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

Detailed knowledge to enable accurate judgement and delivery of specialised client care in the field of emergency out of hospital care

Detailed understanding of the structure and function of major organs appropriate to this level including a detailed understanding of heart structure and function including electrophysiology dysrrhythmias

Cell transport systems

An understanding of pharmacological processes and drug actions indications and contraindications appropriate to this level

Understanding of cellular respiration glycolysis Krebs Cycle electron transport chain and ATP production

Recognition of the signs and symptoms of a broad range of clinical conditions and the provisional diagnosis of same

An advanced comprehension of trauma issues

An advanced understanding of medical emergencies including diving altitude temperature OD and poisoning crush injuries and obstetrics

Understanding of the effects of intrinsic age health etc and extrinsic environment medications etc factors on client condition and treatment

Maintenance systems including immunity and haemostasis

Procedures and equipment in accordance with organisation policies relating to specialised client care

Client psychology related to trauma

Receiving facility requirements or how to access these requirements

Function of documentation being provided

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Assess client and implement procedures needed for client care under a variety of conditions and circumstances

Demonstrate the capacity to take into account subtle factors affecting the clients condition from a broad range of areas

Make a sound judgement based on knowledge

Accurately complete all documentation and supply all relevant client information to receiving facility staff under a variety of conditions and circumstances including routine nonroutine and emergency including

correct use of approved documents

correct documentation of client and incident details

interaction with receiving facility personnel

Apply a wide range of detailed knowledge and advanced skills eg ECG interpretation to diagnose and deliver appropriate care for an extensive range of clinical conditions

Apply knowledge and understanding to familiar and unfamiliar situations

Apply the clinical problem solving process as it applies to specialised client care

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

Use problem solving skills including

using available resources

analysing information

making decisions that ensure the safe accessegress and client welfare in a lifethreatening situation

Use oral communication skills language competence required to fulfil job roles as specified by the organisation including

asking questions

active listening

asking for clarification from client or other persons at the scene

negotiating solutions

acknowledging and responding to a range of views

Use written communication skills literacy competence required to fulfil job roles as specified by organisation including

reading and understanding incident reports and case management materials

preparing handover reports for receiving agency staff

Use interpersonal skills including

working with others

showing empathy with client and relatives

relating to persons from differing cultural social and religious backgrounds

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

Assessment must establish acquisition of Essential Knowledge prior to assessment of skills application for this unit

Skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting laboratory

After successful completion of initial assessment further assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

Assessment must include evidence of competence in dealing with all situations outlined in Essential Skills section of this competency unit

Evidence must include demonstration over a period of time to ensure consistency of performance

Candidates must demonstrate their ability to apply essential knowledge and skills identified for this competency unit before undertaking independent workplace application

Candidates must provide evidence of their ability to apply all clinical competencies consistently over a minimum period of months as part of supervised clinical practice

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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following competency unit

HLTAMBASB Conduct advanced clinical assessment

HLTAMBAS604B Conduct advanced clinical assessment

Specialised intervention may include, but is not limited to:

Situation involves a client in need and may include, but is not limited to:

Mechanism of injury is obtained from a detailed description of what specifically happened physically to the client during an incident, such as:

Drug therapy used in the treatment of a client's condition may include but is not limited to:

Techniques which client's condition indicates would be of some benefit, may include, but are not limited to:

Reports may be verbal (oral or written) or non-verbal (with gestures), and types of documentation may include, but are not limited to:

Persons authorised to receive confidential information may include, but are not limited to:

Other acts and regulations are those specified in each state/territory that relate to:

Policy and procedures are organisation policies and procedures that relate to: