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.
Equipment made available for selection includes:
Anaesthetic machine and components, including alarms and scavenger
Work station/trolley
Ventilator and components
Vaporisers or other systems designed for delivery of inhalation anaesthetic agents
Breathing systems and attachments
Oxygen masks
Laryngoscopes, including fibreoptic laryngoscopes
Intubation aids, including difficult intubation equipment
Artificial airways
Suction equipment for oesophageal and tracheal suction
Monitoring equipment
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Pulse oximetry
Non-invasive and invasive blood pressure monitoring
Temperature monitoring
Central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring
Intravascular monitoring
Gas analysers, including oxygen, carbondioxide and anaesthetic agent
Expired/inspired volume/pressure
Neuromuscular transmission
Cardiac output monitoring
Cerebral activity monitoring
Stethoscopes, including oesophageal
Other equipment
Defibrillators and cardioverters
Infusion equipment, including oxygen, carbondioxide and anaesthetic agent
Warming/cooling equipment for patient and intravenous fluids
Equipment to minimise heat loss
Tourniquets and exsanguinators
Neuromuscular function monitor
Calf stimulators/compression devices
Operating table and attachments for positioning and pressure care
Humidifiers
Scissors, clamps and forceps
Materials must include:
Drugs, including anaesthetic, emergency, those associated with the administration of anaesthetics, and those necessary for the management of conditions which may complicate or co-exist with anaesthesia
Microbiologic filter
Heat and moisture exchanger
Needles
Syringes
Cannulas
Antiseptic solutions
Infusion sets and attachments
Lubricant
Gauze
Throat packs
Adhesive tapes
Ties
ECG dots
Introducers Materials for subarachnoid, epidural or regional nerve blocks
Interpleural drainage sets
Materials for protection against biological contaminants, including sharps containers
The anaesthetist will require the following:
Relevant medical history
Individual requests
According to operative or clinical procedure
Age
Patients requiring anaesthetic may include:
Neonates
Infants
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Elderly
Male
Female
Clinical procedures covers the surgical procedure and the type of anaesthetic which must include:
General/regional/local anaesthetic and sedation
Radiology/Radiotherapy anaesthesia
General surgery
Gastro-intestinal surgery
Ear, nose and throat surgery
Gynaecological surgery
Obstetric surgery
Orthopaedic surgery
Vascular surgery
Urological surgery
Oral/dental/faciomaxillary surgery
Cardiothoracic surgery
Neurosurgery Plastic surgery
Trauma/emergency surgery
Ophthalmic surgery
Intravascular solutions may include:
Colloids Crystalloids
Transfusion may include:
Blood Blood products
Medical gas supplies may include:
Piped Cylinders
Types of connections may include:
Pin index Bull nose
Other equipment may include:
Flow meters Regulators
Types of pipeline connections may include:
Safety sleeved indexed system (SIS)
Schraeder
Luger

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
Identify the anaesthetic equipment requirements for a range of clinical procedures
Ability to prepare anaesthetic equipment for use in a broad range of clinical procedures
Ability to identify and manage anaesthetic equipment faults
Recognise hazards related to the use of each item of a range of anaesthetic equipment
Knowledge of boundaries of responsibilities and ability to refer problems to supervisor, anaesthetist or other appropriate health professional
Correct application of relevant Australian Standards and organisational policy and procedures for cleaning, disinfecting and/or sterilisation of anaesthetic equipment where applicable
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:
Anatomy and physiology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
Fluid balance relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia Maintenance
Medical terminology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
Clinical/operative procedures and the interrelationship with anaesthesia relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
General knowledge of pathophysiology of disease relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia
Anaesthetic procedures relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia
Use of pain management equipment relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia
Principles of function, usage, indications, limitations and care of equipment required for clinical and anaesthetic procedures Procedures for managing anaesthetic equipment faults
Microbiology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
Occupational health and safety procedures in relation to anaesthetic equipment
Infection control policies, including standard and additional precautions, in relation to anaesthetic equipment and clinical procedures Manual handling techniques
Types of infusion solutions, their indication for use and hazards, including incompatibilities
Clinical recognition of adverse patient reaction to transfusions, infusions and drug therapy
Medico-legal requirements relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia
Understanding of gas laws and physical properties of gas
Knowledge of gas cylinders and piped gas, including hazards and safe handling
Methods and principles of stock control and rotation and storage in accordance with organisational policies and procedures and manufacturers' regulations
Essential skills must include:
Ability to prepare anaesthetic and monitoring equipment for use
Ability to identify and manage faults in anaesthetic and monitoring equipment
Assembly and priming of infusion in an aseptic manner and preparation of infusion equipment
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.
Numeracy skills may range from 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 within a team
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