Elements and Performance Criteria

Relevant and current information on alcohol and other drugs issues includes:
Drugs prevalent in the local community
Information on meeting physical, emotional, financial and social needs
Contacts for self-help groups
Resources on dependency
Resources on alcohol and other drugs issues for families or personal network
Contacts for and information on advocacy groups
Information regarding mental health and self harm
Crisis and emergency contacts

Harm minimisation strategies include:
Abstinence, controlled drinking, safer sex, safer drug use

Emergency assistance may be from:
Friends
Police
Other service providers

Critical aspect of assessment:
First aid certification or equivalent skills including cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bandaging, managing toxic substances, managing bleeding, managing broken bones, managing consciousness, managing choking and knowledge of coma positions correct interpretation of legislative requirements in the provision of needle and syringe services. Units
Clear and relevant communication of information to clients

Essential knowledge:
A basic First Aid certificate or equivalent is a requirement of this unit. This includes cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bandaging, managing toxic substances, managing bleeding, managing broken bones, managing consciousness, managing choking and knowledge of coma positions.
Legislative and organisational requirements for needle and syringe services
Legislative and organisational requirements for infection control
Legislative and organisational requirements for dealing with clients affected by alcohol and other drugs
Other agencies and services provided
Emergency contacts
Recent and relevant information on alcohol and other drugs issues
Strategies for self-protection including universal precautions

Essential skills:
Conflict resolution
Self protection
Accurate record keeping

Consistency of performance:
Competence in this unit must be assessed over a period of time in order to ensure consistency of performance over the Range Statement and contexts applicable to the work environment
Consistency in performance should consider the work environment, worker's role and responsibilities in the workplace

Interdependent assessment of units:

Resource implications::
Resource availability for first aid certification or equivalent skills

Context of assessment:
This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of workplace conditions