Professional Development – Watch Around Water

This award is applicable to staff employed at a facility who is registered to the Watch Around Water Program

Aim:

To increase awareness of the importance of active supervision of young children in public aquatic facilities. The program ultimately aims to reduce the number of fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents in the under 10 year age group.

Pre-requisite:

nill

Theory:

Introduction
S.W.I.M S.A.F.E principle
History
Target Groups
Drowning statistics
The Challenge and the reality
Supervision and misconceptions
Human Impact of Drowning
Role of lifeguard, parent/guardian and management
Structured Policies
Water Safety Principles
Increased Communications
Multicultural Awareness
Staff Up-skilling
Active Application
Conflict Resolution

Practical:

Challenging situations
Self-Assessment
Staff Internal Training

Professional Development – SwimSafe

This award is applicable to staff employed at a facility who is registered to the SwimSafe Program

Aim:

SwimSafe is a public education campaign born out of coronial recommendations which is targeted at adult vulnerable swimmers. It is a research-based campaign which has been proven to be effective at educating both staff and patrons on the vulnerabilities of weak and non-swimmers, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those with pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities about the hazards associated with aquatic environments.

Pre-requisite:

nill

Theory:

Drowning in Public Pools
Multicultural and Disability Awareness
Campaign Components
SwimSafe Implementation
Staff Roles & Responsibilities

Rescue Strand – Wade Rescue Award

This award is particularly applicable to primary school students.

This award does not train or qualify a candidate to enter the water to perform a swimming
rescue.

Aim:

To introduce skills and knowledge of safe water rescue and survival.

Prerequisite:

Nil

Theory:

Answer questions on:

safe water practices

how to survive in the water

self-preservation in rescues

recognising an emergency

Practical:

Resuscitation

Demonstrate:

checking for dangers

the assessment of unconsciousness

checking for the signs indicating the presence or absence of breathing

positioning of the casualty for Rescue Breaths

completion of rescue breaths

chest compressions

Secure the person rescued at a point of safety following each rescue.

Reach

A person is in difficulty 2 metres from safety. Demonstrate a reach rescue using an aid specified by the assessor. Secure the person rescued at a point of safety.

Throw – unweighted rope

A weak swimmer is in difficulty 8 metres from safety

perform a throwing rescue using an unweighted rope

return the person to safety

Wade – buoyant aid

A person is in difficulty 10 metres from safety. Using a buoyant aid selected by the assessor:

slide in

wade five metres

throw the aid to the person

instruct the person on how to use the aid

accompany the person to safety

Wade – rigid aid

A person is in difficulty 8 metres from safety. Using a rigid aid selected by the assessor:

enter the water as for unknown conditions

wade and offer the aid to the person

pull the person to a safe position

instruct the person on how to leave the water.

Rescue Strand – Accompanied Rescue Award

This award is suitable for upper primary and junior secondary school students.

Holders of this award are not trained or qualified to attempt any form of contact rescue in deep water.

Aim:

To develop skills and knowledge of safe water rescue and survival.

Prerequisite:

Nil

Theory:

Answer questions requiring an understanding of:

safe water practices

how to survive in the water

self-preservation in rescues

recognising an emergency

assessment before a rescue

priorities for rescue

DRSABCD

Practical:

Resuscitation

Demonstrate:

checking for dangers

the assessment of unconsciousness

opening and clearing the airway

checking for the signs of life

positioning the casualty for CPR

mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing

mouth-to-nose rescue breathing

chest compressions

the appropriate action for a casualty who vomits or regurgitates

the recovery position

Getting Help

Demonstrate and explain procedures for getting help and contacting emergency services in the local area.

