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 defibrillationcardioversion

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 clients vital functions

Perform defibrillationcardioversion 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 defibrillationcardioversion

Recognise emergency conditions

Respond to emergencies and maintain clients 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 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 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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace

Evidence gathered from clinical work environment

Written assignmentsprojects 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 playsimulation

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

Clinical emergencies must include:

Clients requiring anaesthetic may include:

Emergency equipment may include:

Physiological parameters

Drugs and dilutents and fluids may include:

Infusion equipment may include:

Providing assistance at the request of the anaesthetist may include: