Cardiovascular disease currently affects one in six Australians and is the leading cause of heart attacks and cardiac arrests which subsequently kill one Australian every 12 minutes. Currently around 4 million people are affected by a cardiovascular disease with an Australian having a heart attack every 10 minutes on average.

In a sudden cardiac arrest, the immediate application of an automated external defibrillator is imperative to a patient’s chance of survival. Public places such as shopping centres, sporting complexes, schools and business centres now provide public access defibrillators for use in an emergency.

This course will equip candidates with the skills and knowledge required to safely operate an automated external defibrillator (AED). The course focus includes cardiac rhythms, action of the heart and the safe storage / use of an AED unit.
This course is recommended for any person responsible for the care of a person with a known cardiovascular disease, an elderly person or a person with known poor health. It is also recommended for Care workers and those involved in sports coaching and activities due to the recent increase in heart attacks in young persons.

Unit – PUAOPE010C Operate an Automated External Defibrillator in an Emergency

1.0 Assess casualty and develop management plan
1.1 Hazards are identified, minimised and if possible removed, in accordance with state/territory regulatory requirements
1.2 Casualty is reassured and positioned in a suitable position
1.3 Evaluation of signs and symptoms is undertaken to determine the casualty’s condition
1.4 Casualty’s condition is analysed to determine treatment requirements
1.5 Management plan is developed based on the results of the casualty assessment and the availability of equipment
1.6 Medical aid is arranged as soon as possible, consistent with maintaining casualty safety
2.0 Check equipment
2.1 Pre-use check of safety and potential effectiveness of equipment is undertaken in accordance with operating procedures, Australian Standards and regulatory requirements
2.2 Minor faults are diagnosed and repairs are carried out to restore equipment to working order in accordance with organisational procedures
2.3 Faults and defects are reported/recorded in accordance with organisational procedures
3.0 Attach and operate equipment
3.1 Equipment is set up in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
3.2 AED is attached and operated as per manufacturer’s guidelines and safety procedures
3.3 Work is undertaken cooperatively with person conducting resuscitation techniques
4.0 Recover and restore equipment
4.1 Equipment is cleaned, discarded or disinfected, restocked and/or replenished in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturer’s guidelines
4.2 Equipment is charged, stored and safeguarded against damage or loss in accordance with organisational procedures
4.3 Reports are completed and submitted to appropriate personnel

The assessment for this course includes three key components. The first two components are i) a multiple choice assessment and ii) a practical based assessment. These are based on the content taught during the training session and are completed under exam conditions by each individual candidate. The third component of the assessment is the reporting component which will see candidates complete an ‘Accident / Incident report form’. This task is to be discussed and planned in a group, although each candidate is required to be completed an individual form based on the scenario provided.

Practical Assessment Checklist

Task 1: Conduct an initial patient assessment using recognised techniques
1.1. Check environment for dangers
1.2. Reassure patient and place in a suitable position
1.3. Conduct a primary survey of patient’s signs and symptoms to determine patient condition
1.4. Analyse patient condition to determine treatment requirements
1.5. Develop management plan based on patient assessment and available equipment
1.6. Arrange medical aid as soon as possible while maintaining patient safety

Task 2: Operate an AED in an emergency in line with manufacturers operating procedures and regulatory requirements
2.1. Conduct pre-use check (safety and potential effectiveness) of equipment
2.2. Diagnose minor faults and carry out repairs to restore equipment to working order
2.3. Faults and defects reported/recorded in line with organisational procedures
2.4. Equipment is set up in line with manufactures instructions
2.5. AED is attached and operated as per manufacturer’s instructions
2.6. Work is undertaken cooperatively with person conducting resuscitation techniques (CPR)
2.7. Clear instructions provided during operation of defib and resuscitation
2.7. Manages self and time appropriately during the task

Task 3: Post incident equipment management according to Organisations procedures and manufacturer’s guidelines
3.1. Record the date of equipment checked and status in log book and report / record faults and defects
3.2. Clean and correctly discard, restock and / or replenish components
3.3. Safely return equipment to storage to minimise risk and safeguard against damage / loss
3.4. Diagnose minor faults and organise for repairs to return equipment to working order

1. Are there any prerequisites?

Due to the physical requirements of this course, the minimum age for candidates is 14 years.
This course requires candidates to hold the following prerequisite unit of competency PUAEME001B Provide emergency care OR HLTFA211A Provide basic emergency life support.

2. How long is my qualification valid for?

The qualification is valid for a period of 12 months. In order to maintain currency, you must do a refresher / update course prior to the 12 month expiry date.

3. How can I best prepare for the course?

In order to get the most out of the day, please ensure you arrive on time so the course can run to schedule. The venue address and any relevant information will be listed on your confirmation email. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring along the following:

What happens if I don’t pass?

As the course is competency based, you will need to ensure that you can demonstrate all the necessary requirements of the three units of competency. If you unable to perform a specific task on the day of the course, you will be deemed ‘not yet competent’ in that skill. You will be given the opportunity to attend a course at a later date (at no charge), in order to retrain and be reassessed on the particular skill or area of knowledge.

(For more Frequently Asked Questions, please refer to the FAQ’s on the left panel of the training menu).