Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to administer restricted analgesics as a part of a medically supervised first responder organisation.

State/territory licensing procedures for the storage and administration of drugs apply to this unit.

Application of the Unit 

The application of this unit in the workplace covers the administration of restricted pain relief such as analgesics and aspirin, according to a medically endorsed protocol.

The unit is typically relevant for personnel from emergency services and/or volunteer organisations or organisations that provide a medically supervised first aid service.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Pre-requisite Unit /s 

HLTFA201A Provide basic emergency life support

OR

HLTFA301B Apply first aid

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. Identify need for analgesia 

1.1 Casualty's need for pain relief is identified

1.2 Available options  to relieve casualty's pain are considered

1.3 Contraindications  and precautions  for use of analgesic drug are identified and use being appropriate for casualty is confirmed

1.4 Appropriate dosage for casualty is confirmed

1.5 Emergency medical aid is requested

2. Access and prepare analgesic 

2.1 Secure storage  of analgesic drug is accessed

2.2 Required documentation  is completed

2.3 Retrieval of correct drug within its expiry date is confirmed

2.4 Analgesic drug is prepared according to required standards 

3. Administer analgesic 

3.1 Purpose of the analgesic drug is explained to casualty

3.2 Casualty is instructed in the use of the analgesic drug

3.3 Casualty consent to administer treatment is obtained

3.4 Analgesic drug is administered according to required standards

3.5 Casualty is continuously monitored  while administering analgesic drug

4. Perform casualty handover 

4.1 Details  of incident including analgesic drug administration are communicated to medical personnel

4.2 Written record of treatment  including analgesic drug and dosage is supplied to medical personnel according to required standards

5. Complete analgesic use requirements 

5.1 Unused analgesic drugs are disposed of in accordance with required standards

5.2 Details of use of drugs are recorded in relevant logs  in accordance with required standards

5.3 Debriefing/evaluation of incident is participated in

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• communicate with casualty to provide comfort and instruction in use of analgesic drugs as required
• complete written logs and documentation
• request for an ambulance and/or medical assistance according to relevant circumstances and report casualty condition
• use literacy and numeracy skills as required to read, interpret and apply guidelines and protocols

Required Knowledge 

• contraindications and precautions for the use of analgesic drugs
• organisational permits for the use of restricted analgesic drugs
• organisational protocols and standard operating procedures covering the storage and administration of restricted drugs
• relevant legislation covering the storage and administration of restricted drugs
• safety procedures for the operation of pressurised gases as relevant to available analgesics
• state/territory regulatory requirements for the currency of skills and knowledge

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 appropriate situations to use analgesic drugs during first aid
• safely administer analgesic drugs
• accurately document storage and use of restricted analgesic drugs.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated within the requirements of a specific organisation with appropriate authority to administer restricted analgesic drugs in actual first aid situations or scenarios.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed within the requirements of a specific organisation with appropriate authority to administer restricted analgesic drugs in actual first aid situations or scenarios.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• protocols, operating procedures and organisational documentation relating to storage and use of restricted analgesic drugs from an organisation with appropriate approvals to use analgesic drug during first aid
• analgesic equipment or relevant placebos used in the approved organisation.

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.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Available options for pain relief may include 

Entinox

Heat treatment for penetrating marine creature injuries

Ice for local skin pain

Methoxyflurane

Reassurance

Contraindications may include 

Already received maximum allowable dosage of drug

Pre-existing medical conditions

Specific injuries or illnesses

Precautions may include 

Pre-existing medical conditions

• Specific injuries or illnesses

Secure storage may include 

Drug safely secured in a first aid facility

Drug safely secured in a vehicle

Required documentation may include 

Drug register

Treatment report form

Required standards may include 

Manufacturer's guidelines

Organisational protocols

Permits for use

State/territory legislation and regulations

Continuously 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

Drugs administered such as:

• type of drug
• dosage of drug administered
• time of drug administration

Treatment provided

Record of treatment may include 

Specific organisational first aid and drug administration form

Written report

Relevant logs may include 

Drug registers

Incident report logs

Operational logs

Treatment logs