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
and Title
26551, Provide first aid for life threatening conditions.
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:
Candidate’s 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:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Assessor’s name: ____________________ Assessor’s signature: ___________________
Date: ___________
Candidate’s name: ___________________ Candidate’s 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 person’s 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,
risk, consider safety
Check for hazards,
risk, consider safety
Check for hazards,
risk, consider safety
Responsiveness
Determine that patient
is unconscious (tap
and shout)
Determine that
patient is
unconscious (tap
and shout)
Determine that
patient is
unconscious (tap and
shout)
Send for help
Ask a bystander to
call Ambulance 111
Ask a bystander to
call Ambulance 111
Ask a bystander to
call Ambulance 111
Airway
Open airway using
Head tilt and chin lift
Open airway using
Head tilt and chin lift
Head in a neutral
position
Breathing
Check for normal
breathing. Look,
listen and feel for
airflow at the mouth
and nose. No more
than 10 secs
Check for normal
breathing. Look,
listen and feel for
airflow at the mouth
and nose. No more
than 10 secs
Check for normal
breathing. Look,
listen and feel for
airflow at the mouth
and nose. No more
than 10 secs
Assessor asks
the candidate
when they
would send for
help
For an adult Go for
help if alone
continued
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Adult
x/
Child
x/
Infant Under 1 year
1-8 years
CPR
If breathing is
abnormal or
absent start CPR
If breathing is
abnormal or
absent start CPR
If breathing is
abnormal or
absent start CPR
30 compressions:
30 compressions:
30 compressions:
2 rescue breaths
2 rescue breaths
Two hands centre
of chest
One hand centre
of chest
2 rescue breaths
(cover mouth and
nose or nose only)
Depth: 1/3 chest
Depth: 1/3 chest
Two fingers just
below nipple line
Rate: 100 per
minute
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)
Assessor asks
the candidate
when they
would send for
help
Defibrillate
Candidate states - at
this point an AED
would be attached if
available*
Candidate states - at
this point an AED
would be attached if
available*
Stable side position is
in accordance with
primary reference
Stable side position is
in accordance with
primary reference
Stable-side
Assessor states
patient has now
revived but
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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x/
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,
risk, consider safety
Check for hazards, risk,
consider safety
Responsiveness
Determine that patient
is conscious with a
complete airway
obstruction
Determine that patient
is conscious with a
complete airway
obstruction
Send for help
Ask a bystander to call
Ambulance 111
Ask a bystander to call
Ambulance 111
Back blows
Deliver up to five
back blows.
Deliver up to five
back blows.
Stand to side,
slightly behind,
support chest with
one hand, bend
well forward, five
sharp blows
between shoulder
blades
Hold infant in prone
position along
outstretched arm or
leg and hold jaw,
head lower than
chest, five blows to
middle of back
between shoulder
blades
Deliver up to 5
chest thrusts if
necessary.
Turn infant over to
supine position.
Chest thrusts
Stand behind, wrap
arms around chest,
make fist with one
hand. Place fist
thumb side against
middle of sternum,
grasp fist with other
hand. Give a quick
inward thrust
Deliver up to 5
chest thrusts if
necessary.
Two fingers, chest
thrusts – same
position as CPR but
at a much slower
rate
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:
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
Infant
Severity of bleeding
checked
x/
Look for major
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
1
Outcome 1
1.1 Any hazards to self, casualty and bystanders
are identified.
One picture is selected. Key hazards are
identified.
Key hazards in scene one:

oncoming traffic

blood

slippery/cold conditions

onlookers
Assess the scene
for hazards.
Judgement
All key hazards to self, the casualty,
and the bystanders are correctly
identified.
Key hazards in scene two:

barbeque/fire

leaking gas/flames

petrol/flames

onlookers or incoming waves
1.2 Identified hazards are eliminated or, if
elimination cannot readily be achieved,
isolated, or if isolation cannot readily be
achieved, minimised.
2
© NZQA
Outcome 2
Range level of consciousness, airway,
breathing, severe bleeding.
Assess the
casualty for life
threatening
conditions.
2.1 Casualty is assessed for life threatening
conditions in accordance with the primary
reference.
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26551 v 2 assessment guide
A description is given as to how each hazard is
eliminated or, if elimination cannot readily be
achieved, isolated, or if isolation cannot readily be
achieved, minimised-e.g. turn off the gas bottle –
scene two
Written or verbal response defines and describes
how to assess:
levels of consciousness (LOC) - AVPU

an open airway and normal breathing

severe bleeding (which is differentiated from
minor bleeding)
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Description accurately addresses
elimination, isolation or
minimisation of key hazards at the
scene.
Definition and assessment of all
conditions (LOC, open airway,
normal breathing and severe
bleeding) is in accordance with the
primary reference
3 to 5
Outcome 3
Provide first aid for
life threatening
conditions.
Range stable side position, head tilt/chin lift, CPR,
clearing an obstructed airway of a foreign
body, controlling severe bleeding, sending
for help.
3.1 First aid is provided for life-threatening
conditions in accordance with the primary
reference.
Learners are observed carrying
out all actions (as applicable to
the
procedure)
to show
provision of first aid matches
casualty’s condition and is in
accordance with
Assessment must be by demonstration for

CPR for an adult, a child and an infant.

