Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to assessing and evaluating sedation and anaesthesia needs of large animals in emergency field situations as part of a team responding to an incident.
The unit applies to experienced people responding to incidents in field situations where large animals are compromised or injured. They are required to work with others to plan and discuss sedation and anaesthesia needs of animals to assist with the safety of people, and the care, recovery and welfare of animals in unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Note: The administration of sedatives and anaesthetics, including those used for euthanasia, can only be performed by a registered veterinarian or person authorised or licensed according to the relevant state/territory regulations. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Assess situation at incident scene | 1.1 Identify and make contact with the incident controller, animal owner or person in charge at incident scene 1.2 Request information about the incident, the animal and proposed incident management or rescue operation 1.3 Assess human, animal and environmental risks at the scene 1.4 Discuss likely animal behaviour and physical responses with the incident controller and team members 1.5 Discuss site requirements for rescue relative to incident scene, in-situ care or transport access 1.6 Determine, in consultation with others, required equipment from recovery tool kit, including appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for safety, hygiene and biosecurity 1.7 Adhere to established incident management system and chain of command at the scene to ensure safety to self, others and animals |
2. Assist with triage procedures | 2.1 Contain or restrain the animal patient 2.2 Assess animal condition and extent of injuries in consultation with others 2.3 Discuss prognosis for life and viability of rescue or recovery with team members, taking into consideration risks to people involved 2.4 Contribute to the decision to euthanase the animal, where necessary, and the most humane method for the situation in consultation with the veterinarian and relevant personnel 2.5 Contribute to planning the method, timeframe and level of sedation or anaesthesia required to manage the animal in consultation with relevant personnel 2.6 Assess zoonotic disease risk and precautions required with incident controller, veterinarian and team members |
3. Assist with emergency medical care during an incident | 3.1 Discuss sedation plan specific to the animal and incident requirements, and contingency or modifications to the plan if circumstances require 3.2 Assist with stabilising the animal, and provide immediate care under veterinarian instructions 3.3 Discuss and plan with the veterinarian and relevant personnel the sedation and/or anaesthesia doses appropriate for the incident action plan and the animal's condition 3.4 Assist with monitoring the animal during the operation to ensure safety of operators and welfare of animal |
4. Provide post-incident care | 4.1 Monitor signs of recovery of the animal following sedation or anaesthesia 4.2 Assist with further treatment or pre-hospital care according to needs of animal 4.3 Assist with organising the appropriate transport to veterinary facility if required 4.4 Assist with animal post-recovery 4.5 Participate in team debriefing and contribute to support of others involved in the incident 4.6 Complete records according to regulatory and industry requirements |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Numeracy | Estimate weight of large animal to assist in the formulation of the incident action plan |
Interact with others | Work independently and collectively as an effective team member with a strong sense of responsibility and ownership of agreed plans, decisions and outcomes |
Navigate the world of work | Understand relevant regulatory requirements and implications of these to own work Recognise legal and regulatory requirements related to sedation, anaesthesia and euthanasia, and follow required processes |
Get the work done | Use analytical processes to contribute to a course of action, deciding between options and considering views of others |
Sectors
Animal Incident Management (AIM)