Assessor Resource

HLTAN405D
Provide assistance during an emergency

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Work is performed under the direction of the anaesthetist and requires broad knowledge, a range of well-developed skills and the ability to develop and apply solutions to a range of predictable and unpredictable problems. Individuals use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs

The unit includes assisting the anaesthetist in the management of the client's airway, including the removal of artificial airways, and assisting in the preparation and administration of a limited range of drugs (in accordance with national and state/territory legislation and organisation policies) which have been prescribed by the anaesthetist. It also includes providing assistance to the anaesthetist in monitoring and responding to changes or lack of changes in the client's condition during emergence phase of anaesthesia

All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Policy Documents, organisation policies and procedures, and infection control guidelines

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and respond to clinical emergencies and to initiate and perform basic or advanced life support

The unit includes the skills and knowledge required to assist the anaesthetist during an anaesthetic emergency

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not Applicable

Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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 this competency unit:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Assessment must include a written calculation test with 100% mastery

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace

Evidence gathered from clinical work environment

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.

Questioning - verbal and written

Role play/simulation

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

Related units:

This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

Altered physiology related to emergencies

Anatomy and physiology relevant to providing assistance in an emergency

Boundaries of responsibilities and ability to refer problems to supervisor, anaesthetist or other appropriate health professional

Drug administration, including routes and equipment used relevant to providing assistance in an emergency

Electrical safety requirements

Levels of consciousness

Maintenance of vital functions

Methods and procedures for dealing with emergencies

National legislation and local protocols for the administration of drugs relevant to providing assistance in an emergency

Principles of defibrillation/cardioversion

Types, properties, function and effect of drug groups related to resuscitation in accordance with Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists' policy documents

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Comply with organisation policies and procedures including those of WHS and infection control, and current standards

Identify various emergency conditions

Implement of current techniques for CPR and advanced life support in accordance with Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines

Locate and use emergency equipment

Maintain a client's vital functions

Perform defibrillation/cardioversion under supervision if directed by medical practitioner

Prepare equipment for the administration of drugs relevant to providing assistance in an emergency

Recognise current beliefs regarding rapid defibrillation/cardioversion

Recognise emergency conditions

Respond to emergencies and maintain client's vital functions

In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Deal with conflict

Display empathy with client and relatives

Numeracy skills may range from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, recording stock levels and statistical information

Oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in:

asking questions

providing clear information

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

using effective verbal and non verbal communication with a range of internal and external persons

competence in English or a community language, depending on client group and organisation requirements

Reading and writing skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation to a level of skill that includes reading and documenting clinical information and understanding complex policy and procedure manuals

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Use problem solving skills required include an ability to use available resources

Work with others within a team

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

Clinical emergencies must include:

Respiratory emergency (e.g. failed airway, bronchospasm, tension pneumothorax)

Laryngospasm

Ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmias e.g. cardiac arrest, VFVT asystole

Malignant hyperthermia

Hypovolaemic shock (e.g. massive blood loss)

Drug overdoses (e.g. convulsions, embolisms)

Anaphylactic shock (including latex allergies)

Aspiration

Clients requiring anaesthetic may include:

Neonates

Infants

Children

Adolescents

Adult

Elderly

Pregnant women

Emergency equipment may include:

Equipment for oxygen therapy

Suction equipment

Equipment for airway management

Intravenous access/therapy

Electro cardiograph monitor

Defibrillator/cardioverter

Blood pressure monitors, invasive and non-invasive

Pulse oximeter monitor

Gas monitor

Temperature monitor

Rapid infusion equipment

Physiological parameters

Circulation

Respiration

Neuromuscular function

Urine output

Drugs and dilutents and fluids may include:

Drugs relevant to emergency situations in accordance with Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists' Policy Documents

Water/saline solution

Glucose

Crystalloid, colloids and blood products

Infusion equipment may include:

Standard syringes

Pre-filled syringes

Hypodermic needles and drawing up cannula/needles

Ampoules

Needleless systems

Providing assistance at the request of the anaesthetist may include:

Siting venous cannula in accordance with state/territory and organisation guidelines ensuing:

client is informed and reassured throughout the procedure

individual needs of the client are checked and action to meet those needs is completed

optimum conditions to facilitate access are provided

cannulation is completed in an aseptic manner

cannula is adequately and safely secured and accessibility provided

waste is disposed of in accordance with waste management policies

Defibrillation

Airway management

Other assistance as requested by the anaesthetist/ medical officer

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Correctly interpret client's symptoms, respond to abnormalities and immediately report to the appropriate clinician 
Monitor and interpret equipment readings and immediately report any to the clinician 
Utilise personal protective equipment in accordance with standard and additional precautions 
Promptly obtain emergency equipment and make ready for the clinician 
Maintain client's vital functions pending attendance of medical staff 
Undertake emergency procedures as directed by the anaesthetist/medical officer 
Identify calls for assistance and ensure they are acted upon by attending staff member 
Correctly identify the need for and initiate CPR and summon medical assistance 
Establish and maintainclient's airway 
Position client to facilitate CPR 
Perform external cardiac compression and ventilation of the lungs correctly 
Assess client's physiological parameters continually and report variations/abnormalities immediately to the clinician 
Ensure administration of defibrillation occurs rapidly and safely under the supervision of a medical practitioner and/or according to organisation policy and procedure and Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines 
Document actions in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 
Ensure required drugs, diluents and fluids are to hand 
Ensure expiry date has not been exceeded for each drug, diluent or fluids 
Ensure prepared drug corresponds accurately to medical practitioners requirements in nature, quantity and dilution 
Check drugs with an authorised person prior to and after mixing 
Use correct equipment and maintain sterility of drug and dilutent 
Check final drug dilution with anaesthetist/medical office 
Undertake emergency procedures as directed by the anaesthetist/medical officer 
Complete documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTAN405D - Provide assistance during an emergency
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

HLTAN405D - Provide assistance during an emergency

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: