Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Assess the situation

1.1. Identify physical hazards  to own and others' health and safety

1.2. Minimise immediate risk  to self, and health and safety of the casualty, by controlling hazards in accordance with site and OHS requirements

1.3. Assess casualty's vital signs  and physical condition in accordance with workplace procedures

2. Apply First Aid

2.1. Provide First Aid management  in accordance with established First Aid  procedures

2.2. Reassure casualty in a caring and calm manner and make them comfortable

2.3. Use First Aid resources and equipment  appropriate to the identified risks and hazard controls

2.4. Seek First Aid or appropriate medical assistance from appropriate personnel using relevant communication media and equipment , to site requirements

2.5. Monitor and respond to casualty's condition  in accordance with effective First Aid principles  and site procedures

2.6. Finalise casualty management according to casualty's needs and First Aid principles

3. Record and report incident

3.1. Accurately record details of casualty's physical condition, changes in conditions, management and response to management in line with organisational procedures

3.2. Accurately convey details of casualty's condition and management activities to emergency services/relieving personnel

3.3. Prepare reports to supervisors in a timely manner, presenting all relevant facts according to established site procedures

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to apply initial response First Aid:

• access, interpret and apply relevant safety rules and procedures
• prepare and process reports
• show assertiveness
• communicate effectively
• make decisions
• apply infection control measures

Required knowledge 

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to apply initial response First Aid:

• initial response First Aid
• manual handling procedures
• incident reporting systems and procedures
• basic anatomy and physiology
• dealing with confidentiality
• knowledge of the First Aiders' skills and limitations
• OHS legislation and regulations
• how to gain access to and interpret materials safety data sheets (MSDS)
• basic anatomy and physiology
• duty of care
• resuscitation
• bleeding control
• care of unconscious
• legal requirements
• airway management

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

• knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for the application of initial response First Aid
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient application of initial response First Aid
• working with others to undertake and complete the initial response First Aid that meets all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely application of initial response First Aid that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
• The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
• Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
• Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
• Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.
• Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
• Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

• written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
• observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
• consistently achieving the required outcomes

• first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• working with others to undertake and complete initial response First Aid

Guidance information for assessment 

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Physical hazards  may include:

• workplace hazards
• environmental hazards
• proximity of other people
• hazards associated with the casualty management processes

Risks  may include:

• worksite equipment, machinery and substances
• environmental risks
• bodily fluids
• risk of further injury to the casualty
• risks associated with the proximity of other workers and bystanders

Vital signs  may include:

• breathing
• circulation
• consciousness

First Aid management  may need to account for:

• workplace policies and procedures
• industry/site specific regulations, codes etc.
• OHS requirements
• state and territory workplace health and safety requirements
• allergies the casualty may have
• location and nature of the workplace
• environmental conditions such as: electricity, biological risks, weather, motor vehicle accidents
• location of emergency services personnel
• use and availability of First Ad equipment and resources
• infection control

Initial response First Aid  may include:

• cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
• expired air resuscitation
• bleeding control
• basic patient management
• spinal injury awareness
• immediate burns treatment
• unconscious casualty procedure
• identification of fractures
• sprains
• strains
• the treatment of shock

Resources and equipment  may include:

• pressure bandages
• thermometers
• First Aid kit
• eyewash
• thermal blankets
• pocket face masks
• rubber gloves
• dressing
• spacer device
• cervical collars

Communication media and equipment  may include:

• mobile phone
• UHF/VHF radio
• flags
• flares
• 2-way radio
• email
• electronic equipment

Casualty's condition  may include:

• abdominal injuries
• allergic reactions
• bleeding
• burns - thermal, chemical, friction, electrical
• cardiac conditions
• chemical contamination
• cold injuries
• crush injuries
• dislocations
• drowning
• envenom - snake, spider, insect and marine bites
• environmental conditions such as hypothermia, dehydration, heat stroke
• eye injuries
• fractures
• head injuries
• minor skin injuries
• neck and spinal injuries
• needle-stick injuries
• poisoning and toxic substances
• asthma and/or choking
• shock
• smoke inhalation
• soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, dislocations
• substance abuse, including drugs
• unconsciousness, including not breathing and no pulse

Established First Aid principles  may include:

• checking the site for danger to self, casualty and others and minimising the danger
• checking and maintaining the casualty's airway, breathing and circulation