ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess casualty and develop management plan

1.1 Hazards are identified, minimised and if possible removed, in accordance with state/territory regulatory requirements

1.2 Casualty is reassured and positioned in a suitable position

1.3 Evaluation of signs and symptoms is undertaken to determine the casualty's condition

1.4 Casualty's condition is analysed to determine treatment requirements

1.5 Management plan is developed based on the results of the casualty assessment and the availability of equipment

1.6 Medical aid is arranged as soon as possible, consistent with maintaining casualty safety

2. Check equipment

2.1 Pre-use check of safety and potential effectiveness of equipment is undertaken in accordance with operating procedures, Australian Standards and regulatory requirements

2.2 Minor faults are diagnosed and repairs are carried out to restore equipment to working order in accordance with organisational procedures

2.3 Faults and defects are reported/recorded in accordance with organisational procedures

3. Attach and operate equipment

3.1 Equipment is set up in accordance with manufacturer's instructions

3.2 AED is attached and operated as per manufacturer's guidelines and safety procedures

3.3 Work is undertaken cooperatively with person conducting resuscitation techniques

4. Recover and restore equipment

4.1 Equipment is cleaned, discarded or disinfected, restocked and/or replenished in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturer's guidelines

4.2 Equipment is charged, stored and safeguarded against damage or loss in accordance with organisational procedures

4.3 Reports are completed and submitted to appropriate personnel

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

Required Skills

communicate effectively

manage self and own work

manage time

participate as a team member

use resuscitation equipment and techniques

Required Knowledge

Australian Resuscitation Council standards

circulatory system

common cardiac rhythms

defibrillation safety

duty of care

effective adherence of pads

electrical action of the heart

management of COAD/CAL casualties

mechanical action of the heart

organisational procedures for cleaning and discarding equipment in terms of environmental management and sustainability

positioning of electrodes pads

precautions for safe storage and handling of defibrillator resuscitation and kits - specifications

principles of operation and troubleshooting

relevant Australian Standards

relevant state/territory legislative and regulatory requirements

respiratory system

roles and responsibilities of team members

SAED basic operations

safety precautions

shock delivery protocols

shockable rhythms

techniques for maintenance and battery changes

verbal and non-verbal communication techniques

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:

apply safe work practices while using an AED

manage the situation in a calm and orderly manner and to take every action to ensure the safety and comfort of the casualty.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time across a range of emergency situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in a simulated emergency situation.

Simulation should recreate realistic emergency situations in which the individual is exposed to the full range of hazards and is placed under the same pressures and timelines associated with operating a an AED in an emergency situation.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

defibrillation equipment/kit

appropriate resuscitation manikin

suitable site or training area to simulate an emergency situation

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.

Hazards include:

contact with patient during defibrillation

conductive surfaces (water, fluids, metal)

explosive environments (oxygen, gases, fumes)

unstable environment

Regulatory requirements may include:

Australian Resuscitation Council requirements

relevant state/territory regulatory requirements

Casualties may include:

adults

children over 8 years old/25 kg

Signs and symptoms may include:

casualty history

details of incident

medical history

physical appearance

vital signs

Equipment may include:

gauze wipes

gloves

razors

resuscitation masks

SAED equipment used for delivery of external defibrillation

shears

spare AED pads

spare battery

Pre-use check may include:

battery life

environmental factors that affect operation

existence of suitable prominent warnings about precautions to be observed

for damage or malfunctions

pad use by date

to replenish and/or restore

Reporting/recording faults and defects may include:

filling out and processing standard forms

verbal communication