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

Required Skills

assess casualty

communicate effectively with casualty to provide reassurance

use safe manual handling skills

Required Knowledge

common causes of spinal injuries relevant to the work environment

risks associated with moving a casualty with a suspected spinal injury

safe manual handling techniques

signs and symptoms of suspected spinal injury

techniques for manual stabilisation

types of spinal immobilisation equipment available

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 competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to

identify casualty with a suspected spinal injury

evaluate the need to move casualty with a suspected spinal injury

immobilise casualty prior to moving

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of first aid incidents or scenarios requiring management of suspected spinal injuries

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed by managing suspected spinal injuries during first aid scenarios

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to

equipment used in managing suspected spinal injuries

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision andor mentoring which is typically recorded in a competency workbook

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industryapproved simulated work environment Forms of assessment that are typically used include

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions

Signs and symptoms of a suspected spinal injury may include:

Signs of life may include:

Basic life support protocols include:

Likely causes of unconsciousness that may suggest a spinal injury may include:

Hazards may include:

Transport may include:

Equipment may include:

Monitoring casualty may include:

Details may include:

Assistance may include: