Application of skills described in this competency unit refers to emergency situations that are life-threatening

Pre-requisite units

This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisites:

HLTAMBAS501B Conduct clinical assessment

HLTAMBCR502B Deliver standard clinical care

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess situation in relation to safe extrication of the client in a life-threatening situation

1.1 Thoroughly assess factors impacting on safe extrication of client

1.2 Assess situation based on the relative importance of extrication as opposed to delivery of immediate client care

1.3 Assess situation to determine the most appropriate extrication procedures based on the estimated time available

1.4 Formulate extrication plan to best address life-threatening conditions

1.5 Formulate extrication plan placing paramount importance on client's condition and crew safety and welfare

1.6 Accurately identify additional resources needed to implement extrication plan

2. Implement procedures for safe extrication of the client in a life-threatening situation

2.1 Obtain additional resources to allow safe and timely extrication of the client

2.2 Implement extrication plan using equipment and personnel necessary to ensure safety and client welfare

2.3 Implement extrication procedure in conjunction with client care procedures to address life-threatening conditions

2.4 Negotiate and maintain means of safe extrication according to state and territory Occupational Health and Safety Acts, as well as organisation policies and procedures

2.5 Ensure actions are in accordance with local ambulance standard operation procedure

3. Monitor extrication procedure under life-threatening conditions

3.1 Monitor extrication procedure based on the relative importance of extrication as opposed to the need for immediate client care

3.2 Continually monitor extrication procedure to ensure ongoing safety of the client and personnel

3.3 Constantly monitor extrication procedure to determine its impact on the condition of the client

3.4 Modify extrication procedure as necessary based on assessment of all factors

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:

Use and availability of a wide variety of extrication equipment

Availability of a wide variety of extrication skills and knowledge

Support available from related services and organisations

OHS policies and procedures relevant to the extrication of clients

Client care under these circumstances

Factors which may affect safe extrication and client welfare

Extrication procedures and their potential impact on client welfare and condition

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Demonstrate:

extrication of clients under a variety of life-threatening conditions and situations

extrication of clients in situations which cannot be catered for with the use of routinely available equipment and skills

correct usage of various types of extrication equipment

compliance with OHS requirements during procedures

ensuring that the welfare of client and crew is paramount in extrication procedures

Use problem solving skills including:

using available resources

analysing information

making decisions that ensure the safe access/egress and client welfare in a life-threatening 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:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Evidence must include observation of performance in the workplace or in a simulated work situation

Where, for reasons of safety, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible.

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.

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 and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Extrication involves:

Releasing clients from situations in which they are trapped by their own disability or by injury or external factors

Life-threatening situations are those in which:

The client's life is put at risk or further jeopardised by their entrapment

Equipment may include, but is not limited to:

Spinal immobilisation devices

Stretcher

Carry sheet

Lifting equipment

Additional resources may include, but are not limited to:

Ambulance personnel and equipment

Specialist knowledge and skills

Support of other related services (police, fire, rescue)

Resources may include, but are not limited to:

Equipment

Personnel

Procedures may include, but are not limited to:

Assisting disabled clients

Lifting equipment

Carry chair

Carry sheet

Spine immobilisation equipment

This unit contains Employability Skills