Throw – buoyant aid

A person is in difficulty 6 metres from safety.

demonstrate a throwing rescue using a buoyant aid selected by the assessor

Throw – weighted rope

A weak swimmer is in difficulty 10 metres from safety.

perform a throw rescue using a weighted rope

secure the person at a point of safety

Wade and resuscitation

An unconscious and non-breathing person (non-spinal) is in water of waist depth 5-8 metres from safety. The candidates should:

slide in

wade as for unknown conditions

turn the person over

check for signs of life

simulate rescue breathing while wading to safety

Wade rescue

A person is in difficulty 8 metres from safety. Using a rigid aid selected by the assessor:

enter the water as for unknown conditions

offer the aid to the person

pull the person to safety

assist the person out of the water using a stirrup lift

Defensive techniques

Demonstrate:

a defensive position

a reverse action

Accompanied rescue

A person is in difficulty 15 metres from safety. With a flotation aid:

enter the water maintaining visual contact with the person

wade and / or swim and, keeping a safe distance, pass the aid to the person

accompany the person to safety

instruct the person on how to leave the water

Underwater search

Demonstrate an individual search pattern in shallow water.

Surface dive

In a single surface dive, recover three of the six objects placed in a 2 metre by 2 metres area in water 1.5 metres deep.

Initiative

Demonstrate initiative in effecting a rescue of a person who is not more than 10 metres from safety.

The assessor will:

specify whether the person is injured (non-spinal) unconscious or a weak swimmer

specify the distance the person is from safety

ensure that four rescue aids (buoyant and non-buoyant) are available

On completion of this test, the candidate may be asked to explain the reasons for the actions taken.

Swim

Dressed in swimwear, shorts and t-shirt:

float and tread water for one minute waving intermittently as if signalling for help

swim 200 metres using any recognised stroke(s)with the use of arms.

Explanatory Notes:

A candidate who has passed the Basic Resuscitation Award within the previous six months may receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Wherever possible, test item 2.6 and 2.7 should be performed on a manikin.

For test item 7, the candidate must not come into contact with the person and when the water is entered, wading rescues only will be permitted.

The components of test items 2, 5 and 6 must be performed in the sequence listed for each test item.

Bronze Strand –Bronze Star Award

This award is suitable for upper primary and junior secondary school students.

Holders of this award are not trained or qualified to attempt any form of contact rescue in deep water.

Aim:

To develop skills and knowledge of safe water rescue and survival.

Prerequisite:

Nil

Theory:

Answer questions requiring an understanding of:

safe water practices

how to survive in the water

self-preservation in rescues

recognising an emergency

assessment before a rescue

priorities for rescue

treatment for shock elementary after care including getting help and contacting emergency services in the local area

DRSABCD

Practical:

Resuscitation

Demonstrate:

checking for dangers

the assessment of unconsciousness

opening and clearing the airway

checking for the signs of life

positioning the casualty for CPR

mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing

mouth-to-nose rescue breathing

chest compressions

appropriate action for a casualty who vomits or regurgitates

appropriate action if an airway blockage is apparent

the recovery position

Getting Help

Demonstrate and explain procedures for getting help and contacting emergency services in the local area.

Throw – PFD

A person is in difficulty 6 metres from safety.

Effect a throwing rescue using a PFD as a buoyant aid

Throw – unweighted rope

A person is in difficulty 10 metres from safety.

perform a throw rescue using a unweighted rope

secure the person at a point of safety

Rescue and resuscitation

An unconscious and non-breathing person is floating face-down in deep water. The candidate should:

enter the water and swim to the person

turn the person over and tow 10 metres to shallow water

call for assistance

commence rescue breathing while wading to safety

Accompanied rescue

A person is in difficulty 15 metres from safety. With a floatation aid:

enter the water as for unknown conditions

wade and swim to the person

instruct in the use of the aid

accompany the person to safety

secure the person at a point of safety

Defensive techniques

Demonstrate:

a defensive position

a reverse action

a leg block

Tow

A weak or injured swimmer is in difficulty in deepwater 20 metres from safety. With a non-rigid towing aid selected by the assessor:

enter deep water using a stride entry or compact jump

swim to the person a defensive position

offer the aid to the person and tow to safety

assist the person out of the water using a stirrup lift

Surface dive

Demonstrate ahead-first and a feet-first surface dive in deepwater. collect an object from the bottom.

Underwater search

Demonstrate an individual search pattern in shallow water.

Initiative

Demonstrate initiative in effecting a rescue of a person who is not more than 15 metres from safety.

The assessor will:

specify whether the person is injured, unconscious or a weak swimmer

specify the distance the person is from safety

ensure that four rescue aids (buoyant and non-buoyant) are available

On completion of this test, the candidate may be asked to explain the reasons for the actions taken.

Survival skills

Dressed in swimwear, trousers and a long-sleeved shirt:

float and tread water for 1 minute waving intermittently as if signalling for help

put on a PFD in deep water and swim 50 metres

demonstrate the HELP position

climb out of the water

Swim

Dressed in swimwear,swim continuously 300 metres:

100 metres freestyle

100 metres on the side

100 metres on the front

In test item 13.1 the stroke freestyle should be performed as defined in chapter 4.
Test items 13.2 and 13.3 must be performed using an underwater arm recovery and any effective leg action is permissible.
The target time for the swim is 10 minutes.

Explanatory Notes:

Wherever possible, test item 2.6 and 2.7 should be performed on a manikin

A candidate who has passed the Resuscitation Awareness Award within the previous 6monthsmay receive credit for test item 2, but resuscitation should still be reviewed by the examiner where it appears in test sequences.

The components of test items 5, 6, 8, 12 and 13 must be performed in the sequence listed for each test item.

For test item 11, the candidate must not perform a contact rescue unless the person is unconscious.

Bronze Strand – Bronze Medallion Award

This award is suitable for secondary school students.

Holders of this award are recognised as having gained a minimum standard as a qualified lifesaver.

Aim:

To develop the level of knowledge,judgement,technique and physical ability required to carry out safe water rescues.

Minimum age:

14 years or in the year in which the candidate turns 14.

Pre-requisite:

It is advantageous if candidate should the Senior Swim and Survive and Bronze Star awards.

Theory:

Answer questions requiring an understanding of:

safe water practices

survival in the water

self-preservation

recognising an emergency

assessment before and during a rescue

priorities for rescue

acceptance of responsibility

use of bystanders

emergency care

contacting emergency services

DRSABCD

Practical:

Resuscitation

Complete the test for the Resuscitation award

Reach

A non-swimmer is in difficulty two metres from safety.

Demonstrate a reach rescue using an aid specified by the assessor

Secure the person at a point of safety

Throw – unweighted rope

A person is in difficulty 10 metres from safety.

perform a throwing rescue using a unweighted rope

secure the person at a point of safety

A time limit of 30 seconds will apply from the start until the person grasps the rope.

Timed Tow

An unconscious, breathing person is fifty metres from safety.

Enter the water, swim 50metres, approach and tow the person 50metres to safety.

The candidate will commence the rescue wearing swimwear, trousers and long sleeved shirt, any of which may be discarded as desired.

The time for this test should not exceed 3minutes and 15seconds from the starting signal until the completion of the tow.

Swim

Dressed in swimwear, swim continuously 400metres:

100 metres freestyle

100 metres survival backstroke

100metres on the sidestroke

100metres on the breaststroke

Intest item 6.1thestrokefreestyleshouldbeperformedasdefinedinChapter 4.
Test items 6.2,6.3and6.4mustbeperformedusinganunderwaterarmrecoveryandany effectivelegactionis permissible.
Thetotaltimefortheswimshouldnotexceed 13minutes.

Survival skills

Dressed in swimwear, trousers and a long-sleeved shirt:

float and tread water for 1 minute waving intermittently as if signalling for help

put on a PFD in deep water and swim 50metres

demonstrate the HELP position

climb out of the water wearing the PFD

Accompanied rescue

A person is in difficulty 12 metres from safety.

with a floatation aid, enter the water as for unknown conditions

wade 5-8 metres

throw aid to the person

instruct person on the use of the aid

accompany the person to safety

instruct the person on how to leave the water

Accompanied rescue

A person is in difficulty 15 metres from safety. With a flotation aid:

enter the water maintaining visual contact with the person

wade and / or swim and, keeping a safe distance, pass the aid to the person

accompany the person to safety

instruct the person on how to leave the water

Tow

A weak or injured swimmer is in difficulty in deepwater 25metres from safety:

enter deep water using a stride entry or compact jump

swim to the person a defensive position

offer the aid to the person and tow to safety

assist the person out of the water using a stirrup lift

Spinal Injury

Apply the vice grip for the immobile station of a spinal injury to the neck and then wade with the casualty for 5metres. Summon assistance.

Rescue and resuscitation

An unconscious and non-breathing person is floating face-down in deep water. The candidate should:

enter the water and swim to the person

turn the person over and tow 10 metres to shallow water

call for assistance

commence rescue breathing while wading to safety

Defensive techniques

Dressed in swimwear, trousers and long-sleeved shirt, perform two of the following in deepwater:

a defensive position

a reverse action

a leg block

a block using an aid

Search and rescue

Demonstrate a search pattern in approximately 2metres of water, submerging head first or feet first as specified by the Instructor. Recover an object from the bottom.

Recover and Resuscitate

Recover a person simulating unconsciousness from approximately 2meters depth and tow 10metres to shallow water or to safety:

Assume that it is not possible to remove the person from the water until assistance arrives. Assess for respiratory failure and demonstrate rescue breathing for 1minute.Once assistance has arrived, land the person and assess DRSABCD. Assume that signs of life are present and then place in the recovery position.

Initiative

Demonstrate initiative in effecting a rescue of a person who is not more than 15 metres from safety.
The examiner will ensure that up to five rescue aids will be available. The examiner will brief the subjects on the roles to be simulated from the following:

Non swimmer

Weak swimmer

Injured swimmer

Person with a suspected spinal injury in shallow water

Unconscious person

On completion of this test, the candidate may be asked to explain the reasons for the actions taken.

Explanatory Notes:

The examiner must be satisfied that the candidate is capable of rescuing an adult in similar circumstances to those being tested. To assist with assessment, the examiner may change a candidate’s partner.

A candidate who holds a current Resuscitation Award within the previous 6months may receive automatic credit for test item 2 but resuscitation should still be reviewed by the examiner where it appears in test sequences.

Test items 1,3-9,11 and 12 inclusive are instructor-assessed items, that is, those which the Instructor certifies the candidate has completed.

The examiner must examine test items2,10,13 and 14plus two others selected from test items8,9,11 and 12.

The examiner is permitted to examine as many test items as is considered necessary to assess the ability of a candidate.

The components of test items7,8,9 and 12 must be performed in the sequence listed for each test item.

To requalify for the Bronze Medallion all candidates must perform items2,10,13 and 14 and a minimum of one other test to the satisfaction of the examiner.

Bronze Strand – Bronze Cross Award

This award is suitable for secondary school students.

Holders of this award are recognised as having gained a minimum standard as a qualified lifesaver.

Aim:

To develop the level of knowledge, judgement, technique and physical ability required to carry out water rescues

Pre-requisite:

Bronze Medallion

Theory:

Answer questions requiring an understanding of:

safe water practices

survival in the water

self-preservation

recognising an emergency

assessment before and during a rescue

priorities for rescue

acceptance of responsibility

use of bystanders

emergency care

contacting emergency services

DRSABCD

Practical:

Resuscitation

Complete the test for the Resuscitation award

Water Test Timed Tow

An unconscious, breathing person is 50 metres from safety.

Enter the water, swim a 50 metres, approach and tow the person 50 metres to safety.

The candidate will commence the rescue wearing swimwear, trousers and long sleeved shirt, any of which may be discarded as desired.

The time for this test should not exceed 3 minutes shall apply from starting signal until the completion of the rescue.

Swim

Dressed in swimwear, swim continuously 400 metres:

100 metres sidestroke

100 metres survival backstroke

100 metres on the breaststroke

300 metres using any recognised stroke(s)

Test items 4.1,4.2 and 4.3 must be performed using an underwater arm recovery and any effective leg action is permissible. The total time limit for the swim is not to exceed 17 minutes.

Defensive techniques

Dressed in swimwear ,trousers and long-sleeved shirt, perform two of the following in deep water:

a defensive position

a reverse action

a leg block

a block using an aid

Assume a defensive position and communicate verbally with the person in difficulty after performing each defensive technique.

Spinal Injury

In shallow water, immobilise a breathing person who has a suspected spinal injury. Recruit and direct two untrained bystanders to assist with stabilisation by supporting the person at the hips and ankles.

Search and rescue

Demonstrate one search pattern using both head first and feet first surface dives in water approximately 2 metres deep.

Rescue and resuscitation

An on-breathing person is in deep water fifteen metres from safety:

enter the water with a buoyant aid

swim to the person and assess the person’s condition

perform simulated rescue breathing for 30 seconds

tow the person 15 metres to safety

assuming that the person has recommenced breathing, recruit and direct a trained bystander to help lift the person from the water

place the person in the recovery position and demonstrate appropriate aftercare while instructing the bystander to seek medical help.

Initiative

Demonstrate initiative in effecting a rescue of two people who are in difficulty up to 20 metres from safety and whose conditions are not revealed. The examiner will ensure that up to 5 rescue aids will be available. The examiner will brief the subjects on the roles to be simulated from the following:

non swimmer

weak swimmer

injured swimmer

person with a suspected spinal injury in shall water

unconscious person

One bystander with lifesaving ability may also be available.

On completion of this test, the candidate will explain the reasons for the actions taken.

Explanatory Notes:

A candidate requires a current Resuscitation Award

The examiner may supplement the practical tests by asking questions which seek a further understanding of rescue, survival and resuscitation.

Test items 1, 3-5 and 7 are instructor assessed items that is those which the instructor certifies the candidate has completed.

The examiner must examine test items 2, 6, 8 and 9 and either 5 or 7

The examiner is permitted to examine as many test items as is considered necessary to assess the ability of the candidate.

The examiner must be satisfied that the candidate is capable of rescuing an adult in similar circumstances to those being tested. To assist with assessment, the examiner may change a candidate’s partner.

The components of test item 8 must be performed in the sequence listed.

To requalify for the Bronze Cross, all candidates must perform items 2, 6, 8, 9 and one other test to the satisfaction of the examiner.

Advanced Lifesaving – Award of Merit

Aim:

Todevelop advanced rescue and judgement skills. The candidate must perform with skill, sensitivity and understanding.

Minimum age:

15 years

Pre-requisite:

Bronze Cross

Theory:

Answer questions requiring a high level of understanding of:

safe water practices

survival in the water

self-preservation in rescue

recognising an emergency

assessment before and during a rescue

priorities for rescue

acceptance of responsibility

use of bystanders

towing principles

emergency care

emergency services available

drownings in Australia

Practical:

Resuscitation

Complete the test for the Oxygen Resuscitation award

demonstrate use of a bystander

Water Test Timed Tow

An unconscious patient, unable to assist with propulsion is in difficulty 75 metres from safety.

enter the water, swim a 70metre, approach and tow the person 75 metres to safety.

the candidate will commence the rescue wearing swimwear, trousers and long sleeved shirt, any of which may be discarded as desired.

the time for this test should not exceed 4 minutes and 45 seconds applies from starting signal until the completion of the tow.

Swim

Dressed in swimwear, swim continuously 800 metres:

100 metres sidestroke

100 metres survival backstroke

100 metres on the breaststroke

500 metres using any recognised stroke(s)

Test items 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 must be performed using an underwater arm recovery; any effective leg action is permissible. The total time limit for the swim is not to exceed 21 minutes.

Defensive techniques

Dressed in swimwear, trousers and long-sleeved shirt, perform two of the following in deep water:

a defensive position

a reverse

a leg block

a block using an aid

Assume a defensive position and communicate verbally with the person in difficulty after performing each defensive technique.

Spinal Injury

In shallow water, immobilise a non-breathing person who has a suspected spinal injury.

recruit and direct at least 4 untrained bystanders to assist with stabilising and performing rescue breathing on the person in the water.

Search and rescue

Organise 3 bystanders who are competent swimmers to assist in performing a search pattern in water with a maximum depth of 3 metres.

Rescue and resuscitation

A non-breathing person is in deep water 20 metres from safety:

enter the water with a buoyant aid

swim to the person and assess the person’s condition

perform simulated rescue breathing for 30 seconds

assuming that the person has re commenced breathing, recruit and direct a trained bystander to help lift the person from the water

place the person in the recovery position and demonstrate appropriate after care while instructing the bystander to seek medical help.

The examiner will ensure potential rescue aids and bystanders are available. On completing this test, the candidate will explain reasons for the actions taken.

Initiative

Demonstrate initiative in effecting a rescue of 3 people who are in difficulty up to 25 metres from safety and whose conditions are not revealed. The examiner will ensure that up to 5 rescue aids will be available. The examiner will brief the subjects on the roles to be simulated from the following:

non swimmer

weak swimmer

injured swimmer

person with a suspected spinal injury in shall water

unconscious person

Two bystanders are available. The examiner will brief the bystanders on the roles to be simulated. For example:

pool lifeguard

over-helpful teenager

an adult without any lifesaving knowledge or skills.

On completion of this test, the candidate will explain the reasons for the actions taken.

Explanatory Notes:

Candidates are required to have a current Oxygen Resuscitation Award

The examiner may supplement the practical tests by asking questions which seek a further understanding of rescue, survival and resuscitation.

Test items 1, 3-5 and 7 are instructor assessed items that is those which the instructor certifies the candidate has completed.

The examiner must examine test items 2, 6, 8 and 9 and either 5 or 7.

The examiner is permitted to examine as many test items as is considered necessary to assess the ability of the candidate.

The examiner must be satisfied that the candidate is capable of rescuing an adult in similar circumstances to those being tested. To assist with assessment, the examiner may change a candidate’s partner.

The components of test item 8 must be performed in the sequence listed.

To requalify for the Award of Merit, all candidates must perform items 2, 6, 8, 9 and 9 at least one other test to the satisfaction of the examiner.

Advanced Lifesaving – Award of Distinction

Aim:

To provide an opportunity for continuous striving for excellence and maturity of response to emergency situations. The candidate must achieve a high level of rescue knowledge and skill. Each test item must be performed with distinction.

Minimum age:

16 years

Pre-requisite:

Award of Merit

Theory:

Answer questions requiring a thorough understanding of the contents of Swimming and Lifesaving (6th edition) and the purpose of the practical test items included in this award.
While this test will be in written form, examiners may also supplement the practical water and resuscitation tests by asking questions that will also provide an opportunity for candidates who are more comfortable with oral questioning to display their knowledge and understanding.

Practical:

Resuscitation

Complete the test for the Oxygen Resuscitation award

Water Test Swim

Dressed in swimwear, swim continuously 800 metres:

100 metres sidestroke

100 metres survival backstroke

100 metres on the breaststroke

500 metres using any recognised stroke(s)

Test items 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 must be performed using an underwater arm recovery; any effective leg action is permissible. The total time limit for the swim is not to exceed 19 minutes.

Two swimmers locked together

Two swimmers in difficulty are locked together in deep water up to 20 metres from safety.

take appropriate action when rescuing the swimmers

a number of aids and bystanders may be made available

Rescue and emergency care

Demonstrate initiative in rescuing a person who requires aquatic emergency care. The examiner will set the scene and ensure any aids that may be used in the test are available. The examiner will brief the subject on the role to be simulated from injuries described in Chapter 7 and 8.

Initiative – rescue of two people

Demonstrate initiative in effecting a rescue of 2 people who are in difficulty up to 25 metres from safety and whose conditions are not revealed. The examiner will ensure that a number of aids will be available. The examiner will brief the subjects on the roles to be simulated from the following:

non swimmer

weak swimmer

injured swimmer

person with a suspected spinal injury in shall water

unconscious person

heart attack casualty

marine bite or sting casualty.

Bystanders will not be available. The candidate will commence the rescue wearing swimwear, trousers and long sleeved shirt, shoes and socks.

Spinal Injury

Immobilise a non-breathing person who has a suspected spinal injury and is in deep water 10 metres from shallow water.

tow the person to shallow water while maintaining the vice-grip.

recruit and direct at least 4 untrained bystanders to assist with stabilising and performing rescue breathing on the person in the water.

Rescue and resuscitation

A non-breathing person is in deep water 20 metres from safety:

enter the water with a buoyant aid

swim to the person and assess the person’s condition

simulate rescue breathing

tow to safety and lift the person from the water

simulate CPR for at least 1 minute

assuming that the person’s breathing has recommenced, turn the person into the recovery position and demonstrate appropriate after care while instructing the bystander to seek medical help.

