Unit of competency details

UNIT DESCRIPTOR:

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to provide elementary first aid on board a vessel or at another maritime workplace , including the performance of immediate lifesaving first aid until qualified medical assistance is available ; the recognition of the symptoms and signs of acute illness and /or injury and the taking of appropriate action ; the correct management of wounds and bleeding , burns , and bone and muscle injuries ; and the adaptation of first aid procedures for remote situations .

The unit is consistent with competency requirements set for the St John Ambulance National Senior Level First Aid Certificate or Level 2 First Aid Certificate 

Application of the unit 

The unit has applications in qualifications for all maritime deck and engineering occupations and covers mandatory requirements for elementary first aid for a range of maritime workers, including from deckhands and integrated ratings to marine engine drivers, masters, engineers. It also has application in qualifications for shoreside linespersons.

Licensing /legislative requirements 

The unit is consistent with the relevant maritime regulations describing mandatory minimum requirements for elementary first aid required for all seafarers and also shoreside linespersons. This includes applicable sections of international, Commonwealth, State and Territory Maritime licensing and regulatory requirements.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA  

1 

Perform immediate lifesaving first aid pending the arrival of medical assistance 

a

The priorities of first aid care are correctly applied in a real or simulated first aid situation

b

The DRABC action plan is correctly used to identify and control danger, loss of consciousness, loss of airway, breathing and circulation

c

An unconscious casualty is correctly placed in stable side position and the steps in clearing the airways to promote breathing in accordance with established first aid procedures

d

The correct method of expired air resuscitation (EAR), external cardiac compression (ECC) and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is applied in a real life resuscitation situation, or in a simulated exercise using a mannequin

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

2 

Recognise the symptoms and signs of acute illness and /or injury and take appropriate action 

a

The symptoms and signs of the most common causes of unconsciousness are correctly identified

b

A real or simulated unconscious casualty is cared for in accordance with established first aid procedures

c

Causes of respiratory failure and breathing difficulty are correctly identified and appropriate care is provided for a real or simulated casualty with obstructed breathing

d

The symptoms and signs of a casualty with angina pain, heart attack and heart failure are correctly identified

e

Symptoms and signs of acute abdominal and pelvic injury are correctly identified and appropriate immediate first aid treatment of these conditions is provided in a real or simulated situation

f

Facial, ear and eye injuries in a real or simulated first aid situation are correctly managed in accordance with established first aid procedures

g

The symptoms and signs of poisoning, bites and stings are correctly identified and appropriate immediate management of these conditions is provided in a real or simulated situation

h

A real or simulated conscious casualty with an acute illness and/or injury is cared for in accordance with established first aid procedures

3 

Manage wounds and bleeding 

a

Severe external bleeding is correctly controlled in a real or simulated situation

b

The symptoms and signs of severe internal bleeding are correctly identified and appropriate immediate management of these conditions is provided in a real or simulated situation

c

The symptoms and signs of shock as a result of severe injury are correctly identified and appropriate immediate management of shock is provided in a real or simulated situation

d

A real or simulated laceration, abrasion and a deep puncture wound are correctly managed in accordance with established procedures

e

The signs of wound infection are correctly identified and a real or simulated wound infection is correctly managed in accordance with established procedures

4 

Manage burns 

a

Immediate rescue procedures are correctly used in real or simulated first aid situations involving a burned casualty

b

The severity of a burn is correctly assessed in terms of depth, position and size in accordance with established first aid procedures

c

The correct method of treatment for burns and associated shock is correctly applied in real or simulated first aid situations involving a burned casualty

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

5 

Manage bone , joint and muscle injuries 

a

Symptoms and signs of fractures (simple and complicated), are correctly recognised in accordance with established first aid procedures

b

Problems and treatment associated with dislocated joints are correctly managed in accordance with established first aid procedures

c

First aid treatment of pelvic and chest injuries and fractures of limbs, including immobilisation techniques is correctly performed as per established procedures

d

A real or simulated casualty with suspected head, neck or back injuries is correctly cared for in accordance with established first aid procedures

e

The symptoms and signs of sprains and strains are correctly identified in accordance with established first aid procedures

f

The RICE method of treatment of sprains and strains is correctly used in real or simulated first aid situations involving sprains and strains

6 

Adapt first aid procedures for remote situations 

a

Safety precautions needed to prevent accidents, illness and injuries and infection in remote area situations are correctly applied in real or simulated situations

b

Factors involved in the prevention of heat and cold exposure are identified.

