Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:01 PM AWST

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Respond to anaesthesia related emergencies

Respond to anaesthesia related emergencies

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTANA004
State Code
AVA81
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
06/08/2015
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/01/2016
Field of Education
060301 - General Nursing
Original Release Date
22/01/2016
Nominal Hours
150
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise signs of client 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/medical officer in any hospital or day surgery setting.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Recognise clinical emergencies
  • 1.1 Recognise signs of deterioration in clients and immediately report to appropriate clinician
  • 2.1 Monitor, interpret and promptly recognise abnormal equipment readings and immediately report abnormal values to anaesthetist/medical staff
2. Respond to clinical emergencies
  • 2.1 Maintain client’s vital functions pending attendance of medical staff
  • 2.2 Use communication escalation techniques according to organisation procedures
  • 2.3 Promptly obtain emergency equipment and make ready for relevant medical staff
  • 2.4 Assist the anaesthetist/medical staff to perform any emergency procedures under direction
  • 2.5 Assist with the medical management of the client and allocate work to other team members according to priority
3. Prepare drugs for administration in emergency situations
  • 3.1 Ensure required drugs, diluents and fluids are to hand
  • 3.2 Read expiry date for each drug, diluent or fluid 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 organisation 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 according to organisation 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
WD054 HLTAN405D Provide assistance during an emergency Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
ODQ80 HLTANA011 Respond to anaesthesia related emergencies Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
AWM7 HLT57915 Diploma of Anaesthetic Technology Qualification