First Aid NVQ

First Aid NVQ - General Information
	The first aid NVQ is up and running, or should be by the end of the year (2001). It is positioned at NVQ level 2 and is initially part of a Public Service Award. This is not a stand alone NVQ, is a just one Unit which forms part of an NVQ. The First Aid 'part', pioneered by The British Red Cross is generic in design making it ideal to incorporate into other NVQs.

A refresh on some terms:
What are NVQs?	NVQs and SVQs are nationally recognised qualifications which show that people have the competence to perform effectively in their particular occupation. Occupational competence is in essence the ability to perform to the standards required in employment across a range of circumstances. NVQs/SVQs are about that people can do - they go beyond technical skills to include planning, problem solving, dealing with unexpected occurrences, working with other people and applying the knowledge and understanding that underpins overall competence. NVQs/SVQs are based on national performance standards agreed by National Training Organisations (NTOs) or Standard Setting Bodies (SSBs) which represent particular occupational sectors. NVQs are accredited in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and SVQs, in Scotland, by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Awarding bodies, such as City & Guilds are accredited to offer these qualifications and, as such, have responsibility for the administration, delivery, certification and quality assurance arrangements that support the awards.
What is Level 2?	Level 2 NVQ covers a range of varied work activities, some of which will be complex or non-routine, and would demand a degree of individual autonomy and responsibility. As opposed to a level 1 NVQ which covers mainly routine or predictable activities. There are 5 different levels.
What is a Unit?	NVQs are made up of Units. For example the Public Service Award NVQ has 13 units of which only 7 are needed to obtain an NVQ.
What is an Element?	A part of a Unit

The First Aid Unit	Named 'Administer First Aid'
Elements (Overview)	Element 1 Respond to the needs of casualties with minor injuries Element 2 Respond to the needs of casualties with major injuries Element 3 Respond to the needs of unconscious casualties Element 4 Perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
Assessment	This unit can be assessed by a specialist first aid assessor from within or external to the organisation. Primary form of evidence will be actual workplace demonstration. However, as the opportunity to demonstrate competence in a real work setting may not occur, simulation is acceptable. Evidence will include demonstration of appropriate response to each of the situations presented by the four elements in this unit. Supporting evidence will include written testing and verbal questioning. The results of questioning should be recorded.
What's the Unit About	This unit concerns application of First Aid in emergency situations and the ability to respond promptly and appropriately to a range of situations and incidents in order to preserve life and protect casualties until specialist aid is available. Simulation is acceptable for this unit where a suitably qualified assessor observes the activity. Personal Skills Teamwork · work co-operatively with others · take prompt and effective action to assist others Personal Responsibility · act with confidence in emergency situations · take personal action to resolve unanticipated situations Knowledge and understanding · limitations and risks of applying First Aid to others · how to recognise and respond to local danger and risks when dealing with casualties · how to check for signs of life and for life threatening conditions · how to manage an unconscious casualty and the main causes of unconsciousness · how to detect an obstructed airway and methods of clearing obstruction · methods of CPR and how to use this appropriately · precautions to be taken when performing CPR · how to recognise and assess the severity and extent of injuries · methods for controlling bleeding · signs and symptoms of shock · different types of wound and their treatment · main safety considerations when dealing with burns or scalds · recognition and treatment of sprains, strains and fractures · appropriate treatments for hypothermia, frostbite, heat-stroke and heat exhaustion
Element 1 (Detail)	Respond to the needs of casualties with minor injuries.
	You must demonstrate that you: check the area for danger and respond accordingly ask the casualty for history and symptoms of the injury assess the casualty and establish the nature and extent of the injury apply first aid treatment appropriate to type and severity of injury call for additional help, as appropriate inform the casualty of action taken and sources of further help and advice Simulation is acceptable for this element when assessment involves observation by a suitably qualified assessor
Element 2 (Detail)	Respond to the needs of casualties with major injuries
	You must demonstrate that you: assess the extent and the severity of the casualty's condition place the casualty in an appropriate position of rest to maximise blood flow to vital organs protect the casualty from heat or cold comply with hygiene procedures and avoid infection control bleeding by applying direct or indirect pressure and appropriate dressings or bandages check for and where possible maintain circulation beyond bandaging immobilise and support injuries in line with current practice call for additional help promptly Simulation is acceptable for this element when assessment involves observation by a suitably qualified assessor.
Element 3 (Detail)	Respond to the needs of unconscious casualties
	You must demonstrate that you: check area for danger and take appropriate action check casualty's level of consciousness and breathing assess the casualty and establish nature and extent of injury check for presence of any life-threatening conditions move casualty to the recovery position in accordance with current practice call for help promptly monitor casualty's condition and note any changes Simulation is acceptable for this element when assessment involves observation by a suitably qualified assessor
Element 4 (Detail)	Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation
	You must demonstrate that you: check for danger and take appropriate action open casualty's airway by head tilt and position the casualty correctly for ventilation check for breathing and remove any obstructions from the mouth apply rescue breaths at the correct rate, depth and ratio apply chest compressions in the correct position and at the correct rate recheck for circulation call for additional help promptly Simulation is acceptable for this element when assessment involves observation by a suitably qualified assessor
That's it!	From this you would need to decide how to ensure that the candidate (trainee) meets each of these items.
	www.FirstAidCafe.co.uk
With Thanks to	to The British Red Cross and City & Guilds for supplying this information

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