Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:28 PM AWST
22/07/2026 8:28 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 emergency care for suspected spinal injury
Provide emergency care for suspected spinal injury
Unit of competency
National Code
PUAEME004A
PUAEME004A
State Code
D5492
D5492
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/08/2011
Field of Education
069907 - First Aid
Original Release Date
18/08/2011
Nominal Hours
8
Description
This unit covers the competency required to minimise further injury to a casualty when applying first aid and waiting for emergency medical aid.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify suspected spinal injury
- 1.1 Signs and symptoms from a conscious casualty that may suggest a spinal injury are identified.
- 1.2 Signs of life in an unconscious casualty are confirmed.
- 1.3 Basic life support protocols are followed with care for casualty's spine where casualty exhibits no signs of life.
- 1.4 Likely causes of unconsciousness that may suggest a spinal injury are identified.
- 1.5 Emergency medical aid is requested.
2. Immobilise cervical spine
- 2.1 Casualty is communicated with to provide reassurance and to explain the need to minimise movement of their spine.
- 2.2 Casualty is measured and appropriately sized cervical collar is selected.
- 2.3 Cervical collar is applied ensuring correct location and tension is applied.
- 2.4 Conscious standing casualty is assisted to supine position in accordance with organisational procedures and availability of personnel.
3. Evaluate need to move casualty
- 3.1 Potential hazards to first aider and to casualty are identified.
- 3.2 Risk of not moving the casualty while waiting for medical aid to arrive is evaluated.
- 3.3 Plan to move casualty is developed.
4. Prepare casualty for transport
- 4.1 Casualty is communicated with to provide reassurance and the need to immobilise the casualty for transport is explained.
- 4.2 Equipment to immobilise the casualty's spine is selected.
- 4.3 Immobilisation equipment is applied in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and organisational procedures.
5. Transport and monitor casualty
- 5.1 Casualty is transported away from hazards ensuring smooth movements are used by team.
- 5.2 Team is directed in coordinated lifting movement and lowering of casualty.
- 5.3 Casualty is monitored during transport.
6. Perform casualty handover
- 6.1 Details of incident are communicated to medical personnel.
- 6.2 Assistance is given to medical personnel as requested.
- 6.3 Debriefing with supervisor or other operational staff is undertaken.
- 6.4 Relevant log books are completed according to organisational requirements.
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Signs and symptoms of a suspected spinal injury may include:
back or neck pain
dilated pupils
head injuries
headache or dizziness
increased muscle tone
loss of bladder/bowel control
loss of function in hands or feet
prioprism
tingling or lack of feeling in upper or lower limbs
Signs of life may include:
breathing
consciousness
movement
Basic life support protocols include:
Australian resuscitation council guidelines
Likely causes of unconsciousness that may suggest a spinal injury may include:
diving accident
fall from a height
industrial accident
motor vehicle accident
severe penetrating wounds (impaled, gunshot)
significant blow to the head
sporting accident
Hazards may include:
fire
traffic
water
Transport may include:
carrying casualty
using a vehicle
Equipment may include:
cervical collars
scoop stretchers
spine boards and strapping
stokes baskets
Monitoring casualty may include:
Assessing vital signs such as:
level of consciousness
breathing rate
pulse rate
skin colour and temperature
Remaining with casualty
Details may include:
casualty injuries
treatment provided
Assistance may include:
carrying casualty
performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Signs and symptoms of a suspected spinal injury may include:
back or neck pain
dilated pupils
head injuries
headache or dizziness
increased muscle tone
loss of bladder/bowel control
loss of function in hands or feet
prioprism
tingling or lack of feeling in upper or lower limbs
Signs of life may include:
breathing
consciousness
movement
Basic life support protocols include:
Australian resuscitation council guidelines
Likely causes of unconsciousness that may suggest a spinal injury may include:
diving accident
fall from a height
industrial accident
motor vehicle accident
severe penetrating wounds (impaled, gunshot)
significant blow to the head
sporting accident
Hazards may include:
fire
traffic
water
Transport may include:
carrying casualty
using a vehicle
Equipment may include:
cervical collars
scoop stretchers
spine boards and strapping
stokes baskets
Monitoring casualty may include:
Assessing vital signs such as:
level of consciousness
breathing rate
pulse rate
skin colour and temperature
Remaining with casualty
Details may include:
casualty injuries
treatment provided
Assistance may include:
carrying casualty
performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
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 competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
identify casualty with a suspected spinal injury
evaluate the need to move casualty with a suspected spinal injury
immobilise casualty prior to moving
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated in a range of first aid incidents or scenarios requiring management of suspected spinal injuries.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed by managing suspected spinal injuries during first aid scenarios.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
equipment used in managing suspected spinal injuries
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
identify casualty with a suspected spinal injury
evaluate the need to move casualty with a suspected spinal injury
immobilise casualty prior to moving
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated in a range of first aid incidents or scenarios requiring management of suspected spinal injuries.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed by managing suspected spinal injuries during first aid scenarios.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
equipment used in managing suspected spinal injuries
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAZ37 | PUAEME004 | Provide emergency care for suspected spinal injury | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWN8 | SIS31015 | Certificate III in Aquatics and Community Recreation | Qualification |