Assessment guide for unit standard

26551 (version 2)

Provide first aid for life threatening

conditions
Level 2 Credit 1
Preparing for assessment against unit standard
26551 (version 2)
Activity Title First Aid
Unit Standard Number 26551, Provide first aid for life threatening conditions.
and Title
Assessed Outcomes 26551
1. Assess the scene for hazards.
2. Assess the casualty for life threatening conditions.
3. Provide first aid for life threatening conditions.
Conditions This is a closed book assessment. You should complete this
task without assistance from others and you should not refer
to reference material.
You should deal with each situation as quickly as possible as
you would in real life. Your assessor will tell you if there is a
time limit to any of the assessment activities.
Resources Your assessor will give you resources for the assessment
including adult, child, and infant manikins.
Primary Reference The primary reference for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
and conscious total foreign body airway obstruction is:

The primary reference for controlling severe bleeding is:

Assessor/assessing organisation to insert the primary

references that they use.

Activity instructions
To gain credit for unit standards 26551 (version 2) you will be assessed on your ability to:

provide safe scene management

provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
manage foreign body airway obstruction
control severe bleeding
stable side positioning

according to the primary references.

Assessor/assessing organisation to delete the option that does not apply.

Option 1: You are being assessed using a skill station for CPR, conscious foreign
airway obstruction and controlling severe bleeding. You must complete tasks 1 to 5.
or
Option 2: You are being assessed by simulated scenario situations. You must
demonstrate your knowledge and skills in six scenarios (the assessor completes the
checklists).

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Explanatory notes from unit standard 26551.

1 This unit standard together with unit standard 26552, Demonstrate knowledge of
common first aid conditions, meets the minimum qualification requirements for a
workplace first aider. Programmes designed to meet the minimum requirements for
persons to be certified as first aiders in the workplace will also need to meet
Department of Labour guidelines. Current Department of Labour guidelines on
providing first aid training are available from http://www.dol.govt.nz. Current New
Zealand Qualifications Authority requirements on providing unit standard-based first
aid training is available from http://www.nzqa.govt.nz.

2 People who provide first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must use
accepted practices for care as outlined in current authoritative text books giving
general guidance to first aid as it applies in New Zealand. Authoritative New
Zealand first aid text books are credible published materials, with a reliable
publication process, by authors generally regarded as trustworthy or authoritative in
first aid and CPR as it applies in New Zealand. New Zealand Resuscitation Council
guidelines on CPR as it is practiced in New Zealand are available from
http://www.nzrc.org.nz.

3 Primary reference is any text meeting the requirements specified in explanatory

note 2. The primary reference used during the assessment process must be cited on
the assessment material.

4 Range
Assessment against this unit standard must include:
provision of CPR for an adult, a child, and an infant
treating a conscious casualty with a foreign body obstructed airway for an infant
and either an adult or a child
controlling severe bleeding including at least one activity on one person.

5 Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to the Health and
Safety in Employment Act 1992.

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Assignment cover page for unit standard 26551 (version 2):
Provide first aid for life threatening conditions

Please print:

Candidates name:

NZQA ID or NSN number:

The candidate has (please circle) Achieved Not achieved

Briefly describe any further evidence required if applicable and

any arrangements made for reassessment:

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Assessors name: ____________________ Assessors signature: ___________________

Date: ___________

Candidates name: ___________________ Candidates signature: __________________

Date: ___________

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Task one: Assess the scene for hazards

Choose either Scene One or Scene Two on pages 6 and 7.

In Scene One you are the man holding the umbrella outside the fish n chip shop.
In Scene Two you are the woman holding the salad bowl beside the barbeque.
i. Identify the key hazards to yourself, the casualty and the bystanders
ii. Complete the table below stating how you would deal with each hazard.
are there any hazards which could be eliminated? If so, how would you do this?
are there any hazards which could be isolated? If so, how would you do this?
are there any hazards that could be minimised? If so, how would you do this?

