Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of competency, allowing for differences between enterprises and workplaces. It relates to the unit as a whole and facilitates holistic assessment. The following variables may be present for this particular unit:

First aid

First aid is that assistance given to a patient who has suffered an injury or illness in the workplace. It is that assistance which is deemed necessary to attempt to resuscitate, stabilise and/or treat the patient until qualified medical personnel assume responsibility or until the patient is evacuated for appropriate medical treatment.

First aid may include:

cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

bleeding control

spinal injury care

basic patient management

May include:
first aid kit
personal protective equipment
stretcher (may be improvised)

Unit context

The provision of first aid and workplace responsibilities is to conform to OH&S legislation, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods code and local safe operating procedures

Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, relevant health regulations and organisation insurance requirements

Work involves assessing situations, identifying appropriate control measures, awareness of emergency services responsibilities and responsiveness, treating injuries and maintaining equipment

Work may be conducted without supervision and guidance

Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices.

May include:
OH&S legislation, regulations, codes of practice, environmental legislation, Australian Standards, and codes of practice relating to hazards in the workplace
obligations under relevant safety and health legislation and common law
local medical and emergency services
provisions relating to roles and responsibilities of health and safety representatives and/or occupational health and safety committees

May include:
risk management policies and procedures
first aid procedures
safe manual handling and lifting procedures
emergency
fire and accident procedures
materials safety procedures
personal safety procedures
procedures for the use of personal protective equipment
job procedures and work instructions

Emergency Services

May include support provided by ambulance, police, fire or SES personnel and equipment

May include:
supervisors
managers
team leaders
first aid attendants/other medically trained staff
specified occupational health and safety personnel
other persons authorised or nominated by the enterprise or industry to perform, approve, inspect and direct specified work

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency for this unit. This is an integral part of the assessment of competency and should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
Accurately follow workplace procedures for reporting injuries/illnesses and providing first aid in the workplace
Identify and respond to injuries/illnesses occurring in the workplace
Apply emergency response first aid
Provide appropriate treatment to and monitor patient's condition
Accurately report and document injuries and illnesses and treatment provided

Underpinning Knowledge
A knowledge of:
workplace procedures and requirements for the treatment of workplace injuries/illnesses
reporting responsibilities and requirements
the provision of first aid including:
systems of the body (respiratory, skeletal, digestive, circulatory, nervous, urinary, skin)
causes and management of unconsciousness
priorities for life support (DRABC model)
resuscitation techniques
bleeding control and laceration treatment
patient assessment
principles of initial patient management
management and treatment of fractures and soft tissue injuries
management and treatment of burns

Underpinning Skills
Information. Collect, organise and analyse information related to workplace health and safety systems and procedures and the application of these to work situations
Communication. Communicate ideas and information on workplace safety issues including the treating and recording/reporting of workplace incidents/accidents/illnesses and interpersonal communication with casualties
Planning. Plan and organise activities including the inspection of first aid support facilities and treatment areas to ensure their completeness, adequacy, equipment and serviceability
Teamwork. Work with others and in a team to promote an awareness of first aid within the workplace and its provision when required
Mathematics. Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements and calculations associated with assessment, treatment and monitoring of patient's condition
Solve Problems. Use problem solving skills to assess and determine treatments and priorities in providing first aid to a patient
Use Technology. Use the workplace technology related to the reporting, recording and responding to workplace injuries and illnesses

Resource Implications
First aid kit, stretchers and medical/first aid facility
Enterprise health and safety policies and procedures
Personal protective equipment
Patients

Method of Assessment
Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.
Assessment may be conducted in conjunction with assessment of other relevant units of competency.

Context of Assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant equipment, work instructions, casualties and urgency.

Key Competency Levels
NB:These levels do not relate to the Australian Qualifications Framework. They relate to the seven areas of generic competency that underpin effective workplace practices.
There are three levels available:
Level 1 where work is within set conditions and process
Level 2 where the management or facilitation of conditions or process is exercised; and
Level 3 where the design and/or development of conditions or process is required
Communicating ideas and information
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(1)

Planning and organising activities
(1)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(1)

Using technology
(1)