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

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
First Aid equipment (oxygen cylinders, defibrillator)
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
Insect/marine bites
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 - illicit drugs
Unconsciousness including not breathing and no pulse

First Aid management may include:
Administration of analgesic gases
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Infection control
Semi-automated external defibrillator (SAED)
Expired air resuscitation (EAR)

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
Number of casualties and potential casualties
Use and availability of First Aid equipment, resources and pharmaceuticals
Confined spaces, subject to industry need
Medications may include:
Oxygen
Pain relief - paracetamol in accordance with state and territory legislation, analgesics (penthrane, entonox-used in mining industry)
Asthma - bronchodilator drugs and aerosol bronchodilators - casualty's own or from the First Aid kit in accordance with state and territory legislation
Severe allergic reactions - adrenaline - subject to casualty's own regime
Heart attack - aspirin

Resources and equipment are used appropriate to the risk to be met and may include:
Blood pressure cuff
Oxygen resuscitation/cylinders
Defibrillation units
Pressure bandages
Thermometers
Injections
Back boards
Stretchers
Soft bag resuscitator
First Aid kit
Eyewash
Thermal blankets
Pocket face masks
Rubber gloves
Dressing
Spacer device
Cervical collars

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

Preparation for isolated/remote travel may include:
Selection of relevant communication equipment
Relevant First Aid supplies and resources to cater for environmental conditions

In remote/isolated areas consideration to travel or wait would depend upon:
Severity of injury
Time required for medical assistance to arrive
Movement that might hinder rescue procedures

Documentation, especially in remote/isolated areas may include:
Time
Fluid intake/output
Blood
Vomit
Faeces
Urine
Administration of medication including time, date, person administering, dose
Vital signs

Established First Aid principles include:
Checking the site for danger to self, the 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, space access to equipment and resources and 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/licence 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.

HLTFA1A Apply basic First Aid 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 element describing First Aid provision in remote/isolated locations should be included in assessment according to its relevance for the industry Training Package in which assessment is being undertaken. Further information is provided in the Implementation Guide.

The following knowledge should be demonstrated in assessment:
OHS legislation and regulations
Legal responsibilities and duty of care
Basic anatomy and physiology
Respiratory/circulatory system
How to gain access to and interpret material safety data sheets (MSDSS)
Company standard operating procedures (SOPS)
Debriefing counselling procedures
Dealing with social problems and confidentiality
Capabilities of emergency management services
Knowledge of the First Aiders' skills and limitations

Evidence should demonstrate the following skills:
The specific injuries/illnesses managed should be identified according to the workplace/environmental needs of the workplace and the range of variables listed in this unit:
Resuscitation
The use of a semi-automated defibrillator
Delivery of oxygen
Demonstration of First Aid principles
Adequate infection control procedures
Safe manual handling
Consideration of the welfare of the casualty
Initial casualty assessment
Report preparation
Communication skills
Incident management skills
Ability to interpret and use listed documents

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Basic anatomy - skeleton, muscles, joints, bones
Basic physiology
Basic toxicology
Transport techniques
Assertiveness skills
Communication skills
Leadership
Decision making
Legal requirements
Duty of care
Infection control
Resuscitation
Bleeding control
Airway management
Care of unconscious
State and Territory regulatory requirements relating to currency of skill and knowledge