Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and monitor anaesthesia in animals for non-surgical and tissue collection procedures under supervision.
The unit applies to individuals who work as junior or assistant level animal technicians working under the supervision of a senior or more experienced staff member. All work is performed where required and when appropriate, as directed by a supervisor. Animal technicians administering anaesthesia operate under and must comply with legislative requirements and the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes as well as protocols, policies and procedures set down by the institution's Animal Ethics Committee (AEC).
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative 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. Prepare for anaesthesia | 1.1 Prepare facility and personnel for animal anaesthesia 1.2 Prepare and calibrate equipment according to manufacturer specifications or job requirements 1.3 Prepare anaesthetic and monitoring equipment |
2. Prepare animals for anaesthesia procedures | 2.1 Assess animal health and condition 2.2 Handle and restrain animals safely and humanely according to workplace policies and procedures 2.3 Perform pre-anaesthetic evaluations on animals 2.4 Prepare animals for anaesthesia 2.5 Identify and locate animal structures, tissues and organs relevant to administration and monitoring of induction of anaesthesia 2.6 Follow safe work practices, including WHS, according to workplace policies and procedures |
3. Assist in administering anaesthesia and monitoring animals | 3.1 Assist in the induction of anaesthesia 3.2 Monitor animals during anaesthetic and non-surgical or tissue collection procedures 3.3 Record variations in the physiological parameters and signs of anaesthesia in animals 3.4 Comply with institution protocols for anaesthetic procedures on animals 3.5 Provide anaesthetic emergency assistance according to workplace policies and procedures |
4. Provide post-anaesthetic care for animals | 4.1 Use analgesics and other supportive therapies to manage animals post-anaesthesia 4.2 Apply fluid therapy and oxygen supplementation to animals as required 4.3 Recognise and respond to post-anaesthetic emergencies immediately 4.4 Monitor animals post-anaesthesia by evaluating behaviour, vital signs and symptoms 4.5 Maintain post-anaesthetic monitoring records accurately and completely according to legislative requirements |
5. Maintain anaesthetic facilities and equipment | 5.1 Clean facilities and store equipment according to workplace policies and procedures 5.2 Carry out routine maintenance on anaesthetic equipment according to manufacturer specifications or job 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 |
Writing | Complete workplace documentation in relation to monitoring animals pre- and post-anaesthesia |
Numeracy | Correctly calibrate equipment used for anaesthesia |
Oral communication | Listen to clear sequenced instructions by supervisor and ask clarifying questions as required in order to assist with administering anaesthesia |
Sectors
Animal Technology (ATE)