Elements and Performance Criteria

The range of variables provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. It allows for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. It allows for different work requirements, work practices, and knowledge. The range of variables also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole.

First Aid management will need to account for:
Workplace policies and procedures
Industry/site specific regulations, codes etc.
OHS requirements
State and territory workplace health and safety requirements
Allergies the casualty may have

Physical hazards may include:
Workplace hazards
Environmental hazards
Proximity of other people
Hazards associated with the casualty management processes

Risks may include:
Worksite equipment, machinery and substances
Environmental risks
Bodily fluids
Risk of further injury to the casualty
Risks associated with the proximity of other workers and bystanders

Casualty's condition is managed for:
Abdominal injuries
Allergic reactions
Bleeding
Burns - thermal, chemical, friction, electrical
Cardiac conditions
Chemical contamination
Cold injuries
Crush injuries
Dislocations
Drowning
Envenomation - snake, spider, insect and marine bites
Environmental conditions such as hypothermia, dehydration, heat stroke
Epilepsy, diabetes, asthma and other medical conditions
Eye injuries
Fractures
Head injuries
Minor skin injuries
Neck and spinal injuries
Needle stick injuries
Poisoning and toxic substances
Respiratory management of asthma and/or choking
Shock
Smoke inhalation
Soft tissue injuries including sprains, strains, dislocations
Substance abuse - including drugs
Unconsciousness including not breathing and no pulse

First Aid management will need to account for:
Location and nature of the workplace
Environmental conditions eg electricity, biological risks, weather, motor vehicle accidents
Location of emergency services personnel
Use and availability of First Aid equipment and resources
Infection control

Medications may include:
Asthma-aerosol bronchodilators casualty's own or from First Aid kit in accordance with state and territory legislation
Severe allergic reactions-adrenaline-subject to casualty's own regime

Resources and equipment are used appropriate to the risk and may include:
Defibrillation units
Pressure bandages
Thermometers
First Aid kit
Eyewash
Thermal blankets
Pocket face masks
Rubber gloves
Dressing
Spacer device
Cervical collars

Communication systems may include but are not be limited to:
Mobile phone
Satellite phones
HF/VHF radio
Flags
Flares
Two-way radio
Email
Electronic equipment

Vital signs include:
Breathing
Circulation
Consciousness

Established First Aid principles include:
Checking the site for danger to self, casualty and others and minimising the danger
Checking and maintaining the casualty's airway, breathing and circulation

Context of assessment:
Competence may be demonstrated working individually, under supervision or as part of a First Aid team.
Where applicable, assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible. Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible. Consistency of performance should be maintained over the required range of workplace situations until renewal of competence /license is required by the industry/organisation.

Interdependence of units:
Competency in this unit underpins competency in other aspects of providing workplace First Aid. It may be appropriate to assess parts of this unit in conjunction with other First Aid units of competency.

This unit is a prerequisite for:
HLTFA2A Apply advanced First Aid.

Evidence of competency may be gathered from other First Aid units of competency. Competence may be assessed in conjunction with other industry units of competency such as:
OHS
Risk assessment
Emergency procedures

The following knowledge should be demonstrated in assessment:
Basic anatomy and physiology
Company standard operating procedures (sops)
Dealing with confidentiality
Knowledge of the First Aiders' skills and limitations
OHS legislation and regulations
How to gain access to and interpret material safety data sheets (msdss)

Evidence should demonstrate the following skills:
Resuscitation
Demonstration of First Aid casualty management principles assessing and minimising danger, maintaining the casualty's airway, breathing and circulation
Safe manual handling of casualty
Consideration of the welfare of the casualty
Report preparation
Communication skills
Ability to interpret and use listed documents

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Basic anatomy and physiology
Duty of care
Resuscitation
Bleeding control
Care of unconscious
State and territory regulatory requirements relating to currency of skill and knowledge
Decision making
Infection control
Legal requirements
Airway management
Assertiveness skills
Communication skills