Initiative – rescue of four people

Demonstrate initiative and leadership in effecting a rescue of 4 people who are in difficulty up to 25 metres from safety and whose conditions are not revealed. The candidate will be accompanied by a person who holds a Bronze Medallion or higher award. Additional bystanders may be available. The examiner will ensure that a number of aids will be available. The examiner will brief the subjects on the roles to be simulated.

Explanatory Notes:

Test items 3-6 are instructor assessed items that is those that the instructor certifies the candidate has completed.

The examiner must examine test items 1-2 and 7-9 and two others from the test items 4-6.

The examiner is permitted to examine as many test items as is considered necessary to assess the ability of the candidate.

The examiner must be satisfied that the candidate is capable of rescuing an adult in similar circumstances to those being tested. To assist with assessment, the examiner may change a candidate’s partner.

For test items 4-9, the candidate will explain the reasons for the actions taken.

For test item 8.5, the candidate is required to demonstrate a method of locating the compression point and to simulate the timing for CPR without compressing the chest.

Note:If candidates hold current Oxygen Resuscitation Award they may be granted exemption from the Rescue and Resuscitation components of item 8.

Resuscitation / Emergency Care Strand – Resuscitation Awareness Award

Aim:

This award aims to provide practical experience in the lifesaving technique of CPR. The skills tested in this award are easy to learn and can be taught to children at primary school.

Pre-requisite:

nill

Practical:

Airway management

Demonstrate on a partner:

checking for dangers and taking appropriate action

assessing unconsciousness

clearing and opening the airway

checking for signs of life positioning the casualty for CPR

the appropriate action for the casualty who vomits or regurgitates

the recovery position

Rescue breathing

Demonstrate:

mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing

mouth-to-nose rescue breathing

Chest compressions

Demonstrate:

chest compressions

Emergency care

Demonstrate (on a partner) emergency care of a person in shock and appropriate follow-up procedures, including getting help and contacting emergency services in the local area.

Explanatory Notes:

The examiner may ask questions regarding the techniques being demonstrated.

Whenever possible items 2.1, 2.2 and 3.1 should be performed on a manikin.

This award has an emphasis on DRSABCD awareness.

Resuscitation / Emergency Care Strand – Resuscitation Award

Aim:

This award aims to provide practical experience in CPR. These skills can be taught in controlled circumstances, from the age of 12 years.

Pre-requisite:

nill

Minimum age:

12 years or in the year in which the candidate turns 12

Theory Test:

Answer questions on:

DRSABCD

the techniques of CPR, including modifications for infants

emergency care of people suffering from shock, chocking or bleeding

the use of bystanders and how to contact emergency services.

Practical:

Initiative

Demonstrate initiative in dealing with a non-breathing person. The examiner will set the scene and indicate changes in the condition of the casualty to which the candidate is to respond. The test will include some, or all, of the following components:

checking for dangers and taking appropriate action

assessing unconsciousness

opening and clearing the airway

checking for signs of life

positioning the casualty for CPR

performing simulated rescue breathing

locating the compression point for the chest compressions

demonstrating the appropriate action for a casualty who vomits or regurgitates

placing the casualty in the recovery position

The examiner may also ask the candidates to demonstrate any of the above components not covered in the initiative test.

Rescue breathing

Demonstrate one of the following on a manikin, as selected by the examiner:

mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing

mouth-to-nose rescue breathing

CPR

Demonstrate on a manikin:

one-operator CPR

two-operator CPR

Explanatory Notes:

In test item 3, if there is a doubt regarding the candidate’s ability, a demonstration of the alternative techniques may be requested.

Resuscitation / Emergency Care Strand – Oxygen Resuscitation Award

Aim:

To provide further practical experience in CPR and develop a thorough knowledge of the procedures required through knowledge of the procedures required in emergency care of the injured person.

Pre-requisite:

nill

Minimum age:

14 years or in the school term in which the candidate turns 14.

Theory Test:

Answer questions that will require an understanding of the information contained in Chapter 7 & 8.

