Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:30 PM AWST
22/07/2026 8:30 PM 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.
Provide assistance during an emergency
Provide assistance during an emergency
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAN405D
HLTAN405D
State Code
WD054
WD054
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/08/2014
Field of Education
060301 - General Nursing
Original Release Date
06/08/2014
Nominal Hours
100
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and respond to clinical emergencies and to initiate and perform basic or advanced life supportThe unit includes the skills and knowledge required to assist the anaesthetist during an anaesthetic emergency
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify and respond to clinical emergencies
- 1.1 Correctly interpret client's symptoms, respond to abnormalities and immediately report to the appropriate clinician
- 1.2 Monitor and interpret equipment readings and immediately report any to the clinician
- 1.3 Utilise personal protective equipment in accordance with standard and additional precautions
- 1.4 Promptly obtain emergency equipment and make ready for the clinician
- 1.5 Maintain client's vital functions pending attendance of medical staff
- 1.6 Undertake emergency procedures as directed by the anaesthetist/medical officer
- 1.7 Identify calls for assistance and ensure they are acted upon by attending staff member
2. Identify the need for and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- 2.1 Correctly identify the need for and initiate CPR and summon medical assistance
- 2.2 Establish and maintainclient's airway
- 2.3 Position client to facilitate CPR
- 2.4 Perform external cardiac compression and ventilation of the lungs correctly
- 2.5 Assess client's physiological parameters continually and report variations/abnormalities immediately to the clinician
- 2.6 Ensure administration of defibrillation occurs rapidly and safely under the supervision of a medical practitioner and/or according to organisation policy and procedure and Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines
- 2.7 Document actions in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
3. Prepare drugs and fluids for administration in emergency situations under the direction of the anaesthetist/medical officer
- 3.1 Ensure required drugs, diluents and fluids are to hand
- 3.2 Ensure expiry date has not been exceeded for each drug, diluent or fluids
- 3.3 Ensure prepared drug corresponds accurately to medical practitioners requirements in nature, quantity and dilution
- 3.4 Check drugs with an authorised person prior to and after mixing
- 3.5 Use correct equipment and maintain sterility of drug and dilutent
- 3.6 Check final drug dilution with anaesthetist/medical office
- 3.7 Undertake emergency procedures as directed by the anaesthetist/medical officer
- 3.8 Complete documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Clinical emergencies must include:
Respiratory emergency (e.g. failed airway, bronchospasm, tension pneumothorax)
Laryngospasm
Ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmias e.g. cardiac arrest, VFVT asystole
Malignant hyperthermia
Hypovolaemic shock (e.g. massive blood loss)
Drug overdoses (e.g. convulsions, embolisms)
Anaphylactic shock (including latex allergies)
Aspiration
Clients requiring anaesthetic may include:
Neonates
Infants
Children
Adolescents
Adult
Elderly
Pregnant women
Emergency equipment may include:
Equipment for oxygen therapy
Suction equipment
Equipment for airway management
Intravenous access/therapy
Electro cardiograph monitor
Defibrillator/cardioverter
Blood pressure monitors, invasive and non-invasive
Pulse oximeter monitor
Gas monitor
Temperature monitor
Rapid infusion equipment
Physiological parameters
Circulation
Respiration
Neuromuscular function
Urine output
Drugs and dilutents and fluids may include:
Drugs relevant to emergency situations in accordance with Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists' Policy Documents
Water/saline solution
Glucose
Crystalloid, colloids and blood products
Infusion equipment may include:
Standard syringes
Pre-filled syringes
Hypodermic needles and drawing up cannula/needles
Ampoules
Needleless systems
Providing assistance at the request of the anaesthetist may include:
Siting venous cannula in accordance with state/territory and organisation guidelines ensuing:
client is informed and reassured throughout the procedure
individual needs of the client are checked and action to meet those needs is completed
optimum conditions to facilitate access are provided
cannulation is completed in an aseptic manner
cannula is adequately and safely secured and accessibility provided
waste is disposed of in accordance with waste management policies
Defibrillation
Airway management
Other assistance as requested by the anaesthetist/ medical officer
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Clinical emergencies must include:
Respiratory emergency (e.g. failed airway, bronchospasm, tension pneumothorax)
Laryngospasm
Ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmias e.g. cardiac arrest, VFVT asystole
Malignant hyperthermia
Hypovolaemic shock (e.g. massive blood loss)
Drug overdoses (e.g. convulsions, embolisms)
Anaphylactic shock (including latex allergies)
Aspiration
Clients requiring anaesthetic may include:
Neonates
Infants
Children
Adolescents
Adult
Elderly
Pregnant women
Emergency equipment may include:
Equipment for oxygen therapy
Suction equipment
Equipment for airway management
Intravenous access/therapy
Electro cardiograph monitor
Defibrillator/cardioverter
Blood pressure monitors, invasive and non-invasive
Pulse oximeter monitor
Gas monitor
Temperature monitor
Rapid infusion equipment
Physiological parameters
Circulation
Respiration
Neuromuscular function
Urine output
Drugs and dilutents and fluids may include:
Drugs relevant to emergency situations in accordance with Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists' Policy Documents
Water/saline solution
Glucose
Crystalloid, colloids and blood products
Infusion equipment may include:
Standard syringes
Pre-filled syringes
Hypodermic needles and drawing up cannula/needles
Ampoules
Needleless systems
Providing assistance at the request of the anaesthetist may include:
Siting venous cannula in accordance with state/territory and organisation guidelines ensuing:
client is informed and reassured throughout the procedure
individual needs of the client are checked and action to meet those needs is completed
optimum conditions to facilitate access are provided
cannulation is completed in an aseptic manner
cannula is adequately and safely secured and accessibility provided
waste is disposed of in accordance with waste management policies
Defibrillation
Airway management
Other assistance as requested by the anaesthetist/ medical officer
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Assessment must include a written calculation test with 100% mastery
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Method of assessment
Observation in the workplace
Evidence gathered from clinical work environment
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Questioning - verbal and written
Role play/simulation
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Related units:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
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 this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Assessment must include a written calculation test with 100% mastery
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Method of assessment
Observation in the workplace
Evidence gathered from clinical work environment
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Questioning - verbal and written
Role play/simulation
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Related units:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5755 | HLTAN405C | Provide assistance during an emergency | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVA81 | HLTANA004 | Respond to anaesthesia related emergencies | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J089 | HLT42612 | Certificate IV in Anaesthetic Technology | Qualification |
| J103 | HLT50612 | Diploma of Paramedical Science (Anaesthesia) | Qualification |