Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:55 PM AWST

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Assist with airway management

Assist with airway management

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTANA003
State Code
AVA80
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 provide assistance to the anaesthetist in airway management during anaesthesia and resuscitation, including difficult and emergency airways. The unit applies to anaesthetic technicians working under the direction of, and in consultation with, an anaesthetist, 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. Select, check and prepare airway management equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines
  • 1.1 Review information about client and type of surgical procedure and anticipate type and calculate size of airway management equipment
  • 1.2 Identify and respond to situations where anaesthetist needs to confirm selection
  • 1.3 Conduct pre-use safety check of selected equipment
  • 1.4 Diagnose airway management equipment faults and rectify within scope of role
  • 1.5 Prepare and position equipment for use following safe manual handling techniques
2. Perform bag and mask ventilation
  • 2.1 Position patient for bag/mask ventilation
  • 2.2 Confirm adequate ventilation and rectify any issues preventing adequate ventilation
  • 2.3 Insert oropharyngeal and/or nasopharyngeal airway if indicated
  • 2.4 In consultation with the anaesthetist determine when to cease bag/mask ventilation
3. Assist with insertion of supraglottic airway devices (SAD)
  • 3.1 Select, conduct pre-use check and prepare (SAD)
  • 3.2 Anticipate needs of the anaesthetist
  • 3.3 Assist with positioning of client
  • 3.4 Provide assistance during insertion
  • 3.5 Inflate cuff of SAD in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines, clinical indications and anaesthetist’s directions
  • 3.6 Secure airway into position when directed
4. Assist with insertion of endotracheal, orally or nasally and/or endobronchial tubes
  • 4.1 Select, conduct pre-use check and prepare endotracheal or endobronchial tube and other intubation equipment
  • 4.2 Assist with positioning of client for intubation
  • 4.3 Anticipate needs of the anaesthetist
  • 4.4 Provide assistance with insertion including use of stylet, bougie and/or cricoid manipulation
  • 4.5 If applicable, inflate cuff according to industry standard.
  • 4.6 When indicated, assist with insertion of throat pack including appropriate documentation of insertion/removal
  • 4.7 If directed, use a stethoscope to identify breathing sounds
  • 4.8 Secure airway into position when directed
5. Assist with rapid sequence induction
  • 5.1 Determine rationale for rapid sequence induction
  • 5.2 Select, conduct pre-use check and prepare equipment for rapid sequence induction
  • 5.3 Inform client of procedures to be completed by the anaesthetic technician
  • 5.4 Apply cricoid pressure , monitor patient for vomiting and remove pressure when instructed by the anaesthetist
  • 5.5 Assist with insertion of endotracheal tube
  • 5.6 Secure airway into position if directed.
6. Assist with predicted difficult airway/intubation
  • 6.1 Discuss and confirm equipment preparation, intubation plan and contingencies with anaesthetist
  • 6.2 Select, undertake pre-use safety checks and prepare required equipment
  • 6.3 Inform client of tasks to be undertaken by anaesthetic technician.
  • 6.4 Anticipate anaesthetist needs in patient preparation and assist throughout intubation
  • 6.5 When appropriate, return clean equipment to storage location and send used equipment for processing.
  • 6.6 Debrief with anaesthetic team on outcome of intubation.
7. Assist with connection/ disconnection of client to/from ventilation equipment
  • 7.1 Select and prepare ventilation equipment and materials
  • 7.2 Set ventilation modes and parameters and ensure warning devices are switched on, tested and are registering that the equipment is safe prior to use with client
  • 7.3 Observe equipment whilst in use and take action immediately if fault develops to avoid danger to equipment, clients and staff
  • 7.4 Follow established procedures to rectify faulty equipment
  • 7.5 Check client’s physiological parameters when required or as directed by anaesthetist
  • 7.6 Identify, validate and report deviations from acceptable limits of physiological parameters to the medical practitioner
  • 7.7 Report signs of client discomfort, distress or adverse reaction to the anaesthetist
8. Assist in management of client’s airway during emergence phase
  • 8.1 Assist anaesthetist with client positioning to facilitate management of client’s airway
  • 8.2 Assist anaesthetist to optimise oxygenation of client
  • 8.3 Assist with oral/nasal/endotracheal/SAD suctioning.
  • 8.4 Assist anaesthetist as required during SAD removal or extubation and be prepared for possible reintubation
  • 8.5 Provide reassurance to the client and take action to limit injury
  • 8.6 Observe client’s condition throughout the procedure and take action when required or at the direction of the anaesthetist
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WD053 HLTAN404D Provide assistance during emergence phase of anaesthesia Unit of competency
WD052 HLTAN403D Provide assistance during induction and maintenance of anaesthesia Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
ODQ81 HLTANA010 Assist with airway management Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
AWM7 HLT57915 Diploma of Anaesthetic Technology Qualification