Unit of competency details

UNIT DESCRIPTOR:

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to provide medical first aid on board an ocean-going vessel in accordance with procedures as specified in the publications : (1 ) International Medical Guide for Ships , (2 ) Medical Section of the International Code of Signals and  (3 ) Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents involving Dangerous Goods . This includes providing first aid in a medical emergency on-board a vessel , seeking assistance from shore-based medical advisers where necessary and carrying out first aid as directed by shore-based medical advisers .

Application of the unit 

The unit applies to qualifications for all officers and engineers in command and watchkeeping positions on ocean-going vessels, including: Advanced Diploma of Transport&Distribution(Maritime Operations - Master Unlimited), Advanced Diploma of Transport&Distribution(Marine Engineering Class 1), Advanced Diploma of Transport&Distribution(Marine Engineering Class 2), Diploma of Transport&Distribution(Maritime Operations - Deck Watchkeeper), Diploma of Transport&Distribution(Coastal Maritime Operations - Master Class 3), Diploma of Transport&Distribution(Marine Engineering - Engineer Watchkeeper, and Diploma of Transport&Distribution(Coastal Marine Engineering - Engineer Class 3).

Licensing /legislative requirements 

Relevant maritime regulations, including Commonwealth, State and Territory regulations and pertinent international conventions and codes.

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 

Provide medical first aid on board a vessel 

a

A patient condition assessment is carried out in accordance with established first aid procedures and the nature of injury or illness is established

b

Appropriate first aid procedures are used to manage the identified injury or illness

c

Where there are doubts over the seriousness of the injury or illness and how to treat the patient, assistance is sought from shore-based medical advisers

d

Aseptic techniques are applied during any wound dressing

e

The position of the patient is adjusted to optimise personal comfort for the medical condition or injury concerned

f

Hygiene measures are appropriate for the degree of illness or injury

g

Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation techniques are correctly applied where required

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 

Provide medical first aid on board a vessel 

(continued )

h

Oxi-viva equipment is used where required as per procedures and instructions

i

Condition of the patient is regularly monitored both visually and through appropriate measures of bodily signs

j

k

2 

Seek assistance from shore-based medical advisers 

a

Correct procedures are used to access radio medical advice when necessary to provide first aid in a medical emergency on board a vessel

b

Protocols and procedures required when seeking radio medical advice for accident and injury are followed

3 

Carry out first aid procedures as directed by shore-based medical advisers 

a

Symptoms, signs and descriptions of assessments made of a patient's condition are relayed to the shore-based adviser

b

First aid procedures are carried out as directed by shore-based advisers

c

Advice from shore-based advisers is complemented by reference to relevant marine publications on medical care on board a vessel

4 

Maintain vessel's medicine resources 

a

The vessel's medicine resources are maintained in accordance with company procedures and health regulations

b

Records are kept of the storage and use of medicine resources in accordance with regulatory requirements and company procedures

5 

Maintain medical records 

a

Records of medical first aid provided on-board a vessel are kept in accordance with regulatory requirements and company procedures

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE  

This describes the knowledge required for this unit.

1

Relevant sections of maritime regulations

2

ISM safety management system procedures (where applicable)

3

Emergencies, injuries and medical problems that may occur on board a vessel and appropriate action, treatments and solutions

4

Relevant OH&S and health legislation and policies

5

Duties and responsibilities of the designated first aid officer on board a vessel

6

Medical first aid procedures

7

DRABC action plans for various first aid situations

8

Shipboard procedures for:

a

conducting an initial patient first aid assessment

b

managing injuries

c

managing medical emergencies

d

carrying out resuscitation techniques

e

managing medicine resources

9

Techniques for care of wounds

10

Ways in which disease can spread on board a vessel and ways of preventing the spread

11

Legal issues related to the administration of drugs and medicines on board a vessel

12

Information on body structures and functions relevant to possible injury, illnesses and disease

13

Communication techniques related to health care and receiving radio advice from shore-based advisers

14

Marine publications containing information on first aid and medical treatment on board a vessel

REQUIRED SKILLS 

This describes the basic skills required for this unit.

