Description

This unit covers the competency required to operate a semi automatic defibrillator to defibrillate a casualty in an emergency situation.

This unit includes advanced techniques for management of the administration of a semi automatic defibrillator in line with the requirements of the Australian Resuscitation Council and State and Territory regulatory bodies. The unit also involves working with personnel who are engaged in the resuscitation of the casualty.

Expired air resuscitation is covered in the pre-requisite unit PUAEME001A Provide emergency care. 

Pre-Requisites

• PUAEME001B Provide emergency care

Performance Criteria

1. Assess casualty and develop management plan
1.1 Hazards are identified, minimised and if possible removed, in accordance with State and Territory regulatory
requirements
1.2 Casualty is reassured and positioned in a suitable position
1.3 An 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 A 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 and Australian Standards and regulatory requirements
2.2 Minor faults are diagnosed and repairs are carried out in accordance with organisational procedures to restore equipment to working order
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 Semi automatic defibrillator 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
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

Key Competencies

• Collect, Analyse & Organise Information
• Communicate Ideas & Information
• Plan & Organise Activities
• Work with Others & in Teams
• Use Mathematical Ideas & Techniques
• Solve Problems
• Use Technology

Range Statement

Casualties may include

• Adults
• Children over 8 years old/40kg

Hazards include

• Contact with patient during defibrillation
• Conductive surfaces (water, fluids, metal)
• Explosive environments (oxygen, gases, fumes)
• Unstable environment

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 battery

Pre-use check may include

• Environmental factors that affect operation
• Existence of suitable prominent warnings about precautions to be observed
• For damage or malfunctions
• To replenish and/or restore

Regulatory requirements may include

•  Australian Resuscitation Council requirements
• Relevant State and Territory regulatory requirements

Reporting/recording faults and damage may include

• Filling out and processing standard forms
• Verbal communication

Evidence Guide

Critical aspects of evidence

• Assessment must confirm the ability to apply safe work practices while using the semi automatic defibrillator. Assessment must also confirm that the individual has managed the situation in a
  calm and orderly manner and has taken every action to ensure the safety and comfort of the casualty

• 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
• 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 or 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

Underpinning skills

• Communication
• Participate as a team member
• Personal management
• Time management
• Use of resuscitation equipment and techniques

Resource implications

• Access to:
  - defibrillation equipment/kit
  - appropriate resuscitation manikin
  - suitable site or training area to simulate an emergency situation

Consistency in performance

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

Context of assessment

• Competence 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 semi automatic defibrillator in an emergency situation