Provide emergency care for suspected spinal injury

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 2:26 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
PUAEME004

State Code
OAZ37

TGA Status
Replaced

DTWD Status
Replaced

Current Release Number
2.00

Current Release Date
23/03/2022

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

26/02/2020

Field of Education

069907 - First Aid

Original Release Date

26/02/2020

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to minimise further injury to a casualty when applying first aid and waiting for emergency medical aid. It includes recognition and management of a suspected spinal injury, immobilising cervical spine, evaluating the need to move a casualty, preparing a casualty for transport, transporting and monitoring a casualty and performing a casualty handover. The unit is applicable to personnel from emergency services, volunteer organisations or organisations which provide a first aid service in an environment where there is a risk of spinal injuries. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1 Identify suspected spinal injury

1.1 Signs and symptoms from a conscious casualty that may suggest a spinal injury are identified
1.2 Signs of life in an unconscious casualty are confirmed
1.3 Basic life support protocols are followed with care for casualty's spine where casualty exhibits no signs of life
1.4 Likely causes of unconsciousness that may suggest a spinal injury are identified
1.5 Emergency medical aid is requested

2 Immobilise cervical spine

2.1 Casualty is communicated with to provide reassurance and to explain need to minimise movement of their spine
2.2 Casualty is measured and appropriately sized cervical collar is selected
2.3 Cervical collar is applied ensuring correct location and tension is applied
2.4 Conscious standing casualty is assisted to supine position, in accordance with organisational procedures and availability of personnel

3 Evaluate need to move casualty

3.1 Potential hazards to first aider and to casualty are identified
3.2 Risk of not moving the casualty while waiting for medical aid to arrive is evaluated
3.3 Plan to move casualty is developed, in accordance with organisational procedures

4 Prepare casualty for transport

4.1 Casualty is communicated with to provide reassurance and the need to immobilise the casualty for transport is explained
4.2 Equipment to immobilise the casualty's spine is selected
4.3 Immobilisation equipment is applied, in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturers' instructions

5 Transport and monitor casualty

5.1 Casualty is transported away from hazard, ensuring smooth movements are used by the team
5.2 Team is directed in coordinated lifting, movement and lowering of casualty
5.3 Casualty is monitored during transportation

6 Perform casualty handover

6.1 Details of incident are communicated to medical personnel
6.2 Assistance is given to medical personnel, as requested
6.3 Debriefing with supervisor and/or other operational staff is undertaken
6.4 Documentation is completed, in accordance with organisational requirements

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
D5492	PUAEME004A	Provide emergency care for suspected spinal injury	Unit of competency

Replaced By

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
OER76	PUAEME007	Provide emergency care for suspected spinal injury	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BEN8	PUA30319	Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue)	Qualification