Practical:

Initiative

Demonstrate initiative in dealing with a non-breathing person. The examiner will set the scene and indicate changes in the condition of the casualty to which the candidate is to respond. The test will include some, or all, of the following components:

checking for dangers and taking appropriate action

assessing unconsciousness

clearing and opening the airway

checking for signs of life

positioning the casualty for CPR

performing simulated rescue breathing

locating the compression point for the chest compressions

demonstrating the appropriate action for a casualty who vomits or regurgitates

placing the casualty in the recovery position

The examiner may also ask the candidates to demonstrate any of the above components not covered in the initiative test.

Rescue breathing

Demonstrate on a manikin:

rescue breathing

mouth-to-mask rescue breathing

CPR

Demonstrate on a manikin:

one-person CPR

two-operator CPR, performing the chest compressions component

two-operator CPR, performing the rescue breathing component

Oxygen – Theory

Answer questions on oxygen equipment relating to the following:

general principles and functions

advantages and disadvantages

problems that may be encountered when using oxygen equipment

areas of safety in using oxygen equipment

Oxygen – Practical

Demonstrate on a manikin the use of oxygen-supplemented mouth-to-mask rescue breathing using oxygen equipment available at the venue.

Use of a bystander

While performing one-operator CPR, demonstrate the ability to instruct an untrained bystander to take the chest compressions role and coordinate effective two-operator CPR using that person.

Oxygen equipment

Some groups of people – for example, lifeguards or safety officer – need to know how to use specialist oxygen equipment.
The award is discouraged for those who are not likely to use it as it takes emphasis away from the great value of the Oxygen Resuscitation Award. It is further emphasised that those holding the Advanced Oxygen Award be in a position to practice frequently with the equipment.

While not included in the manual, an Oxygen Equipment Resuscitation Award is offered by some Branches for these groups. Details are available from Branches.

Resuscitation / Emergency Care Strand – Emergency Life Support Award

Aim:

This award aims to provide practical experience in emergency first aid procedures. These skills can be taught in controlled circumstances, from the age of 12 years.

Pre-requisite:

nill

Practical:

Initiative

Demonstrate initiative in dealing with a non-breathing person. The examiner will set the scene and indicate changes in the condition of the casualty to which the candidate is to respond. The test will include some, or all, of the following components:

checking for dangers and taking appropriate action

assessing unconsciousness

opening and clearing the airway

checking for signs of life

positioning the casualty for CPR

performing simulated rescue breathing

locating the compression point for the chest compressions

demonstrating the appropriate action for a casualty who vomits or regurgitates

placing the casualty in the recovery position

The examiner may also ask the candidates to demonstrate any of the above components not covered in the initiative test.

Rescue breathing

Demonstrate one of the following on a manikin, as selected by the examiner:

mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing

mouth-to-nose rescue breathing

CPR

Demonstrate on a manikin:

one-operator CPR

two-operator CPR

Defibrillation

Mechanical and electrical action of the heart (including Rhythms)

Indications for Use

Pad Positioning (Adult and Child)

Trouble Shooting

Storage

Cross Infection

WH&S – workplace hazards and duties

History taking & recording

Secondary Survey (DOLOR)

Assessing conscious/unconscious patient

Prioritising patients

Accident and Incident Reporting

Breathing Emergencies

Recognition of Asthma

Definition

Medication

Triggers

Management

Cardiac conditions

Recognition of Angina / Heart Attack

Signs and Symptoms

Treatment

Shock and fainting

Definition of Shock & Fainting

Signs and Symptoms

Treatment

Anaphylaxis

What is Anaphylaxis

causes

signs and symptoms

treatment (use of Epi-Pen)

Bleeding and Wounds

Blood vessels

Abrasions and Lacerations

Avulsions

Puncture wounds

Embedded objects

Amputations

Internal bleeding

P.E.R (Basic Bandaging)

Initiative

Demonstrate initiative in performing first aid of a person who is injured.

The assessor will specify:

Whether the person is suffering a breathing emergency, cardiac condition, shock, anaphylaxis or bleeding

Rescue aids

On completion of this test, the candidate may be asked to explain the reasons for the actions taken.