1

Read and interpret instructions, procedures and information relevant to the provision of medical first aid on board a vessel

2

Work as a team with others on matters relevant to the provision of medical first aid on board a vessel

3

Select and use appropriate communications equipment

4

Take appropriate initiatives related to the provision of medical first aid on board a vessel

5

Interpret and apply medical first aid practices and regulations

6

Communicate effectively with others on matters related to the provision of medical first aid on board a vessel

7

Modify activities dependent on differing contingencies, risk situations and environments

8

Identify and solve problems associated with the provision of medical first aid on board a vessel and report and take appropriate action based on available information

9

Monitor and anticipate problems related to the provision of medical first aid on board a vessel and take appropriate action

Evidence Guide  

TDMMF1807B APPLY MEDICAL FIRST AID ON BOARD A VESSEL 

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

Identify and prioritise the need for medical first aid in medical emergencies

b

Administer medical first aid on board a vessel

c

Administer critical first aid procedures as directed by shore-based medical advisers

d

Manage medicine resources on board a vessel

e

Communicate effectively with others during medical emergencies and health care

f

Maintain medical records 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

providing medical care on board a vessel

2

identifying and evaluating medical problems and emergencies and taking appropriate courses of action

3

identifying and implementing improvements to medical care on a vessel

4

applying aseptic and other precautionary techniques when carrying out medical procedures on board a vessel

c

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures, including:

1

relevant maritime regulations

2

OH&S regulations and medical care policies and procedures

3

relevant medical and first aid instructions

4

shipboard safety procedures

d

Action is taken promptly to report and/or respond to injuries and medical incidents in accordance with established 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 )

TDMMF1807B APPLY MEDICAL FIRST AID ON BOARD A VESSEL 

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, and

2

Appropriate practical assessment must occur:

i

at the registered training organisation; and/or

ii

on an appropriate working or training vessel

4 

Specific resources required for assessment 

Access is required to opportunities to:

a

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

b

assist in the real or simulated medical first aid procedures on board an operational vessel

Note: Simulated first aid situations and assessments may require access to resuscitation mannequins, auxiliary resuscitation items, disposable gloves, bandages, pads, gauzes, slings, water squeeze bottle or tap, pictures of venomous animals/insects or preserved specimens, and blankets, pillows and towels

Range Statement  

TDMMF1807B APPLY MEDICAL FIRST AID ON BOARD A VESSEL 

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

b .

Work is performed :

1

under broad operational requirements, 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 crew and/or passengers during a medical emergency on board a vessel. Provision of first aid in accordance with company procedures and limits of officer's/rating's responsibility is required

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. First aid may be provided under remote direction and advice from shore-based medical advisers

2 . WORKSITE ENVIRONMENT 

a 

Vessel may include :

1

any Australian or international commercial vessel

b 

Medical 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 loading

3

while underway or at anchor

4

during quarantine procedures when entering port

c 

Medical emergencies may include :

1

heart attack

2

stroke

Range Statement  (continued )

TDMMF1807B APPLY MEDICAL FIRST AID ON BOARD A VESSEL 

VARIABLE 

SCOPE 

c 

Medical emergencies may include :

(continued )

3

asthma

4

diabetes

5

epilepsy

d 

Management of injuries on board a vessel may include :

1

external bleeding

2

an amputation

3

a foreign body in the eye

4

a penetrating chest wound

5

a nose bleed

6

internal bleeding

7

fractures, sprains, strains and dislocations

8

electric shock

9

Asphyxia

e 

Conditions requiring special first aid procedures may include :

1

explosion injuries

2

burns

3

poisons and envenomation

4

hypothermia and hyperthermia

f 

Medicine resources may include :

1

vessel's medicine cabinet

2

first aid boxes

3

emergency first aid carry bags

g 

Documentation and records may include :

1

relevant sections of applicable maritime regulations

2

International Medical Guide for Ships

3

Medical Section of the International Code of Signals

4

Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents involving Dangerous Goods

5

Marine Drug Guide

6

vessel's log and medical records

7

drug register

8

instructions of relevant maritime, health and quarantine authorities

Range Statement  (continued )

TDMMF1807B APPLY MEDICAL FIRST AID ON BOARD A VESSEL 

VARIABLE 

SCOPE 

h 

Applicable legislation , regulations and codes may include :

1

IMO STCW 95 Convention and Code

2

relevant sections of AMSA Marine Orders

3

relevant international, Commonwealth, State and Territory health and quarantine regulations

4

relevant international, 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.