Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:46 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.

Assess and respond to medical emergencies

Assess and respond to medical emergencies

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAEDR002
State Code
OEO57
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
15/12/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2023
Field of Education
061305 - Indigenous Health
Original Release Date
11/08/2023
Nominal Hours
110
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to clinically assess emergency presentations, provide emergency care, and to monitor the client’s condition until the situation is stabilised or the client is transferred to the care of other medical services. Assessment and treatment may take place in a health service or in other locations such as accident sites and clients’ homes. Medical emergencies may also involve multiple casualties.This unit is specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people working as health practitioners. They work as part of a multidisciplinary primary health care team to provide primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No regulatory requirement for certification, occupational or business licensing is linked to this unit at the time of publication. For information about practitioner registration and accredited courses of study, contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia (ATSIHPBA).
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Make clinical assessment of emergency presentation.
  • 1.1. Seek information from client and accompanying carers about reason for emergency presentation using culturally safe communication.
  • 1.2. Access and refer to any existing client records to inform clinical assessment.
  • 1.3. Complete primary survey of client in correct sequence based on presenting condition according to organisational standard treatment protocols or emergency procedures.
  • 1.4. Identify the need for immediate assistance from emergency services and follow organisational procedures to access services.
  • 1.5. Complete secondary survey of client’s clinical status according to organisational standard treatment protocols or emergency procedures.
  • 1.6. Complete client records to include accurate and complete details of emergency presentation.
  • 1.7. Identify potential for client deterioration and critical time factors based on outcomes of primary and secondary survey.
  • 1.8. Establish own capacity to provide treatment and take steps to organise assistance from other health professionals when need is indicated.
2. Implement medical emergency care.
  • 2.1. Provide client and accompanying carers with clear information about treatment and its rationale and confirm understanding.
  • 2.2. Seek informed consent when condition allows and explain what this means.
  • 2.3. Administer emergency clinical treatments for presenting condition according to scope of practice and organisational standard treatment protocols or emergency procedures.
  • 2.4. Follow instructions from others when assistance has been sought for the treatment of the medical emergency.
  • 2.5. Select and use medical equipment suited to purpose of emergency treatment and according to manufacturer’s specifications.
  • 2.6. Update client records accurately and according to organisational procedures.
3. Monitor and report client clinical status.
  • 3.1. Continuously observe client and identify changes and deterioration in clinical condition that may indicate the need for further and changed treatment.
  • 3.2. Adjust clinical treatments in response to monitoring according to scope of practice and organisational standard treatment protocols or emergency procedures.
  • 3.3. Maintain continuity of care until client’s emergency presentation is stabilised or clinical handover to other medical service is completed.
  • 3.4. Convey accurate and complete information about the emergency presentation and treatment response to individuals involved in the client’s ongoing care.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WG664 HLTAHW013 Respond to emergencies Unit of competency