.

1.3 Basic life support protocols  are followed with care for casualty's spine where casualty exhibits no signs of life.

1.4 Likely causes of unconsciousness that may suggest a spinal injury  are identified.

1.5 Emergency medical aid is requested.

2. Immobilise cervical spine 

2.1 Casualty is communicated with to provide reassurance and to explain the need to minimise movement of their spine.

2.2 Casualty is measured and appropriately sized cervical collar is selected.

2.3 Cervical collar is applied ensuring correct location and tension is applied.

2.4 Conscious standing casualty is assisted to supine position in accordance with organisational procedures and availability of personnel.

3. Evaluate need to move casualty 

3.1 Potential hazards  to first aider and to casualty are identified.

3.2 Risk of not moving the casualty while waiting for medical aid to arrive is evaluated.

3.3 Plan to move casualty is developed.

4. Prepare casualty for transport 

4.1 Casualty is communicated with to provide reassurance and the need to immobilise the casualty for transport  is explained.

4.2 Equipment  to immobilise the casualty's spine is selected.

4.3 Immobilisation equipment is applied in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and organisational procedures.

5. Transport and monitor casualty 

5.1 Casualty is transported away from hazards ensuring smooth movements are used by team.

5.2 Team is directed in coordinated lifting movement and lowering of casualty.

5.3 Casualty is monitored  during transport.

6. Perform casualty handover 

6.1 Details  of incident are communicated to medical personnel.

6.2 Assistance  is given to medical personnel as requested.

6.3 Debriefing with supervisor or other operational staff is undertaken.

6.4 Relevant log books are completed according to organisational requirements.

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

Required Skills 

• assess casualty
• communicate effectively with casualty to provide reassurance
• use safe manual handling skills

Required Knowledge 

• common causes of spinal injuries relevant to the work environment
• risks associated with moving a casualty with a suspected spinal injury
• safe manual handling techniques
• signs and symptoms of suspected spinal injury
• techniques for manual stabilisation
• types of spinal immobilisation equipment available

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.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• identify casualty with a suspected spinal injury
• evaluate the need to move casualty with a suspected spinal injury
• immobilise casualty prior to moving

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of first aid incidents or scenarios requiring management of suspected spinal injuries.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed by managing suspected spinal injuries during first aid scenarios.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• equipment used in managing suspected spinal injuries

Method of assessment 

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions

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.

Signs and symptoms of a suspected spinal injury  may include:

• back or neck pain
• dilated pupils
• head injuries
• headache or dizziness
• increased muscle tone
• loss of bladder/bowel control
• loss of function in hands or feet
• prioprism
• tingling or lack of feeling in upper or lower limbs

Signs of life  may include:

• breathing
• consciousness
• movement

Basic life support protocols  include:

• Australian resuscitation council guidelines

Likely causes of unconsciousness that may suggest a spinal injury  may include:

• diving accident
• fall from a height
• industrial accident
• motor vehicle accident
• severe penetrating wounds (impaled, gunshot)
• significant blow to the head
• sporting accident

Hazards  may include:

• fire
• traffic
• water

Transport  may include:

• carrying casualty
• using a vehicle

Equipment  may include:

• cervical collars
• scoop stretchers
• spine boards and strapping
• stokes baskets

Monitoring casualty  may include:

• Assessing vital signs such as:

• level of consciousness
• breathing rate
• pulse rate
• skin colour and temperature

• Remaining with casualty

Details  may include:

• casualty injuries
• treatment provided

Assistance  may include:

• carrying casualty
• performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)