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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare to treat complex cases of post mortem complications.
  2. Treat deceased persons with advanced decomposition.
  3. Treat frozen deceased persons.
  4. Treat deceased organ and tissue donors.
  5. Treat deceased persons with tissue gas.
  6. Treat deceased persons with major trauma.
  7. Complete documentation and clean instruments, equipment and mortuary area.
  8. Prepare to treat complex cases of post mortem complications.
  9. Treat deceased persons with advanced decomposition.
  10. Treat frozen deceased persons.
  11. Treat deceased organ and tissue donors.
  12. Treat deceased persons with tissue gas.
  13. Treat deceased persons with major trauma.
  14. Complete documentation and clean instruments, equipment and mortuary area.

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

identify treatment requirements through a pre-embalming case analysis and treat complex cases of post mortem complications using correct techniques and following work health and safety/occupational health and safety and infection control practices

prepare mortuary area and select and use the required instruments and equipment

clean, disinfect and sterilise the mortuary area, instruments and equipment at conclusion of the treatment

complete the case analysis report.

Evidence of performance of treating two or more complex post mortem cases is required to demonstrate consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.


Knowledge Evidence

Demonstrated knowledge of:

requirements for preparing the mortuary facility

mortuary equipment, instruments and materials and associated uses

cause and effect of people who have died of infectious and other diseases or complications and the embalming implications of these conditions

specific body examination techniques for tissue gas

case specific chemicals, strengths and volume

properties of cauterising agents

anatomical and linear guides for selected arteries raised

hypodermic insertion procedures for tissue gas cases

areas to be treated with restorative work for trauma cases

hazards, complications and problems that may be associated with treating complex cases of post mortem complications, including:

sharps injuries

needle stick injuries

blood splash

infection

chemical spill

wet area

application of standard precautions, including

use of personal protective equipment

presumption that all blood and body fluids are infectious

covering exposed cuts and abrasions, particularly on workers’ hands, with waterproof coverings prior to commencement of work

immediate treatment of puncture wounds or abrasions

funeral services industry parameters and protocols for dealing with the deceased, including social, cultural and religious considerations

federal, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations in relevant to work health and safety/occupational health and safety, infection control and handling human remains

environmental impacts regarding embalming procedures and minimal impact practices to reduce these

correct and environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of waste and in particular for hazardous substances

workplace policies and procedures in relation to treating tissue gas.