Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:06 PM AWST

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Treat abdominal and thoracic cavities

Treat abdominal and thoracic cavities

Unit of competency
National Code
SIFEMWK007
State Code
WG609
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
21/06/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2014
Field of Education
110399 - Personal Services, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
20/06/2014
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to treat abdominal and thoracic cavities on non-autopsied bodies to eliminate the presence of liquid or gaseous substances. It applies to embalming staff who work autonomously with a high level of responsibility, according to work health and safety, relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to treat abdominal and thoracic cavities.
  • 1.1 Interpret body preparation documentation.
  • 1.2 Prepare and use personal protective equipment.
  • 1.3 Prepare mortuary area and appropriate mortuary instruments and equipment.
  • 1.4 Identify organs of the body requiring cavity treatment.
  • 1.5 Determine appropriate cavity treatment and volume of fluid, allowing for individual case characteristics.
  • 1.6 Remove invasive and non invasive medical paraphernalia as required.
2. Perform treatments.
  • 2.1 Determine trocar entry point for aspiration, make incision and insert trocar into abdomen using approved surgical techniques.
  • 2.2 Aspirate upper body and thoracic areas, identifying organ placement and if any aspirated material would be expected from each.
  • 2.3 Remove trocar and clean according to infection control practices.
  • 2.4 Reinsert trocar into the abdomen and aspirate lower body and abdominal organs, identifying organ placement and if any aspirated material would be expected from each.
  • 2.5 Inject correct volume of cavity fluid into aspirated regions.
  • 2.6 Remove trocar and close entry point.
  • 2.7 Evaluate effectiveness of aspiration and perform re-aspiration and re-injection if required.
  • 2.8 Identify and manage hazards, complications and problems.
3. Complete documentation and clean instruments, equipment and mortuary area.
  • 3.1 Complete case analysis report that includes reference to any complications that may have arisen and corrective actions taken.
  • 3.2 Clean, disinfect or sterilise instruments and equipment.
  • 3.3 Dispose of waste materials.
  • 3.4 Store instruments and equipment and report faults.
  • 3.5 Clean and disinfect mortuary area.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S7092 SIFMWK015A Treat abdominal and thoracic cavities Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
J614 SIF40213 Certificate IV in Embalming Qualification
J577 SIF30313 Certificate III in Funeral Operations Qualification