Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:30 AM AWST
22/07/2026 11:30 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.
Operate an automated external defibrillator in an emergency
Operate an automated external defibrillator in an emergency
Unit of competency
National Code
PUAOPE010C
PUAOPE010C
State Code
D5499
D5499
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Field of Education
069905 - Paramedical Studies
Original Release Date
Nominal Hours
8
Description
This unit covers the competency required to operate an automated external defibrillator (AED) to defibrillate a casualty in an emergency situation.This unit includes advanced techniques for management of the administration of an AED in line with the requirements of the Australian Resuscitation Council and State and Territory regulatory bodies. The unit also involves working with personnel who are engaged in the resuscitation of the casualty.Cardio pulmonary resuscitation is covered in the prerequisite unit PUAEME001B Provide emergency care.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess casualty and develop management plan
- 1.1 Hazards are identified, minimised and if possible removed, in accordance with state/territory regulatory requirements
- 1.2 Casualty is reassured and positioned in a suitable position
- 1.3 Evaluation of signs and symptoms is undertaken to determine the casualty's condition
- 1.4 Casualty's condition is analysed to determine treatment requirements
- 1.5 Management plan is developed based on the results of the casualty assessment and the availability of equipment
- 1.6 Medical aid is arranged as soon as possible, consistent with maintaining casualty safety
2. Check equipment
- 2.1 Pre-use check of safety and potential effectiveness of equipment is undertaken in accordance with operating procedures, Australian Standards and regulatory requirements
- 2.2 Minor faults are diagnosed and repairs are carried out to restore equipment to working order in accordance with organisational procedures
- 2.3 Faults and defects are reported/recorded in accordance with organisational procedures
3. Attach and operate equipment
- 3.1 Equipment is set up in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
- 3.2 AED is attached and operated as per manufacturer's guidelines and safety procedures
- 3.3 Work is undertaken cooperatively with person conducting resuscitation techniques
4. Recover and restore equipment
- 4.1 Equipment is cleaned, discarded or disinfected, restocked and/or replenished in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturer's guidelines
- 4.2 Equipment is charged, stored and safeguarded against damage or loss in accordance with organisational procedures
- 4.3 Reports are completed and submitted to appropriate personnel
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Hazards include:
contact with patient during defibrillation
conductive surfaces (water, fluids, metal)
explosive environments (oxygen, gases, fumes)
unstable environment
Regulatory requirements may include:
Australian Resuscitation Council requirements
relevant state/territory regulatory requirements
Casualties may include:
adults
children over 8 years old/25 kg
Signs and symptoms may include:
casualty history
details of incident
medical history
physical appearance
vital signs
Equipment may include:
gauze wipes
gloves
razors
resuscitation masks
SAED equipment used for delivery of external defibrillation
shears
spare AED pads
spare battery
Pre-use check may include:
battery life
environmental factors that affect operation
existence of suitable prominent warnings about precautions to be observed
for damage or malfunctions
pad use by date
to replenish and/or restore
Reporting/recording faults and defects may include:
filling out and processing standard forms
verbal communication
Hazards include:
contact with patient during defibrillation
conductive surfaces (water, fluids, metal)
explosive environments (oxygen, gases, fumes)
unstable environment
Regulatory requirements may include:
Australian Resuscitation Council requirements
relevant state/territory regulatory requirements
Casualties may include:
adults
children over 8 years old/25 kg
Signs and symptoms may include:
casualty history
details of incident
medical history
physical appearance
vital signs
Equipment may include:
gauze wipes
gloves
razors
resuscitation masks
SAED equipment used for delivery of external defibrillation
shears
spare AED pads
spare battery
Pre-use check may include:
battery life
environmental factors that affect operation
existence of suitable prominent warnings about precautions to be observed
for damage or malfunctions
pad use by date
to replenish and/or restore
Reporting/recording faults and defects may include:
filling out and processing standard forms
verbal communication
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
apply safe work practices while using an AED
manage the situation in a calm and orderly manner and to take every action to ensure the safety and comfort of the casualty.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time across a range of emergency situations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in a simulated emergency situation.
Simulation should recreate realistic emergency situations in which the individual is exposed to the full range of hazards and is placed under the same pressures and timelines associated with operating a an AED in an emergency situation.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
defibrillation equipment/kit
appropriate resuscitation manikin
suitable site or training area to simulate an emergency situation
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
apply safe work practices while using an AED
manage the situation in a calm and orderly manner and to take every action to ensure the safety and comfort of the casualty.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time across a range of emergency situations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in a simulated emergency situation.
Simulation should recreate realistic emergency situations in which the individual is exposed to the full range of hazards and is placed under the same pressures and timelines associated with operating a an AED in an emergency situation.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
defibrillation equipment/kit
appropriate resuscitation manikin
suitable site or training area to simulate an emergency situation
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D3765 | PUAOPE010B | Operate a semi automatic defibrillator in an emergency | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAY06 | PUAOPE010 | Operate an automated external defibrillator in an emergency | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J758 | SIS30113 | Certificate III in Aquatics | Qualification |
| AWN8 | SIS31015 | Certificate III in Aquatics and Community Recreation | Qualification |