Scene selected:__________________________

i ii
Hazard identified How to eliminate, isolate or minimise

Hazard one:

Hazard two:

Hazard three:

Hazard four:

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 Scene One

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 Scene Two

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 Task two: Assessing life-threatening conditions

(i) State what AVPU stands for in terms of levels of consciousness.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(ii) Describe how you would assess a persons airway and breathing.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(iii) Describe how to recognise severe bleeding. How does it differ from a minor bleeding?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Task three: Skill Station - CPR Assessment checklist
CPR must be provided for an adult, a child and an infant

Your assessor will observe you carrying out these procedures. You will not be able to refer to
any of your course materials.

You should receive a tick in each box to indicate you were observed correctly completing all the
required actions. Your assessor will enter not applicable (n/a) when the action does not apply.

Adult x/ Child x/ Infant Under 1 year x/

1-8 years

Dangers Check for hazards, Check for hazards, Check for hazards,
risk, consider safety risk, consider safety risk, consider safety

Responsiveness Determine that patient Determine that Determine that

is unconscious (tap patient is patient is
and shout) unconscious (tap unconscious (tap and
and shout) shout)

Send for help Ask a bystander to Ask a bystander to Ask a bystander to

call Ambulance 111 call Ambulance 111 call Ambulance 111

Airway Open airway using Open airway using Head in a neutral

Head tilt and chin lift Head tilt and chin lift position

Breathing Check for normal Check for normal Check for normal
breathing. Look, breathing. Look, breathing. Look,
listen and feel for listen and feel for listen and feel for
airflow at the mouth airflow at the mouth airflow at the mouth
and nose. No more and nose. No more and nose. No more
than 10 secs than 10 secs than 10 secs

Assessor asks For an adult Go for

the candidate help if alone
when they
would send for
help

continued

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 Adult x/ Child x/ Infant Under 1 year x/
1-8 years

CPR If breathing is If breathing is If breathing is

abnormal or abnormal or abnormal or
absent start CPR absent start CPR absent start CPR
30 compressions: 30 compressions: 30 compressions:
2 rescue breaths 2 rescue breaths 2 rescue breaths
(cover mouth and
Two hands centre One hand centre
nose or nose
of chest of chest
only)
Depth: 1/3 chest Depth: 1/3 chest
Two fingers just
Rate: 100 per Rate: 100 per below nipple line
minute minute
Depth: 1/3 chest
Rate: 100 per
Go for help if minute
alone after one
minute
Assessor asks
the candidate Go for help if
when they alone after one
would send for minute (take
help baby if able)

Defibrillate Candidate states - at Candidate states - at

this point an AED this point an AED
would be attached if would be attached if
available* available*

Stable-side
Assessor states Stable side position is Stable side position
patient has now in accordance with is in accordance with
revived but primary reference primary reference
remains
unconscious.
Place patient in
stable side
position.
*Note for assessor:
Use of and attaching an AED is not assessed in this standard. It is assessed in standard 25411

Assessor name:

Date:

Signature:

Position:

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Task four: Skill Station - Conscious total foreign body airway obstruction
Assessment checklist
Treatment must be provided for an infant and either an adult or a child.

Your assessor will observe you carrying out these procedures. You will not be able to refer to
any of your course materials.

You should receive a tick in each box to indicate you were observed correctly completing all the
required actions. Your assessor will enter not applicable (n/a) when the action does not apply.

Adult or child x/ Infant x/

(1 to 8 years) (under 1 year)

Dangers Check for hazards, Check for hazards, risk,

risk, consider consider safety
safety

Responsiveness Determine that patient Determine that patient

is conscious with a is conscious with a
complete airway complete airway
obstruction obstruction

Send for help Ask a bystander to call Ask a bystander to call

Ambulance 111 Ambulance 111

Back blows Deliver up to five Deliver up to five

back blows. back blows.
Stand to side, Hold infant in prone
slightly behind, position along
support chest with outstretched arm or
one hand, bend leg and hold jaw,
well forward, five head lower than
sharp blows chest, five blows to
between shoulder middle of back
blades between shoulder
blades

