SKILL  KNOWLEDGE  SAFETY

PUAOPE010C - Operate an automated external defibrillator in an emergency ( NSW only)

Description

This unit covers the competency required to operate an automated external defibrillator (AED) to defibrillate a casualty in an emergency situation.

This unit includes advanced techniques for management of the administration of an AED 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.

Cardio pulmonary resuscitation is covered in the pre-requisite unit PUAEME001B Provide emergency care.

Pre Requisites

 Nil

Application

The application of this unit in the workplace covers administration of an AED according to a medically endorsed protocol, working with or without other personnel while engaged in the resuscitation of a casualty.

The unit is typically relevant for personnel from emergency services and/or volunteer organisations or organisations that provide a medically supervised first aid service.

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
    

Required Skills & knowledge

 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

Range Statement

 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

Evidence Guide

 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.

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