ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Conduct initial assessment of sports injuries.

1.1. Identify details of the incident in consultation with the athlete according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.2. Identify and assess the injury or condition of the athlete according to organisational policies, relevant legislation and current first aid procedures.

1.3. Request assistance from relevant medical personnel as required according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Inform and reassure the injured athlete and other relevant stakeholders, where appropriate, of initial actions to manage the injury using appropriate communication techniques.

2. Manage the injury.

2.1. Assess the need to transport injured athletes and carry out according to best practice guidelines and organisational policies and procedures.

2.2. Consult with injured athlete where appropriate to identify contraindications to treatment according to best practice and organisational policies and procedures.

2.3. Select and apply appropriate first aid techniques to provide initial management of the injury or condition according to best practice and organisational policies and procedures.

2.4. Follow relevant infection control procedures, especially in relation to wound management.

2.5. Operate first aid equipment as required according to manufacturer's instructions and organisational policies and procedures.

2.6. Monitor injured athlete's condition and response to treatment according to organisational policies and procedures.

2.7. Reassess treatment and amend appropriately in response to changes in athlete's condition.

3. Complete and process reports.

3.1. Communicate information about the injury and its management to medical personnel as required according to organisational policies and procedures.

3.2. Record athlete's injury information according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

4. Evaluate injury management outcomes.

4.1. Review the management of the injury in consultation with appropriate personnel.

4.2. Evaluate own performance and identify potential improvements for future initial management of injury.

4.3. Make modifications to injury management techniques where required in response to feedback from appropriate personnel and own self reflection outcomes.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with athletes to identify their condition and establish the presence of contraindications to treatment

convey information to athletes about initial management of injuries

provide medical personnel with information about the athlete's injury and initial management techniques

language and literacy skills to document relevant details of the injury and its management

problem-solving skills to select and apply appropriate first aid management techniques for the injury and adjust in response to athlete's changing condition

self-management skills to review and reflect on own performance

teamwork skills to liaise with health personnel and follow instructions.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable the effective and safe initial management of sports injuries

principles of biomechanics to enable the application of appropriate management techniques for sports injuries

anatomy and physiology to enable an understanding of the impact of sports injuries on the body and the most effective management of these injuries

first aid techniques and responses to enable initial management of commonly occurring soft and hard tissue sports injuries

techniques and precautions to enable the safe transportation of injured athletes

signs and symptoms of shock and its management

contraindications and precautions for managing sports injuries.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

operates effectively as a sports trainer within own roles and responsibilities and organisational systems and procedures to provide initial management of sports injuries

interacts with injured athletes and promptly assesses a range of injuries, including spinal and neck injuries, and undertakes initial management of injuries

selects and applies appropriate first aid techniques for the relevant injury and monitors the response of the athlete within organisational systems and best practice sports trainer principles

evaluates and reflects on own performance in managing the injury to identify ways in which initial management of the injury can be improved.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure assessment and initial management of sports injuries, including spinal and neck injuries, on multiple occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a sport training or competition setting or environment relevant to the specific sport or environment in which the candidate operates or intends to operate

athletes with real or simulated injuries relevant to the specific sport or environment in which the candidate operates or intends to operate

first aid equipment and facilities to provide management of sports injuries.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of applying appropriate assessment and first aid techniques

observation of interaction with athletes, including eliciting information and providing reassurance

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the principles of biomechanics in relation to the initial assessment and management of sports injuries

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

HLTFA301C Apply first aid.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Details of the incident may include:

what happened

the injured athlete

visual assessment of scene

environment

others at the scene.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

roles and responsibilities of a sports trainer

infection control

reporting and referral

emergency procedures.

Injury or condition may include:

soft tissue injuries

skin injuries

hard tissue injuries

medical conditions:

asthma

diabetes

epilepsy

spinal injuries

head injuries

heat exhaustion

cramps.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

infectious diseases

duty of care

privacy.

Current first aid procedures may include:

DR ABC regime

RICER regime

STOP regime

TOTAPS regime.

Relevant medical personnel may include:

medical practitioners

paramedics

physiotherapists.

Relevant stakeholders may include:

coach or coaches

parents or guardians

team captain

team manager

facility manager

facility owner.

Best practice guidelines may include:

Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines

specific sport industry guidelines

relevant national, state, territory or local organisations' and or associations' code of ethics or code of conduct.

First aid techniques may include:

resuscitation

application of pressure

application of ice packs

elevation

stabilisation of head and neck

application of dressings

application of splint or sling

fluid replacement.

Infection control procedures may include:

application of universal precautions

disposal of contaminated waste.

First aid equipment may include:

first aid kit

personal protective equipment

stretchers.

Changes in athlete's condition may include:

improvement

deterioration

signs of shock.

Athlete's injury information may include:

injury sustained

cause or causes of injury

treatment applied

response to treatment

changes in condition.