Chest thrusts Deliver up to 5 Turn infant over to

chest thrusts if supine position.
necessary.
Deliver up to 5
Stand behind, wrap chest thrusts if
arms around chest, necessary.
make fist with one
Two fingers, chest
hand. Place fist
thrusts same
thumb side against
position as CPR but
middle of sternum,
at a much slower
grasp fist with other
rate
hand. Give a quick
inward thrust

Note for assessor:

Back blows and chest thrusts aim to remove obstruction with each one rather than just delivering all five each time.
Unconscious foreign body airway obstruction start CPR as per previous checklists above

Assessor name: Signature:

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Position: Date:

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Task five: Skill Station - Controlling severe bleeding - Assessment checklist
Your assessor will observe you carrying out these procedures. You will not be able to refer to
any of your course materials.

You should receive a tick in each box to indicate you were observed correctly completing all the
required actions.

Adult or Child or x/
Infant

Severity of bleeding Look for major

checked bleeding
Put on gloves
Sweep body for
blood loss through
clothing

Immediate response Send for help

Ask a bystander to
call Ambulance 111

Provide first aid Expose injury to

determine extent of
bleeding

Apply direct
pressure to wound

Raise injured part

where possible

Firmly pad around a

foreign object if
present

Re-evaluate
bleeding
management
Add additional
bandages if required

Assessor name: Signature:

Position: Date:

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Assessment schedule 26551 (version 2): Provide first aid for life threatening conditions.
Level 2, Credit 1 Option 1
Task Outcomes Evidence requirements Evidence Judgement

1 Outcome 1 1.1 Any hazards to self, casualty and bystanders One picture is selected. Key hazards are All key hazards to self, the casualty,
are identified. identified. and the bystanders are correctly
Assess the scene Key hazards in scene one: identified.
for hazards. oncoming traffic
blood
slippery/cold conditions
onlookers

Key hazards in scene two:

barbeque/fire
leaking gas/flames
petrol/flames

1.2 Identified hazards are eliminated or, if onlookers or incoming waves Description accurately addresses
elimination cannot readily be achieved, elimination, isolation or
isolated, or if isolation cannot readily be A description is given as to how each hazard is minimisation of key hazards at the
achieved, minimised. eliminated or, if elimination cannot readily be scene.
achieved, isolated, or if isolation cannot readily be
achieved, minimised-e.g. turn off the gas bottle
scene two

2 Outcome 2 Range level of consciousness, airway, Written or verbal response defines and describes Definition and assessment of all
breathing, severe bleeding. how to assess:- conditions (LOC, open airway,
levels of consciousness (LOC) - AVPU normal breathing and severe
Assess the 2.1 Casualty is assessed for life threatening an open airway and normal breathing bleeding) is in accordance with the
casualty for life conditions in accordance with the primary severe bleeding (which is differentiated from primary reference
threatening reference. minor bleeding)
conditions.

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3 to 5 Outcome 3
Provide first aid for Range stable side position, head tilt/chin lift, CPR, Assessment must be by demonstration for Learners are observed carrying
life threatening clearing an obstructed airway of a foreign out all actions (as applicable to
conditions. body, controlling severe bleeding, sending CPR for an adult, a child and an infant. the procedure) to show
for help. Conscious foreign body obstruction for an provision of first aid matches
casualtys condition and is in
adult/child and an infant
accordance with
3.1 First aid is provided for life-threatening Stable side position
NZRC Guidelines for
conditions in accordance with the primary
Controlling severe bleeding sending for help, CPR and
reference.
conscious total foreign airway
obstruction
The primary reference for
severe bleeding and stable
side position
All checklists are signed and dated
by the assessor.

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Option 2: Simulated scenario descriptors and scenario specific
checklists

Treatment must be provided for:

CPR for an adult, a child and an infant
Conscious foreign body obstruction for an adult/child and an infant
Controlling severe bleeding

Scenario descriptors

Scenario 1: Adult CPR.

At work in the factory you are having lunch with two co-workers. You notice one co-worker place
his knife in the toaster to retrieve his toast. There is a bang and he collapses to the floor
motionless.

Scenario 2: Child CPR.

While at the local swimming pool one hot summers day you see a young 5 year old boy being
dragged from the pool by another swimmer. He is unconscious and blue around the lips.

