Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 9:47 PM AWST

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Respond to anaesthesia related emergencies

Respond to anaesthesia related emergencies

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTANA011
State Code
ODQ80
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
07/12/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/06/2022
Field of Education
060301 - General Nursing
Original Release Date
08/06/2022
Nominal Hours
135
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise signs of patient deterioration that pose an immediate threat to life and respond appropriately, including the preparation of drugs used in emergency situations.This unit applies to anaesthetic technicians working under the direction of, and in consultation with, an anaesthetist or medical officer in any hospital or day surgery setting.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Recognise clinical emergencies.
  • 1.1. Recognise signs of deterioration in patients and immediately report to appropriate clinician.
  • 1.2. Monitor, interpret and promptly recognise abnormal equipment readings and immediately report abnormal values to anaesthetist or medical staff.
2. Respond to clinical emergencies.
  • 2.1. Maintain patient’s vital functions pending attendance of medical staff.
  • 2.2. Use communication escalation techniques in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
  • 2.3. Promptly obtain emergency equipment and make ready for relevant medical staff.
  • 2.4. Assist the anaesthetist or medical staff to perform any emergency procedures under direction.
  • 2.5. Assist with the medical management of the patient and allocate work to other team members according to priority.
3. Prepare drugs for administration in emergency situations.
  • 3.1. Ensure required drugs, diluents, fluids and therapeutic substances are readily available.
  • 3.2. Read expiry date for each drug, diluent, fluid or substance and check it has not been exceeded.
  • 3.3. Make accurate calculations to prepare drug to correct nature, quantity and dilution based on medical officer requirements.
  • 3.4. Check drugs with an authorised person prior to and after mixing.
  • 3.5. Use correct equipment and maintain sterility of drug and diluent.
  • 3.6. Check final drug dilution with anaesthetist or medical officer.
  • 3.7. Administer drugs under the direction and supervision of the anaesthetist.
  • 3.8. Complete medication documentation in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
4. Finalise emergency procedures.
  • 4.1. Document accurate and complete record of emergency situation and actions taken according to scope of own role.
  • 4.2. Participate in emergency de-brief in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
  • 4.3. Review own role in emergency and identify potential actions to support future improvement.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVA81 HLTANA004 Respond to anaesthesia related emergencies Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BHJ4 HLT57921 Diploma of Anaesthetic Technology and Practice Qualification