c

The symptoms and signs of a real or simulated casualty exposed to heat or cold are correctly identified, including hyperthermia and hypothermia and appropriate management of the casualty carried out in accordance with established first aid procedures

d

A real or simulated ill or injured person in remote conditions is correctly cared for until help arrives, including the monitoring of airway, breathing and heart beat, the control of pain, hydration and the maintenance of body temperature.

e

A real or simulated casualty with 'severe injuries' in a remote situation is correctly cared for, including preparation for transport

f

First aid and emergency equipment required for remote area situations is correctly identified and used in real or simulated situations in accordance with established first aid procedures

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE  

This describes the knowledge required for this unit.

1

Sections of relevant maritime regulations dealing with first aid at sea

2

ISM safety management system procedures (where applicable) dealing with first aid

3

First aid situations that may occur on board a vessel or at another maritime workplace and appropriate first aid action, treatments and solutions

4

Relevant OH&S and health legislation and procedures

5

The priorities of first aid care

6

First aid duties and responsibilities of personnel on board a vessel or at another maritime workplace

7

Established first aid procedures consistent with 'St John Ambulance National Senior Level First Aid Certificate' or 'Level 2 First Aid Certificate'

8

First aid procedures for:

a

conducting an initial patient first aid assessment

b

managing injuries

c

carrying out resuscitation techniques

d

reporting on first aid situations and action taken

9

Techniques for management and care of casualties in various first aid situations, including:

a

acute illness and/or injury

b

wounds and bleeding

c

burns

d

bone, joint and muscle injuries

10

Causes of respiratory failure and breathing difficulty

11

The DRABC action plan for the identification and control of danger, loss of consciousness, loss of airway, breathing and circulation

12

Correct methods of expired air resuscitation (EAR), external cardiac compression (ECC) and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

13

The symptoms and signs of:

a

the most common causes of unconsciousness

b

poisoning, bites and stings

c

sprains and strains

d

fractures (simple, compound and complicated)

e

dislocated joints

f

head, neck and back injuries

g

severe internal bleeding

h

abdominal, pelvic and chest injuries

i

shock as a result of severe injury

j

angina pain, heart attack and heart failure

k

burns and associated shock

14

The safety precautions needed to prevent accidents, illness and injuries and infection in remote area situations

15

Knowledge of body structures and functions relevant to possible injury and illnesses that may be encountered on board a vessel or at another maritime workplace

16

Communication techniques related to the provision of first aid

17

Marine publications containing information on first aid treatment on board a vessel or at another maritime workplace

REQUIRED SKILLS 

This describes the basic skills required for this unit.

1

Communicate effectively with an injured or ill person when administering elementary first aid

2

Communicate effectively with medical staff and others in the event of an emergency requiring first aid

3

Work with others when administering elementary first aid

4

Recognise and interpret first aid problems and symptoms and taking appropriate action to report and/or address the problems or symptoms

5

Recognise and correctly use first aid equipment and materials contained in a typical first aid box

6

Apply resuscitation techniques

7

Develop an appropriate plan of action when administering first aid as part of a medical emergency

8

Interpret and apply appropriate procedures for various identified symptoms

9

Adapt first aid procedures to the context of a specific medical emergency, including first aid in a remote location

Evidence Guide  

TDMMF1007B PROVIDE ELEMENTARY FIRST AID 

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.

1 

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:

a

Perform immediate lifesaving first aid

b

Recognise the symptoms and signs of acute illness and/or injury and take appropriate action

c

Manage wounds and bleeding

d

Manage burns and bone, joint and muscle injuries

e

Adapt first aid procedures for remote situations

f

Communicate effectively with others during provision of first aid

g

Report on first aid situations and activities in accordance with company and regulatory requirements

2 

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance 

a

Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts

b

Consistently applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:

1

performing immediate lifesaving first aid

2

recognising the symptoms and signs of acute illness and/or injury and taking appropriate action

3

managing wounds and bleeding

4

managing burns and bone, joint and muscle injuries

5

adapting first aid procedures for remote situations

c

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures, including:

1

relevant sections of maritime regulations dealing with first aid

2

OH&S regulations and first aid instructions and procedures

3

safety procedures for a vessel or at another maritime workplace

d

Action is taken promptly to report and/or manage injuries and first aid in accordance with statutory requirements and company procedures

e

Work is completed systematically with required attention to detail

f

Recognises and adapts appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions between crew and others

