ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify suspected spinal injury

1.1 Signs and symptoms from a conscious casualty that may suggest a spinal injury are identified.

1.2 Signs of life in an unconscious casualty are confirmed.

1.3 Basic life support protocols are followed with care for casualty's spine where casualty exhibits no signs of life.

1.4 Likely causes of unconsciousness that may suggest a spinal injury are identified.

1.5 Emergency medical aid is requested.

2. Immobilise cervical spine

2.1 Casualty is communicated with to provide reassurance and to explain the need to minimise movement of their spine.

2.2 Casualty is measured and appropriately sized cervical collar is selected.

2.3 Cervical collar is applied ensuring correct location and tension is applied.

2.4 Conscious standing casualty is assisted to supine position in accordance with organisational procedures and availability of personnel.

3. Evaluate need to move casualty

3.1 Potential hazards to first aider and to casualty are identified.

3.2 Risk of not moving the casualty while waiting for medical aid to arrive is evaluated.

3.3 Plan to move casualty is developed.

4. Prepare casualty for transport

4.1 Casualty is communicated with to provide reassurance and the need to immobilise the casualty for transport is explained.

4.2 Equipment to immobilise the casualty's spine is selected.

4.3 Immobilisation equipment is applied in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and organisational procedures.

5. Transport and monitor casualty

5.1 Casualty is transported away from hazards ensuring smooth movements are used by team.

5.2 Team is directed in coordinated lifting movement and lowering of casualty.

5.3 Casualty is monitored during transport.

6. Perform casualty handover

6.1 Details of incident are communicated to medical personnel.

6.2 Assistance is given to medical personnel as requested.

6.3 Debriefing with supervisor or other operational staff is undertaken.

6.4 Relevant log books are completed according to organisational requirements.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

assess casualty

communicate effectively with casualty to provide reassurance

use safe manual handling skills

Required Knowledge

common causes of spinal injuries relevant to the work environment

risks associated with moving a casualty with a suspected spinal injury

safe manual handling techniques

signs and symptoms of suspected spinal injury

techniques for manual stabilisation

types of spinal immobilisation equipment available

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 competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

identify casualty with a suspected spinal injury

evaluate the need to move casualty with a suspected spinal injury

immobilise casualty prior to moving

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of first aid incidents or scenarios requiring management of suspected spinal injuries.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed by managing suspected spinal injuries during first aid scenarios.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

equipment used in managing suspected spinal injuries

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Signs and symptoms of a suspected spinal injury may include:

back or neck pain

dilated pupils

head injuries

headache or dizziness

increased muscle tone

loss of bladder/bowel control

loss of function in hands or feet

prioprism

tingling or lack of feeling in upper or lower limbs

Signs of life may include:

breathing

consciousness

movement

Basic life support protocols include:

Australian resuscitation council guidelines

Likely causes of unconsciousness that may suggest a spinal injury may include:

diving accident

fall from a height

industrial accident

motor vehicle accident

severe penetrating wounds (impaled, gunshot)

significant blow to the head

sporting accident

Hazards may include:

fire

traffic

water

Transport may include:

carrying casualty

using a vehicle

Equipment may include:

cervical collars

scoop stretchers

spine boards and strapping

stokes baskets

Monitoring casualty may include:

Assessing vital signs such as:

level of consciousness

breathing rate

pulse rate

skin colour and temperature

Remaining with casualty

Details may include:

casualty injuries

treatment provided

Assistance may include:

carrying casualty

performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)