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.

Overview of assessment

A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.

Assessment will occur using industrial treatment scenarios and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

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

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:

work individually, under supervision or as part of a First Aid team.

Assessment method and context

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

by using appropriate, industrial scenarios

in a situation allowing the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems

by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios

through a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.

In a major hazard facility, it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with:

PMPOHS200 Work safely

PMASUP220 Monitor and control environmental hazards.

Specific resources for assessment

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

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

Knowledge and understanding of basic life support measures sufficient to provide an initial response where First Aid is required within the scope of their responsibilities and competencies.

Knowledge and application of the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines.

The following knowledge should be demonstrated in assessment:

basic anatomy and physiology

company standard operating procedures (SOPs)

legal responsibilities and duty of care

dealing with confidentiality

knowledge of the first aiders' skills and limitations

Occupational Health and Safety legislation and regulations and requirements

how to gain access to and interpret materials safety data sheets (MSDSs)

First Aid management

State and Territory workplace health and safety requirements

allergies the casualty may have

location and nature of the workplace

the environmental conditions, eg electricity, biological risks, weather, motor vehicle accidents

location of emergency service personnel

the use and availability of First Aid equipment and resources

infection control

established First Aid principles, including:

- checking the site for danger to self, casualty and others and minimising the danger

- checking and maintaining the casualty's airway, breathing and circulation.

Evidence should demonstrate the following skills:

resuscitation

demonstration of First Aid casualty management principles - assessing and minimising danger, maintaining the casualty's airway, breathing and circulation

safe manual handling of casualty

consideration of the welfare of the casualty

report preparation

communication skills

ability to interpret and use listed documents.

Underpinning knowledge and skills:

basic anatomy and physiology

duty of care

resuscitation

bleeding control

care of unconscious

infection control

airway management

State/Territory regulatory requirements relating to currency of skills and knowledge

decision-making

legal requirements

assertiveness skills

communication skills.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with relevant people regarding the casualty's condition and treatments initiated.

Writing is required to the level of completing required workplace forms and reports.

Numeracy is required to read, interpret and report numeric data relevant to the casualty and the treatments.

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.

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Context

This competency applies to people with a First Aid role.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

Tools and equipment

This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:

defibrillation units

pressure bandages

thermometers

First Aid kits

eyewash

thermal blankets

pocket face masks

rubber gloves

dressing

spacer device

cervical collars

mobile phones

satellite phones

HF/VHF radio

flags

flares

two way radio

email

electronic equipment

medication which includes aerosol bronchodilators for asthma; casualty's own (or from First Aid kit) in accordance with State/Territory legislation, adrenaline for severe allergic reactions; subject to casualty's own regime.

Hazards

Typical hazards include:

workplace hazards

environmental hazards

proximity of other people

hazards associated with the casualty management process.

Problems

'Respond to routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'.

Variables

Key variables to be monitored include:

vital signs, including breathing, circulation, consciousness.

Variables indicating the casualty's condition, including:

abdominal injuries

allergic reactions

bleeding

burns - thermal, chemical, friction, electrical

cardiac conditions

chemical contamination

cold injuries

crush injuries

dislocations

drowning

envenomation - snake, spider, insect and marine bites

environmental conditions such as hypothermia, dehydration, heat stroke

epilepsy, diabetes, asthma and other medical conditions

eye injuries

fractures

head injuries

minor skin injuries

neck and spinal injuries

needle stick injuries

poisoning and toxic substances

respiratory management of asthma and/or choking

shock

smoke inhalation

soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, dislocations

substance abuse, including drugs

unconsciousness, including not breathing and no pulse.

Risks

Risks may include:

worksite equipment, machinery and substances

environmental risks

bodily fluids

risk of further injury to the casualty

risks associated with the proximity of other workers and bystanders.