Evidence Guide  (continued )

TDMMF1007B PROVIDE ELEMENTARY FIRST AID 

3 

Context of assessment 

a

Assessment of competency must comply with the assessment requirements of the relevant maritime regulations

b

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken within relevant marine authority approved and audited arrangements by a registered training organisation:

1

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral examinations

2

Appropriate practical assessment must occur:

i

at the registered training organisation; and/or

ii

on an appropriate working or training vessel or at another maritime workplace

4 Specific resources required for assessment 

Access is required to opportunities to:

a

Access is required to opportunities to either:

b

participate in a range of role plays, case studies and other simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to provide first aid to injured or ill crew and passengers and/or assist in the real or simulated first aid procedures on board an operational vessel or at another maritime workplace

Note: Simulated first aid situations and assessments may require access to resuscitation manikins, auxiliary resuscitation items, disposable gloves, slings, water squeeze bottle or tap, roller bandages, triangular bandages, splints (improvisable), face shields, face masks, cleaning swabs, cleaning brush, cleaning solution, disposable lungs and airways, samples of non-adhesive dressings, pictures of venomous animals/insects or preserved specimens, and blankets, pillows and towels

Range Statement  

TDMMF1007B PROVIDE ELEMENTARY FIRST AID 

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

VARIABLE 

SCOPE 

1 . GENERAL CONTEXT 

a .

Work must be carried out :

1

in compliance with relevant maritime regulations and established first aid procedures

b .

Work is performed :

1

in accordance with established procedures pending the arrival of qualified medical assistance, with limited accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes

c .

Work involves :

1

the application of a knowledge of the basic techniques required to provide first aid to others, including crew and/or passengers during a real or simulated first aid situation on board a vessel or at another maritime workplace

d .

Work requires :

1

appropriate skill in recognising and confirming the nature and extent of injury or illness and the provision of first aid within the limits of responsibility of the person concerned. First aid may need to be provided in remote situations

2 . WORKSITE ENVIRONMENT 

a 

First aid procedures may be carried out :

1

on any Australian or international commercial vessel

2

at another maritime workplace such as a wharf or terminal

b 

First aid procedures may be carried out :

1

by day or night in both normal and emergency situations

2

under any possible conditions of weather and sea

3

while underway

4

when at anchor

5

when moored

Range Statement  (continued )

TDMMF1007B PROVIDE ELEMENTARY FIRST AID 

VARIABLE 

SCOPE 

c 

First aid may need to be provided in situations involving :

1

acute illness and/or injury

2

laceration, abrasion and a deep puncture wounds

3

respiratory failure and breathing difficulty

4

shock as a result of severe injury

5

abdominal, pelvic and chest injuries

6

fractures of limbs

7

poisoning, bites and stings

8

sprains, strains and dislocations

9

facial, ear and eye injuries

10

suspected head, neck and back injuries

d 

Conditions requiring special first aid procedures may include :

1

explosion injuries

2

burns

3

poisons and envenomation

4

hypothermia and hyperthermia

e 

First aid resources may include :

1

a medicine cabinet on a vessel or at another maritime workplace

2

first aid boxes

3

emergency first aid carry bags

4

specific first aid resources such as:

i roller bandages

ii triangular bandages

iii splints (improvisable)

iv face shields

v face masks

vi cleaning swabs

vii cleaning brush

viii cleaning solution

ix non-adhesive dressings

Range Statement  (continued )

TDMMF1007B PROVIDE ELEMENTARY FIRST AID 

f 

Documentation and records may include :

1

relevant sections of maritime regulations dealing with the administration of first aid on board a vessel or at another maritime workplace

2

Australian First Aid, The Authorised Manual of St John Ambulance Australia, (Melbourne) Australia. Latest edition (or equivalent)

3

company and vessel safety and first aid policy and procedures

4

instructions of relevant maritime and health authorities related to the administration of first aid of persons on board a vessel or at another maritime workplace

g 

Applicable legislation , regulations and codes may include :

1

relevant sections of maritime regulations concerning first aid requirements

2

relevant sections of AMSA Marine Orders concerning first aid requirements

3

relevant sections of the Australian USL Code concerning first aid requirements

4

relevant regulations of State/Territory marine authorities dealing with first aid

5

Commonwealth, State and Territory OH&S legislation

Relationship to other units 

The unit may be assessed in conjunction with other units that relate to the functions of the occupation(s) concerned