This unit applies to coordination of ambulance services

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Allocate ambulance service resources

1.1 Prioritise requests for service in accordance with local ambulance standard operation procedure

1.2 Assess available resources in accordance with local ambulance standard operation procedure

1.3 Allocate resources to emergency, non-emergency and special requests in accordance with local ambulance standard operation procedure

2. Dispatch ambulance service resources

2.1 Provide adequate, clear, timely and accurate situation briefing to assigned personnel

2.2 Record communication according to local ambulance standard operation procedure

2.3 Dispatch ambulance resources within timeframes set by the Ambulance Service and in accordance with local ambulance standard operation procedure

3. Monitor progress of assigned personnel

3.1 Confirm arrival of assigned personnel at scene of incident/situation according to co-ordination procedures

3.2 Establish capacity of assigned personnel to deal with the situation/incident at earliest opportunity

3.3 Identify need for additional resources and arrange as needed

3.4 Arrange and monitor arrival at receiving facility

3.5 Note availability of personnel and vehicle for re-assignment according to local ambulance standard operation procedure

3.6 Notify peer support/critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) team

4. Maintain records of Ambulance Service co-ordination activity

4.1 Maintain dispatch records of ambulance vehicle and personnel according to local ambulance standard operation procedure

4.2 Summon and maintain records of supplementary resources according to local ambulance standard operation procedure

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:

Local standard ambulance operation procedure

Use of communications equipment and systems

Available resources and their application

Other emergency and non-emergency services and their function

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Deal with a variety of situations with variable factors, such as:

nature of incident/request

extent or severity of incident/request

skill/knowledge needs

equipment needs

Deal with situations where varying incidents/requests must be assessed against available resources and skills

Demonstrate sound judgement in all aspects of assigning ambulance resource in response to requests for service

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:

Use problem solving skills including:

using available resources

analysing information

making decisions that ensure the most efficient and effective use of resources

Use oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles as specified by the organisation, including:

asking questions

active listening

negotiating solutions

acknowledging and responding to a range of views

Use interpersonal skills, including:

working with others

liaising with personnel from other emergency services

relating to persons from differing cultural, social and religious backgrounds

Use written communication skills (literacy competence) required to fulfil job roles as specified by organisation, including:

accurately recording dispatch instructions

maintaining records as required

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 performance in the work environment is preferable
However, where workplace observation is insufficient to demonstrate competence, simulations and/or case studies may be used as supporting evidence

Evidence of workplace performance over time must be obtained to inform a judgement of competence

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.

Requests may include, but are not limited to:

Emergency requests

Non-emergency services such as hospital discharges, hospital transport

Special requests

Multi casualty incidents

Prioritising may include, but is not limited to:

Nature of request

Source of request

Analysis of available information

Assessed urgency of request presented by on-site doctor, medical staff or ambulance officer

Based on a sound clinical understanding of the symptoms presented

Timeframes set by the Ambulance Service

Ambulance service resources may include, but is not limited to:

Road

Aviation

Maritime

Resource allocation assessed on, but not limited to:

Location of incident/situation

Specific skill/equipment needs

Availability of resources i.e. specific skills of available crew

Local ambulance standard operation procedure

Additional resources may include, but are not limited to:

Additional ambulance personnel and/or equipment

Other services (fire, police, rescue)

Medical support

Counselling services

Interpreters

Receiving facilities may include, but are not limited to:

Hospitals

Medical clinics

Nursing homes

This unit contains Employability Skills

Pre -requisite units

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

HLTAMBC401C Receive a request for service