Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with recovery surgery of animals performed under aseptic conditions. It involves applying strict procedures to prevent contamination from pathogens and minimise the risk of infection to the animal.
The unit applies to individuals who assist with animal surgery, using practices and procedures to ensure effective surgery outcomes for animals.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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 surgical operating area for procedure | 1.1 Disinfect and sterilise operating work surface 1.2 Sterilise instruments and supplies using appropriate equipment and sterilising solutions 1.3 Transfer surgical packs, gowns and equipment required for surgery to the operating area, ensuring sterility is maintained 1.4 Perform gloving and gowning procedures according to organisational procedures and aseptic techniques |
2. Prepare animal for surgery | 2.1 Use safe handling techniques to prepare animals for anaesthesia and surgery, disposing of contaminated materials appropriately 2.2 Place animal on operating area and position and/or restrain appropriately 2.3 Prepare, clean and disinfect the surgical site on the animal according to surgery requirements and organisational procedures 2.4 Apply drapes, lubricants or other products to protect the animal according to species and operational procedures |
3. Provide aseptic surgery support | 3.1 Open surgical packs and equipment using aseptic techniques and organise for easy access during surgery 3.2 Provide sterile assistance during aseptic surgery 3.3 Prepare additional equipment and supplies, including for surgeries on multiple animals 3.4 Monitor surgery conditions for breaches of asepsis and report to appropriate personnel |
4. Complete post-surgery duties | 4.1 Clean animal post-surgery and transfer to warm recovery area providing immediate care as instructed 4.2 Dispose of all chemical and biological waste according to organisational and regulatory requirements 4.3 Clean and disinfect operating area and equipment and send gowns and linen for laundering 4.4 Clean, maintain and sterilise surgical instruments 4.5 Store equipment, surgical instruments and gowns for future use according to organisational procedures |
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 |
Reading | Interpret requirements and medical terminology in written surgical instructions and procedures |
Writing | Complete workplace forms accurately and completely to document activities related to animal surgery |
Numeracy | Calculate ratios and measure sterilising solutions for disinfecting equipment and operating area |
Get the work done | Plan, sequence and organise tasks, identifying possible risks and breaches to asepsis and responding according to organisational requirements |
Sectors
Animal Technology (ATE)