Scenario 3: Infant CPR.

While you and a friend are babysitting one night you walk into the nursery and there is a strong
smell of gas. The 5 month-old baby boy is lifeless in his cot.

Scenario 4: Adult/child choking.

At the family event everyone is gathered round the barbeque enjoying themselves when suddenly
your (15 year old or 4 year old) cousin grasps at his throat. He is very red in the face and unable
to make a sound.

Scenario 5: Infant choking

At the local Play Centre a young mum places her 10 month old in the bouncer. While she is talking
to some friends one of the older children comes over and gives the baby a marble to play with.
Suddenly there is a scream from one of the parents. You notice the baby has become quiet in the
bouncer and is blue around the lips.

Scenario 6: Controlling severe bleeding

You are part of a team working on a building site. One of the builders is fitting cabinets above the
kitchen bench when his chisel slips and becomes embedded in his arm. He falls to the floor and
blood is gushing from the wound in his arm

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 Checklist for scenarios 1, 2 and 3
Your assessor will observe you carrying out these procedures. You will not be able to refer
to any of your course materials.

You should receive a tick in each box to indicate you were observed correctly completing
all the required actions. Your assessor will enter not applicable (n/a) when the action does
not apply.

Adult x/ Child 1-8 years x/ Infant Under 1 year x/

Dangers Toaster Wet surface Gas supply

Identify hazards: Power plug Other swimmers

Eliminate or isolate or Turn off main power Place towels on wet Turn off gas supply
minimise hazards supply surface
Get warning sign
Open window
Keep onlookers clear

Responsiveness Determines that the Determines that the Determines that the
patient is unconscious patient is unconscious patient is unconscious
Candidate to check level
of consciousness and (Tap and shout) (Tap and shout) (Tap and shout)
tell the assessor the
level of consciousness

Send for help Ask a bystander to call Ask a bystander to call Ask a bystander to call
Ambulance 111 Ambulance 111 Ambulance 111

Airway Open airway using Open airway using Head in a neutral

Head tilt and chin lift Head tilt and chin lift position

Breathing Check for normal Check for normal Check for normal
breathing. Look, listen breathing. Look, listen breathing. Look, listen
and feel for airflow at and feel for airflow at and feel for airflow at
the mouth and nose. the mouth and nose. the mouth and nose.
No more than 10 secs No more than 10 secs No more than 10 secs
For an adult go for help
if alone

CPR If breathing is abnormal If breathing is If breathing is

or absent Start CPR abnormal or absent abnormal or absent
30 compressions: 2 Start CPR Start CPR
rescue breaths 30 compressions: 2 30 compressions: 2
rescue breaths rescue breaths (cover
Two hands centre of
mouth and nose or
chest One hand centre of
nose only)
chest
Depth: 1/3 chest
Two fingers just below
Depth: 1/3 chest
Rate: 100 per minute nipple line
Rate: 100 per minute
Depth: 1/3 chest
Rate: 100 per minute
Go for help if alone
after one minute
Go for help if alone
after one minute (take
baby if able)

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Defibrillate Candidate states - at Candidate states - at
this point an AED would this point an AED
be attached if available* would be attached if
available*

Stable side Once resuscitated place Once resuscitated Once resuscitated

the patient in the stable place the patient in the place the patient in the
Assessor states patient
side position in stable side position in stable side position in
has now revived but
accordance with accordance with accordance with
remains unconscious.
primary reference primary reference primary reference
Place patient in stable
side position.
*Note for assessor:
Use of and attaching an AED is not assessed in this standard. It is assessed in standard 25411

Assessor name:

Date:

Signature:

Position:

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 Checklist for scenarios 4 and 5
Your assessor will observe you carrying out these procedures. You will not be able to refer
to any of your course materials.

You should receive a tick in each box to indicate you were observed correctly completing
all the required actions. Your assessor will enter not applicable (n/a) when the action does
not apply.

Adult or child (1 to 8 x/ Infant Under 1 year x/

years)
Dangers
Identify hazards Other people Other people
Barbeque Children
Toys

Eliminate or Turn off barbeque Keep onlookers clear

isolate or
Keep onlookers clear Remove children from area
minimise hazards
Remove toys

Responsiveness Determine that patient is Determine that patient is

conscious with a complete conscious with a complete
airway obstruction. airway obstruction.

Send for help Ask a bystander to call Ask a bystander to call

Ambulance 111 Ambulance 111

Back blows Deliver up to five back Deliver up to five back

blows. blows
Stand to side, slightly Hold infant in prone position
behind, support chest with along outstretched arm or leg
one hand, bend well and hold jaw, head lower
forward, five sharp blows than chest, five blows to
between shoulder blades middle of back between
should blades

Chest thrusts Deliver up to 5 chest Deliver up to 5 chest

thrusts if necessary. thrusts if necessary.
Stand behind, wrap arms Turn infant over to supine
around chest, make fist position. Two fingers, chest
with one hand. Place fist thrusts same position as
thumb side against middle CPR but at a much slower
of sternum, grasp fist with rate
other hand. Give a quick
inward thrust
Note for assessor: Back blows and chest thrusts aim to remove obstruction with each one rather than just delivering
all five each time. Unconscious foreign body airway obstruction start CPR as per checklists above

Assessor name: Signature

Position: Date:

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Checklist for scenario 6
Your assessor will observe you carrying out these procedures. You will not be able to refer
to any of your course materials.

You should receive a tick in each box to indicate you were observed correctly completing
all the required actions. Your assessor will enter not applicable (n/a) when the action does
not apply.

Adult x/

Assess the level of Alert

consciousness and tell the
Pain
assessor the level
Verbal
Unconscious

Assess airway Ensure airway is clear

Assess breathing Assess breathing by:

Look
Listen
Feel

Assess severity of bleeding Put on gloves

Sweep body for blood loss through clothing

Immediate response Send for help

Ask a bystander to call Ambulance 111

Provide first aid Expose injury to determine extent of bleeding

Apply direct pressure to wound

Raise injured part where possible

Firmly pad around the chisel if still embedded

Re-evaluates bleeding management

Add additional bandages if required

Assessor name: Signature:

Position: Date:

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Assessment schedule 26551 (version 2): Provide first aid for life threatening
conditions. Level 2, Credit 1 Option 2
Outcomes Evidence requirements Evidence Judgement
Outcome 1 1.1 Any hazards to self, casualty and bystanders are All key hazards in each All key hazards correctly identified for
identified. scenario are identified (as all scenarios (as per checklists).
Assess the scene for per checklists)
hazards.

1.2 Identified hazards are eliminated or, isolated, or Identified hazards are All key hazards are eliminated or
minimised. eliminated or, if elimination isolated or minimised as
cannot readily be achieved, appropriate for each scenario.
isolated, or if isolation cannot
readily be achieved,
minimised.

Outcome 2 Range level of consciousness, airway, breathing, The casualty is assessed Learners are observed assessing
severe bleeding. for:- level of consciousness, open
Assess the casualty for levels of consciousness airway, normal breathing and
life threatening 2.1 Casualty is assessed for life threatening conditions in (LOC) - AVPU severe bleeding in accordance with
conditions. accordance with the primary reference. an open airway and the primary reference
normal breathing
severe bleeding is
differentiated from
normal bleeding
Outcome 3 Range stable side position, head tilt/chin lift, CPR, clearing First aid is provided by Learners are observed carrying
an obstructed airway of a foreign body, controlling demonstration for out all actions (as applicable to
Provide first aid for life severe bleeding, sending for help. CPR for an adult, a child the procedure) to show
threatening conditions. and an infant. provision of first aid matches
3.1 First aid is provided for life-threatening conditions in Conscious foreign body casualtys condition and is in
accordance with the primary reference. obstruction for an accordance with
adult/child and an infant
NZRC Guidelines for
Stable side position
sending for help, CPR and
Controlling severe conscious total foreign airway
bleeding obstruction
The primary reference for
severe bleeding and stable side
position
All checklists are signed and dated
by the assessor.

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