Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
24/07/2026 12:40 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Perform emergency procedures to sustain life

Perform emergency procedures to sustain life

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMVET506
State Code
OAL00
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
13/04/2021
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/05/2019
Field of Education
061103 - Veterinary Assisting
Original Release Date
29/05/2019
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to respond with urgency to perform pre-hospital evaluations, apply and maintain first aid to sustain life, and carry out triage procedures for emergency and critical care cases.This unit applies to veterinary nurses with extensive vocational expertise who are responsible for providing advanced nursing skills for emergency procedures. It is targeted at veterinary nurses who work in a veterinary hospital or emergency/specialist veterinary practice where an extensive range of emergency and critical care procedures are performed under the supervision of a registered or specialist veterinarian in a referral centre or in an emergency centre. Veterinary nurses who work in emergency care exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work.Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Perform pre-hospital evaluation
  • 1.1 Establish immediate patient history with client
  • 1.2 Communicate emergency first aid advice for the patient to the client
  • 1.3 Communicate transportation advice and the practice’s location to the client
2. Assess patient to confirm the need for emergency response
  • 2.1 Conduct visual patient assessment
  • 2.2 Conduct assessment of patient using safe handling techniques for protection of self, others and patient
  • 2.3 Interpret and evaluate signs and symptoms to confirm life threatening or other situation status in consultation with veterinarian
3. Apply and maintain first aid to sustain life
  • 3.1 Apply cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures according to patient’s needs and under veterinary supervision
  • 3.2 Apply procedures for haemorrhage control and oxygen therapy according to patient’s needs and under veterinary supervision
4. Carry out triage procedures and stabilise patient under veterinarian direction
  • 4.1 Complete and evaluate triage parameters
  • 4.2 Report triage findings to attending veterinarian
  • 4.3 Provide clear and concise directions to supporting personnel
  • 4.4 Provide specific emergency and critical care nursing assistance ensuring hygiene and infection control protocols are followed
5. Complete history and secondary survey
  • 5.1 Confirm patient history with client records
  • 5.2 Perform secondary survey in conjunction with veterinarian
  • 5.3 Update patient records
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D3956 ACMVET506A Perform emergency procedures to sustain life Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BER8 ACM50219 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing Qualification