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. Assess casualty and develop management plan 

1.1 Hazards  are identified, minimised and if possible removed, in accordance with state/territory regulatory requirements 

1.2 Casualty  is reassured and positioned in a suitable position

1.3 Evaluation of signs and symptoms  is undertaken to determine the casualty's condition

1.4 Casualty's condition is analysed to determine treatment requirements

1.5 Management plan is developed based on the results of the casualty assessment and the availability of equipment

1.6 Medical aid is arranged as soon as possible, consistent with maintaining casualty safety

2. Check equipment 

2.1 Pre -use check  of safety and potential effectiveness of equipment is undertaken in accordance with operating procedures, Australian Standards and regulatory requirements

2.2 Minor faults are diagnosed and repairs are carried out to restore equipment to working order in accordance with organisational procedures

2.3 Faults and defects are reported /recorded  in accordance with organisational procedures

3. Attach and operate equipment 

3.1 Equipment is set up in accordance with manufacturer's instructions

3.2 AED is attached and operated as per manufacturer's guidelines and safety procedures

3.3 Work is undertaken cooperatively with person conducting resuscitation techniques

4. Recover and restore equipment 

4.1 Equipment is cleaned, discarded or disinfected, restocked and/or replenished in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturer's guidelines

4.2 Equipment is charged, stored and safeguarded against damage or loss in accordance with organisational procedures

4.3 Reports are completed and submitted to appropriate personnel

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

Required Skills 

• communicate effectively
• manage self and own work
• manage time
• participate as a team member
• use resuscitation equipment and techniques

Required Knowledge 

• Australian Resuscitation Council standards
• circulatory system
• common cardiac rhythms
• defibrillation safety
• duty of care
• effective adherence of pads
• electrical action of the heart
• management of COAD/CAL casualties
• mechanical action of the heart
• organisational procedures for cleaning and discarding equipment in terms of environmental management and sustainability
• positioning of electrodes pads
• precautions for safe storage and handling of defibrillator resuscitation and kits - specifications
• principles of operation and troubleshooting
• relevant Australian Standards
• relevant state/territory legislative and regulatory requirements
• respiratory system
• roles and responsibilities of team members
• SAED basic operations
• safety precautions
• shock delivery protocols
• shockable rhythms
• techniques for maintenance and battery changes
• verbal and non-verbal communication techniques

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:

• apply safe work practices while using an AED
• manage the situation in a calm and orderly manner and to take every action to ensure the safety and comfort of the casualty.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time across a range of emergency situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in a simulated emergency situation.

Simulation should recreate realistic emergency situations in which the individual is exposed to the full range of hazards and is placed under the same pressures and timelines associated with operating a an AED in an emergency situation.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• defibrillation equipment/kit
• appropriate resuscitation manikin
• suitable site or training area to simulate an emergency situation

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.

Hazards  include:

• contact with patient during defibrillation
• conductive surfaces (water, fluids, metal)
• explosive environments (oxygen, gases, fumes)
• unstable environment

Regulatory requirements  may include:

• Australian Resuscitation Council requirements
• relevant state/territory regulatory requirements

Casualties  may include:

• adults
• children over 8 years old/25 kg

Signs and symptoms  may include:

• casualty history
• details of incident
• medical history
• physical appearance
• vital signs

Equipment  may include:

• gauze wipes
• gloves
• razors
• resuscitation masks
• SAED equipment used for delivery of external defibrillation
• shears
• spare AED pads
• spare battery

Pre-use check  may include:

• battery life
• environmental factors that affect operation
• existence of suitable prominent warnings about precautions to be observed
• for damage or malfunctions
• pad use by date
• to replenish and/or restore

Reporting/recording faults and defects  may include:

• filling out and processing standard forms
• verbal communication