Application
This unit describes the skills required to provide the first response to a combat casualty.
This unit was developed for military personnel within an operational zone but may be relevant to others working in this field.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently and as part of a team, would use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs. They would perform complex tasks, in a range of unpredictable and sometimes hostile contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Assess casualty scene | 1.1 Identify, assess and manage immediate and ongoing hazards to health and safety of self and others. 1.2 Assess casualty's condition to determine appropriate response and need for assistance. 1.3 Communicate support requirements. |
2. Initiate response to casualty's condition | 2.1 Communicate with the casualty to provide reassurance. 2.2 Provide initial response to address casualty's condition in accordance with organisational procedures utilising available resources/equipment. 2.3 Document casualty's condition and treatment. 2.4 Prepare the casualty for evacuation. 2.5 Monitor casualty's condition and undertake ongoing response. |
3. Conclude the response | 3.1 Conduct hand over to higher qualified medical responders and assist as required. 3.2 Participate in debriefing/evaluation to improve future responses. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
demonstrating adequate infection control procedures, including standard precautions
demonstrating the following casualty care procedures for:
cardiac arrest
a casualty suffering from shock
a haemorrhaging casualty
applying dressings and bandages
immobilising fractures
chest, ballistic and abdominal wounds,
bites and stings
recording information using accurate terminology to describe medical conditions and treatments
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
principles behind the following casualty care procedures for:
unconscious casualties
burns injuries
eye, head, and crush injuries
heat and cold illnesses
anaphylaxis
drowning and near drowning
psychological impacts and responses associated with the provision of casualty care
relevant organisational policies, procedures and guidelines
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
ACSF levels indicitive of performance:
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
General