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 a demonstrated understanding of:
Awareness of stress management techniques and available support
Complications and associated methods of management for conditions, based on a risk assessment relevant to the workplace or community setting of:
abdominal injuries
allergic reactions
altered and loss of consciousness
asthma
anaphylaxis
bleeding
burns – thermal, chemical, friction, electrical
cardiac arrest
chest pain
choking/airway obstruction
drowning
envenomation – snake, spider, insect and marine bites and stings
environmental impact such as hypothermia, hyperthermia, dehydration, heat stroke
injuries- cold and crush injuries; eye and ear injuries; head, neck and spinal injuries; minor skin injuries; needle stick injuries; soft tissue injuries including sprains, strains, dislocations, fractures
medical conditions, including cardiac conditions, epilepsy, diabetes, asthma and other respiratory conditions
pain relief
poisoning and toxic substances (including chemical contamination)
respiratory distress
seizures
shock
stroke
substance misuse – common drugs and alcohol, including illicit drugs
unconsciousness, not breathing or not breathing normally
First aid management procedures in accordance with ARC Guidelines, guidelines of Australian national peak clinical bodies, State/Territory regulations, legislation and policies and organisation requirements including:
management of anaphylactic shock reaction
management of acute exacerbations of asthma
spinal care
use of AED, oxygen, bronchodilator
use of analgesic gases
First aid management procedures may also relate to emergency childbirth
Incident management procedures including:
awareness of confined spaces and dangerous places
basic triage for a multiple casualty incident
coordinate activities of other first aiders
manual handling, hazardous substances, dangerous goods or chemicals
removal of casualty to safe area, if appropriate
safe access to the casualty
Safety procedures for the operation of pressurised gases
Social issues, especially in particular workplace or community context(s) in which first aid is to be applied, including:
confidentiality
importance of debriefing
need to be culturally aware, sensitive and respectful
own skills and limitations
State and regulatory requirements relating to currency of skill and knowledge
Working knowledge of:
advanced resuscitation techniques as per HLTFA404C Apply advanced resuscitation techniques
ARC Guidelines, guidelines of Australian national peak clinical bodies and/or State/Territory regulations, legislation and policies relating to provision of first aid
basic anatomy (skeleton, muscles, joints, bones), physiology and toxicology
capabilities of emergency management services
company/organisation standard operating procedures (SOPs)
first aiders’ skills and limitations
how to gain access to and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
infection control principles and procedures, including using standard precautions
legal responsibilities and duty of care, including confidentiality
priorities of management in first aid
procedures for dealing with major and minor accidents in the workplace
safe storage and handling procedures for pressurised gases
work health and safety requirements in the provision of first aid.
Essential skills:
It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability 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:
Administer medication in line with State/Territory regulations, legislation and policies and any available medical/pharmaceutical instructions
Apply advanced resuscitation techniques as per HLTFA404C Apply advanced resuscitation techniques
Call an ambulance and/or medical assistance according to relevant circumstances and report casualty’s condition
Communicate effectively and assertively and show leadership in an incident
Comply with WHS legislation
Conduct an initial casualty assessment
Demonstrate:
adequate infection control procedures
consideration of the welfare of the casualty
safe manual handling
safe storage and handling procedures for pressurised gases
Demonstrate procedure for control of external bleeding
Demonstrate procedure for management of airway in the unconscious casualty including the safe and effective use of any airway adjuncts
Demonstrate proficiency in the safe and effective use of any fracture immobilisation equipment taught
Demonstrate the application of first aid principles
Demonstrate the correct posturing of a casualty
Interpret and use listed documents
Make prompt and appropriate decisions relating to managing an incident in the workplace
Manage specific injuries/illnesses and conditions as identified in the Essential Knowledge for this competency unit
Plan an appropriate first aid response in line with established first aid principles, policies and procedures, ARC Guidelines, guidelines of Australian national peak clinical bodies, State/Territory legislation and regulations and industry requirements and respond appropriately to contingencies in line with own skills
Prepare a written incident report or provide information to enable preparation of an incident report
Provide assistance with self-medication as per subject’s own medication regime and in line with State/Territory legislation, regulations and policies and any available medical/pharmaceutical instructions
Use a range of first aid equipment as outlined in the Range Statement
Use literacy and numeracy skills as required to read, interpret and apply guidelines