Work is performed under the direction of the anaesthetist and requires broad knowledge, a range of well-developed skills and the ability to develop and apply solutions to a range of predictable and unpredictable problems. Individuals use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs The unit includes assisting the anaesthetist in the management of the client's airway, including the removal of artificial airways, and assisting in the preparation and administration of a limited range of drugs (in accordance with national and state/territory legislation and organisation policies) which have been prescribed by the anaesthetist. It also includes providing assistance to the anaesthetist in monitoring and responding to changes or lack of changes in the client's condition during emergence phase of anaesthesia All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Policy Documents, organisation policies and procedures, and infection control guidelines |
Not Applicable
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Identify and respond to clinical emergencies | 1.1 Correctly interpret client's symptoms, respond to abnormalities and immediately report to the appropriate clinician 1.2 Monitor and interpret equipment readings and immediately report any to the clinician 1.3 Utilise personal protective equipment in accordance with standard and additional precautions 1.4 Promptly obtain emergency equipment and make ready for the clinician 1.5 Maintain client's vital functions pending attendance of medical staff 1.6 Undertake emergency procedures as directed by the anaesthetist/medical officer 1.7 Identify calls for assistance and ensure they are acted upon by attending staff member |
2. Identify the need for and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) | 2.1 Correctly identify the need for and initiate CPR and summon medical assistance 2.2 Establish and maintainclient's airway 2.3 Position client to facilitate CPR 2.4 Perform external cardiac compression and ventilation of the lungs correctly 2.5 Assess client's physiological parameters continually and report variations/abnormalities immediately to the clinician 2.6 Ensure administration of defibrillation occurs rapidly and safely under the supervision of a medical practitioner and/or according to organisation policy and procedure and Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2.7 Document actions in accordance with organisation policies and procedures |
3. Prepare drugs and fluids for administration in emergency situations under the direction of the anaesthetist/medical officer | 3.1 Ensure required drugs, diluents and fluids are to hand 3.2 Ensure expiry date has not been exceeded for each drug, diluent or fluids 3.3 Ensure prepared drug corresponds accurately to medical practitioners requirements in nature, quantity and dilution 3.4 Check drugs with an authorised person prior to and after mixing 3.5 Use correct equipment and maintain sterility of drug and dilutent 3.6 Check final drug dilution with anaesthetist/medical office 3.7 Undertake emergency procedures as directed by the anaesthetist/medical officer 3.8 Complete documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures |
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: Altered physiology related to emergencies Anatomy and physiology relevant to providing assistance in an emergency Boundaries of responsibilities and ability to refer problems to supervisor, anaesthetist or other appropriate health professional Drug administration, including routes and equipment used relevant to providing assistance in an emergency Electrical safety requirements Levels of consciousness Maintenance of vital functions Methods and procedures for dealing with emergencies National legislation and local protocols for the administration of drugs relevant to providing assistance in an emergency Principles of defibrillation/cardioversion Types, properties, function and effect of drug groups related to resuscitation in accordance with Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists' policy documents |
Essential skills: It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to: Comply with organisation policies and procedures including those of WHS and infection control, and current standards Identify various emergency conditions Implement of current techniques for CPR and advanced life support in accordance with Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines Locate and use emergency equipment Maintain a client's vital functions Perform defibrillation/cardioversion under supervision if directed by medical practitioner Prepare equipment for the administration of drugs relevant to providing assistance in an emergency Recognise current beliefs regarding rapid defibrillation/cardioversion Recognise emergency conditions Respond to emergencies and maintain client's vital functions 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: Deal with conflict Display empathy with client and relatives Numeracy skills may range from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, recording stock levels and statistical information Oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in: asking questions providing clear information listening to and understanding workplace instructions clarifying workplace instructions when necessary using effective verbal and non verbal communication with a range of internal and external persons competence in English or a community language, depending on client group and organisation requirements Reading and writing skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation to a level of skill that includes reading and documenting clinical information and understanding complex policy and procedure manuals Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues Use problem solving skills required include an ability to use available resources Work with others within a team |
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 workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible Assessment must include a written calculation test with 100% mastery |
Context of and specific resources for assessment: | Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols |
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 |
Method of assessment | Observation in the workplace Evidence gathered from clinical work environment Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice. Questioning - verbal and written Role play/simulation Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision |
Related units: | This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged |
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. | |
Clinical emergencies must include: | Respiratory emergency (e.g. failed airway, bronchospasm, tension pneumothorax) Laryngospasm Ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmias e.g. cardiac arrest, VFVT asystole Malignant hyperthermia Hypovolaemic shock (e.g. massive blood loss) Drug overdoses (e.g. convulsions, embolisms) Anaphylactic shock (including latex allergies) Aspiration |
Clients requiring anaesthetic may include: | Neonates Infants Children Adolescents Adult Elderly Pregnant women |
Emergency equipment may include: | Equipment for oxygen therapy Suction equipment Equipment for airway management Intravenous access/therapy Electro cardiograph monitor Defibrillator/cardioverter Blood pressure monitors, invasive and non-invasive Pulse oximeter monitor Gas monitor Temperature monitor Rapid infusion equipment |
Physiological parameters | Circulation Respiration Neuromuscular function Urine output |
Drugs and dilutents and fluids may include: | Drugs relevant to emergency situations in accordance with Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists' Policy Documents Water/saline solution Glucose Crystalloid, colloids and blood products |
Infusion equipment may include: | Standard syringes Pre-filled syringes Hypodermic needles and drawing up cannula/needles Ampoules Needleless systems |
Providing assistance at the request of the anaesthetist may include: | Siting venous cannula in accordance with state/territory and organisation guidelines ensuing: client is informed and reassured throughout the procedure individual needs of the client are checked and action to meet those needs is completed optimum conditions to facilitate access are provided cannulation is completed in an aseptic manner cannula is adequately and safely secured and accessibility provided waste is disposed of in accordance with waste management policies Defibrillation Airway management Other assistance as requested by the anaesthetist/ medical officer |
Not Applicable
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Not Applicable