Description

Pre-requisites

• PUAEME001B Provide emergency care

Performance Criteria

1. Assess scene

1.1. Initial assessment is made of extent and nature of emergency care required

1.2. Hazards to self and others are identified and appropriate action taken to safeguard against injury

1.3. Identify and communicate additional or specific resource requirements

2. Assess casualty

2.1. Identified injuries are managed in line with approved emergency care

2.2. Treatment is monitored, assessed and management plan amended appropriately in response to changes in condition of the casualty and/or environment

2.3. Additional or specific resources are identified

3. Implement emergency management procedures

3.1. Immediate life saving treatment is administered as determined

3.2. Signs and symptoms of shock are recognised and managed

3.3. Vital signs are monitored and recorded at regular intervals

3.4. Equipment is used according to casualty’s condition, availability and to organisation’s procedures

4. Move the casualty

4.1. Moving casualty to a safer location is assessed

4.2. Casualty is moved in accordance with operational standards

4.3. Continual assessment of casualty is conducted in accordance with organisation’s procedures

4.4. Treatment is maintained while moving patient

5. Complete documentation

5.1. Details of casualties’ condition, treatment and response to treatment are accurately recorded in line with organisation’s procedures

5.2. Hand over of the casualty and records to medical personnel is conducted

Key Competencies

Communicating ideas and information

• Communicate ideas and information to reporting procedures (verbal and written) 

Collecting analysing and organising information

• Collect, organise and understand information related to recognising and reporting situations

 Planning and organising activities 

• Plan and organise activities which implement and follow standard procedures 

Working with others and in teams

• Work with others and in a team by assisting and cooperating with team members 

Using mathematical ideas and techniques 

• Use mathematical ideas and techniques to document and report numbers for emergency procedures

Solving problems 

• Establish diagnostic processes which recommend improvements for OH&S issues

Using technology 

• Use workplace technology related to the use of technology to assist with safe work practices

Range Statement

Treatment may include

• monitor vital signs management of shock
• checking and maintaining an airway
• application of spinal immobilisation techniques
• applying resuscitation techniques
• utilisation of oxygen
• managing wounds
• managing fractures
• use of life saving devices
• giving fluids orally
• use of bandages

Equipment may include

• oxygen resuscitation
• defibrillation
• first aid kit
• stretchers
• spinal immobilisation collards
• spinal immobilisation frames/devices
• fracture immobilisation devices
• stokes litter

Assessment may include

• environmental considerations casualty triage
• primary survey
• vital signs survey
• secondary survey (head to toe examination)
• evacuation procedures
• helicopter access
• nearest land/wharf based access

Moving a casualty may include

• individually
• as a member of a team

Management plan may include

• written protocols
• verbal
• transmitted

Resources may include

• equipment
• personnel

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in the practical demonstration of emergency care skills including:

• maintaining universal hygiene precautions
• accurate documentation
• observation and assessment skills
• correct use of life saving equipment
• appropriate management techniques for emergency encountered

Underpinning Knowledge

•  applying resuscitation techniques
• casualty assessment
• casualty management
• crush injury syndrome
• contraindications
• wound management
• basic toxicology
• environmental exposure
• spinal injuries
• head injuries
• shock:
  • absolute
  • hypovolaemic
  • relative
• legal and ethical issues in pre-hospital care
• anatomy and physiology
• haemorrhage
• cardiovascular emergencies
• hypoxia
• triage
• documentation
• communicate with casualties
• remain calm under pressure
• knowledge of current practices and procedures in emergency care 

Underpinning Skills

• communicate verbally with casualties and others
• provide reports to paramedical personnel
• work with others in a team situation
• remain calm under pressure
• assess casualty

Resource implications

• Access to first aid equipment used in general operations is essential
• Access may also be required to shore based transport, an ambulance or helicopter, depending on the context

Consistency in performance

•  Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments

Context of assessment

• A real life incident, exercise or simulation, or a series of tasks are required to demonstrate competence in this unit. This may involve setting scenarios to be completed either individually or as a
  member of a team or as part of an interagency exercise.
• Written or verbal questions may be used as supporting evidence