Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the scope and context of the unit of competency allowing for differences between workplaces. The scope of variables chosen for training and assessment requirements will depend on the particular work situation.
Patients must include:
· Neonates
· Infants
· Children
· Adolescents
· Adults
· Elderly
· Pregnant women
· Impaired
· Traumatised
· Unconscious
· Immuno-compromised
· Ventilated
Anaesthetic related procedures must include:
· Spinal anaesthetic
· Epidural anaesthetic
· Local anaesthetic
· Regional block Insertion of intravascular cannulae ie arterial lines, central venous catheter, peripherally inserted lines, cardiac output
· Vascular 'Cut Downs'
· Tracheotomy/Cricothyroid puncture
· Blood patch
· Pain Management procedures
· External Pacing
· 12 Lead ECG
· Spinal Cord Monitoring
· Peripheral Ultrasonic Devices
· Intercostal Drainage
· Fibreoptic Intubation
· Transoesophageal Echocardiograph (TOE)
· Cell Salvage (including Autologous Growth Factor (AGF) and Platelet Sequestation)
· Autotransfusion
· Balloon Pump
· Intracranial Pressure Monitoring
· Ventilation Changes
Anaesthetist's requirements may include:
· Patient details eg age, weight, gender, health status, problems anticipated
· Procedure to be undertaken
· Equipment and materials for procedure
Equipment and materials must include:
· Spinal and epidural and regional needles
· Local anaesthetic
· Relevant drugs
· Antiseptic solution
· Tapes and dressing materials
· Trolleys
· Chairs
· Sandbags
· Linen protectors/bundles
· Ventilators/breathing equipment
· Specialist Sterile procedure pack
· Specialty/procedural disposable packs
· Sterile field setup
· Machines/equipment relevant to procedures
· Sutures
· Swabs
· Needles
· Syringes
· Electrodes and Gel
· Transducers
· Tourniquets
· Catheters
· Underwater drain
· Fluid Suction consumables
· Infusion sets
Equipment must include:
· Monitoring equipment
· Infusion equipment
· Intubation equipment
· Ventilator
· Tourniquet
· Suction equipment
· Video equipment
Physiological parameters
· Temperature
· Circulation
· Respiration
· Oxygenation
· Neuro-muscular function
· Level of consciousness
· Doppler
· Changes in physiology
· Arterial blood gases
· Haemoglobin levels
· Coagulation times
Invasive devices must include:
· Epidural catheter
· Arterial cannulae
· Central venous catheter
· Peripherally inserted central catheter
Personal protective equipment may include:
· Gown
· Gloves
· Mask
· Protective eyewear
· Apron
Ventilation Equipment and Materials
· Types of ventilators
· Invasive airway devices
· Breathing circuits, valves, masks and connectors
· Heat & moisture exchanger
· Humidifier
· Filter
· Water traps
· Temperature monitors
· Nebulisers
· Gas sampling lines
· Suction devices
· Gas blenders for specific gas therapy
· Bellows
· Scavenging CO2 absorbant
· Vapourisers O2 therapy equipment (including neonatal head box)
· Manual resuscitators
Ventilation Modes and Parameters
· Pressure
· Control
· Ventilation
· Simultaneous
· Intermittent
· Ventilation
· Positive End Expiratory Pressure
· Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
· Intermittant Positive Pressure Ventilation
· Rate
· Volume
· Pressure
· Time Cycles
· Alarm Limits
· Spontaneous
· Percentage Oxygen

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects of assessment, and the essential knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency in this unit. The Evidence Guide is an integral part of the assessment of competency and it should be read carefully in conjunction with the Range of Variables, elements and performance criteria.
Critical aspects of assessment must include:
· Complies with organisational policies and procedures including those of OHS and infection control, and current standards
· Recognise the signs and symptoms, validity, causes and remedial actions in the event of adverse reactions to anaesthetic related procedures
· Monitoring of range of physiological parameters with reference to standard values of normal physiological function for each patients' usual parameters relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures
Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
· This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
Essential knowledge must include:
· Anaesthetic related procedures
· Anatomy and physiology, relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures
· Monitoring of physiological parameters relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures
· Normal physiological parameters for a range of physiological functions relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures
· Types of equipment utilised in anaesthetic related procedures its' indication for use and hazards, limitations associated with usage
· Fluid and electrolyte balance relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures
· Medical terminology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures
· Pre-medications and their effects relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures
· Occupational health and safety and infection control procedures/regulations
· Manual handling and patient positioning techniques relevant to providing assistance in anaesthetic related procedures
· Types and functions of anaesthetic equipment, their indications and limitations for use
· Medico-legal requirements
· Range of equipment in current use for anaesthetic related procedures, knowledge of manufacturers' operating guidelines and criteria for withdrawal of faulty equipment
Essential skills must include:
· Ability to prepare and operate anaesthetic and monitoring equipment for use
· Ability to identify and manage faults in anaesthetic and monitoring equipment
· Ability to prepare patient sites correctly to interface with equipment
· Ability to secure invasive devices
· Ability to establish and maintain a patient's airway manually
· Basic computer skills
· Reading and writing skills-literacy competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. The level of skill required involves reading and documenting clinical information and understanding complex policy and procedure manuals.
· Oral communication skills-language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. Assessors should look for skills in asking questions, providing clear information, listening to and understanding workplace instructions, and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary. Effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of personnel within and outside of the organisation are essential. An ability to recognise and manage barriers to effective communication is also essential. Organisation may require competence in English or a community language, depending on client group
· Numeracy skills include the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, recording stock levels and statistical information
· Problem solving skills required include an ability to use available resources
· Ability to deal with conflict
· Ability to work with others
· Ability to display empathy with patient and relatives
Resource implications:
· Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
· Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment
· Relevant organisational policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Method of assessment:
· Observation of work activities
· Observation of simulation and/or role play
· Written tasks
· Relevant formal and informal education/training courses
· Case studies and scenarios
· Interviews/Questioning
· Role plays
Consistency in performance:
· It is recommended that assessment or information for assessment will be conducted or gathered over a period of time and cover the normal range of workplace situations
Context of assessment:
· This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions