PADI RTO First Aid Student Manual

HLTAID004 - PROVIDE AN EMERGENCY FIRST AID RESPONSE IN AN EDUCATION AND CARE SETTING

Situations in which parental/caregiver consent is required What are the situations in which parental/caregiver consent is required? The consent of an injured or ill person must be obtained before any assistance is rendered – regardless of age, ability, health or mental status. If the casualty is a minor, consent must come from a parent, legal guardian or caregiver. Legal action and damages may be taken against you if you act without obtaining consent. The requirement for consent may be waived in certain circumstances, or implied, e.g. if a casualty is unconscious. Competent adults are legally entitled to refuse any treatment, even if it is life-sustaining. Substitute decision makers, such as parents or caregivers of minors or legal guardians can likewise refuse treatment but only if in the ‘best interests’ of their charge. Considerations when providing first aid This section will introduce you to specific considerations in regards to AED use for adults versus children and infants. AED pads placement for adults and children older than 8 years What are the recommendations in regards to placement of AED pads for adults and children aged older than 8 years? For the placement of adult pads: one pad is to be placed on the right side of the casualty, below the clavicle (collarbone), and the other pad is placed on the left side, just below and to the left of the pectoral (breast) muscle, avoiding breast tissue. For the placement of paediatric (child-specific) pads: this can either be as for adult pads, or one pad is to be placed on the middle of the child’s chest and the other pad on the middle of the child’s back, between the shoulder blades. Ensure in all cases that you remove moisture or excessive chest hair and avoid placing pads over implantable devices (place them at least 8cm from the device). Specific considerations when using an AED on children aged between 1 and 8 years, including identification of AED with paediatric capability, paediatric voltage and use of paediatric pads What are the recommendations in regards to using an AED on children aged between 1 and 8 years? Standard adult AEDs and pads are suitable for use in children older than 8 years, however, for children between 1 and 8 years paediatric pads and an AED with a paediatric capability should be used. If the AED does not have a paediatric mode (voltage) or paediatric pads, the standard adult AED and pads can be used; you need to ensure the pads do not touch each other on the child’s chest and apply the pads as you would for adults; if the pads are too large and there is a danger of charge arcing, use the front-back position.

IV-3

PADI RTO