Conscious foreign body obstruction for an
adult/child and an infant

Stable side position

Controlling severe bleeding
 NZRC Guidelines for sending
for help, CPR and 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 summer’s 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
Dangers
Toaster
Wet surface
Identify hazards:
Power plug
Other swimmers
Eliminate or isolate or
minimise hazards
Turn off main power
supply
Place towels on wet
surface
Get warning sign
x/
Infant Under 1 year
Gas supply
Turn off gas supply
Open window
Keep onlookers clear
Responsiveness
Determines that the
patient is unconscious
Determines that the
patient is unconscious
Determines that the
patient is unconscious
(Tap and shout)
(Tap and shout)
(Tap and shout)
Send for help
Ask a bystander to call
Ambulance 111
Ask a bystander to call
Ambulance 111
Ask a bystander to call
Ambulance 111
Airway
Open airway using
Head tilt and chin lift
Open airway using
Head tilt and chin lift
Head in a neutral
position
Breathing
Check for normal
breathing. Look, listen
and feel for airflow at
the mouth and nose.
No more than 10 secs
Check for normal
breathing. Look, listen
and feel for airflow at
the mouth and nose.
No more than 10 secs
Check for normal
breathing. Look, listen
and feel for airflow at
the mouth and nose.
No more than 10 secs
If breathing is
abnormal or absent
Start CPR
30 compressions: 2
rescue breaths
If breathing is
abnormal or absent
Start CPR
30 compressions: 2
rescue breaths (cover
mouth and nose or
nose only)
Candidate to check level
of consciousness and
tell the assessor the
level of consciousness
For an adult go for help
if alone
CPR
If breathing is abnormal
or absent Start CPR
30 compressions: 2
rescue breaths
Two hands centre of
chest
Depth: 1/3 chest
Rate: 100 per minute
One hand centre of
chest
Depth: 1/3 chest
Rate: 100 per minute
Two fingers just below
nipple line
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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x/
Defibrillate
Candidate states - at
this point an AED would
be attached if available*
Candidate states - at
this point an AED
would be attached if
available*
Stable side
Once resuscitated place
the patient in the stable
side position in
accordance with primary
reference
Once resuscitated
place the patient in the
stable side position in
accordance with
primary reference
Assessor states patient
has now revived but
remains unconscious.
Place patient in stable
side position.
Once resuscitated
place the patient in the
stable side position in
accordance with
primary reference
*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
years)
x/
Infant Under 1 year
Dangers
Identify hazards
Other people
Other people
Barbeque
Children
Toys
Eliminate or
isolate or
minimise hazards
Turn off barbeque
Keep onlookers clear
Keep onlookers clear
Remove children from area
Remove toys
Responsiveness
Determine that patient is
conscious with a complete
airway obstruction.
Determine that patient is
conscious with a complete
airway obstruction.
Send for help
Ask a bystander to call
Ambulance 111
Ask a bystander to call
Ambulance 111
Back blows
Deliver up to five back
blows.
Deliver up to five back
blows
Stand to side, slightly
behind, support chest with
one hand, bend well
forward, five sharp blows
between shoulder blades
Hold infant in prone position
along outstretched arm or leg
and hold jaw, head lower
than chest, five blows to
middle of back between
should blades
Deliver up to 5 chest
thrusts if necessary.
Deliver up to 5 chest
thrusts if necessary.
Stand behind, wrap arms
around chest, make fist
with one hand. Place fist
thumb side against middle
of sternum, grasp fist with
other hand. Give a quick
inward thrust
Turn infant over to supine
position. Two fingers, chest
thrusts – same position as
CPR but at a much slower
rate
Chest thrusts
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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x/
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
Assess the level of
consciousness and tell the
assessor the level
x/
Alert
Pain
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
Outcome 1
1.1 Any hazards to self, casualty and bystanders are
identified.
All key hazards in each
scenario are identified (as per
checklists)
All key hazards correctly identified
for all scenarios (as per checklists).
1.2 Identified hazards are eliminated or, isolated, or
minimised.
Identified hazards are
eliminated or, if elimination
cannot readily be achieved,
isolated, or if isolation cannot
readily be achieved,
minimised.
All key hazards are eliminated or
isolated or minimised as
appropriate for each scenario.
Range level of consciousness, airway, breathing,
severe bleeding.
The casualty is assessed
for:
levels of consciousness
(LOC) - AVPU

an open airway and
normal breathing

severe bleeding is
differentiated from
normal bleeding
First aid is provided by
demonstration for

CPR for an adult, a child
and an infant.

Conscious foreign body
obstruction for an
adult/child and an infant

Stable side position

Controlling severe
bleeding
Learners are observed assessing
level of consciousness, open
airway, normal breathing and
severe bleeding in accordance with
the primary reference
Assess the scene for
hazards.
Outcome 2
Assess the casualty for
life threatening
conditions.
Outcome 3
Provide first aid for life
threatening conditions.
2.1 Casualty is assessed for life threatening conditions in
accordance with the primary reference.
Range stable side position, head tilt/chin lift, CPR, clearing
an obstructed airway of a foreign body, controlling
severe bleeding, sending for help.
3.1 First aid is provided for life-threatening conditions in
accordance with the primary reference.
Judgement
Learners are observed carrying
out all actions (as applicable to
the procedure) to show provision
of first aid matches casualty’s
condition and is in accordance
with
 NZRC Guidelines for sending
for help, CPR and conscious
total foreign airway obstruction
 The primary reference for
severe bleeding and stable
side position
All checklists are signed and dated
by the assessor.
© NZQA
March 2012
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