Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to respond to emergencies across a broad spectrum of situations and incidents, and to apply first aid to equines.
The unit applies to individuals who work in equine industries where it may be necessary to recognise and respond to emergencies and to apply first aid equines.
Workplace health and safety and animal welfare legislation relevant to interacting with horses applies to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific requirements.
No occupational licensing or certification requirements 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 for emergency situations | 1.1 Perform regular checks of the workplace to identify hazards and assess and control risks 1.2 Take action to maximise safety and control health hazards and risks in the workplace 1.3 Identify and evaluate options for action in case of emergency situations 1.4 Interpret and be prepared to carry out workplace emergency procedures when required 1.5 Apply workplace health and safety procedures and safe work practices to the selection of personal protective equipment to suit the emergency situation 1.6 Store and maintain safety equipment and aids for emergencies according to workplace procedures 1.7 Report or document near misses and hazards according to workplace procedures |
2. Implement fire protection and control on-site and in the workshop | 2.1 Minimise fire hazards in the workplace as specified in hazardous fuelling procedures 2.2 Identify appropriate fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment for use in fire situations, and notify authorities according to workplace procedures 2.3 Follow evacuation procedures and assemble at nominated assembly points during fire drills 2.4 Carry out specific safety procedures for handling and use of industrial gases |
3. Evaluate the emergency | 3.1 Identify and assess emergency situations and potential emergency situations 3.2 Prioritise emergency needs promptly and accurately, including need for assistance 3.3 Monitor and evaluate the possible development of the emergency and further potential hazards 3.4 Seek advice from relevant people while monitoring and/or evaluating the emergency to reduce further potential hazards |
4. Act in an emergency | 4.1 Implement the plan of action using techniques appropriate to the situation, available resources and abilities 4.2 Establish and implement strategies for group control, prioritising the safety of people and the removal of animals from danger 4.3 Operate equipment safely and, where necessary, improvise equipment and techniques 4.4 Monitor the condition of all personnel and animals 4.5 Change the plan of action to accommodate changes in situational variables 4.6 Acquire and document information to assist emergency services 4.7 Notify emergency services according to emergency procedures 4.8 Demonstrate casualty evacuation methods as relevant to the context 4.9 Implement organisation procedures and policies in the event of a major injury or death |
5. Deal with equine first aid situations | 5.1 Minimise immediate health and safety risk to self, others and the equine by isolating the hazard 5.2 Make a basic assessment of the equine's injuries and vital signs, and need for first aid assistance 5.3 Control and calm equine using available resources 5.4 Seek first aid assistance from others according to emergency procedures |
6. Apply essential equine first aid techniques | 6.1 Recognise and report signs of common equine illnesses or diseases 6.2 Recognise and report indicators of abnormal system function and vital signs of equines 6.3 Calm and restrain equine prior to first aid assessment using safe handling techniques 6.4 Follow first aid policy and procedures with respect to obligations of owners, regulations and duty of care 6.5 Apply principles of first aid procedures relating to injury or accident 6.6 Follow and contribute to a policy and system of referral of injury treatment and emergency care |
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 key requirements in organisational policies and procedures, including safety and emergency procedures |
Writing | Use clear language and accurate industry terminology for reporting and keeping records of incidents |
Oral communication | Use tone and clear instructions appropriate for situation to avoid further escalation of risk or incidents |
Navigate the world of work | Know emergency and first aid procedures and requirements, taking responsibility for implementing within own role and work area |
Interact with others | Work collaboratively with others to deal with contingency and emergency situations |
Get the work done | Anticipate equine behaviour and less-predictable problems; initiate standard procedures in response, and apply problem-solving process in determining a solution |
Sectors
Farriery (FAR)