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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Manage suspected spinal injuries in the aquatic environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
255828  Manage suspected spinal injuries in the aquatic environment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Sport, Recreation & Fitness 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 02 - Culture and Arts Sport 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The learner achieving this unit standard will have the capacity to manage suspected spinal injuries in the aquatic environment. With the possibility of injuries always present as a result of aquatic accidents, the practical ability to manage such injuries should provide a compassionate and critical service to those unfortunate enough to have suffered mishaps.

The unit standard can consequently be expected to benefit the sports and recreation sub-fields greatly and enhance operational capacity and understanding of lifeguards whose duty lies with the provision of adaptable services.

On achievement of this unit standard the learner will understand and be able to:
  • Analyse and explain the causes of spinal injuries.
  • Recognise and react to the signs and symptoms of spinal injury.
  • Handle a patient with suspected spinal injuries appropriately in the aquatic environment.
  • Immobilise the patient in the aquatic environment.
  • Remove the patient from the water.
  • Apply patient after-care and a review.

    On completion of the unit standard the learner should be ready to develop learning in further, more complex processes related to lifeguarding and/or the area of medicine. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Personal water competence sufficient to swim 400 metres in the aquatic environment within a specified time.
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Where applicable, range statements have been included under individual specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Analyse and explain the causes of spinal injuries. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic anatomy of the spinal column is described using diagrams and/or models. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The main causes of spinal injuries are identified and outlined with reference to the effect of spinal injuries on a patient. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The precautions to be taken before moving a patient are explained with suitable reasons. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Recognise and react to the signs and symptoms of spinal injury. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Signs and symptoms of spinal injury are illustrated in a variety of situations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate equipment is selected or improvised where necessary as appropriate to aquatic lifeguarding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The possible complications extraction from the water might cause are analysed and solutions demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Communication is established with support services to enable information and advise to be shared. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Handle a patient with suspected spinal injuries appropriately in the aquatic environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The hazards of moving casualties are explained in terms of lifeguarding and rescue. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Principles of immobilisation are explained with reference to impact on a patient. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Various immobilisation techniques are utilised in rescue operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The primary assessment of a casualty is demonstrated with a patient in an aquatic rescue. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Key principles of managing spinal injuries are demonstrated in dealing with a lifeguarding patient. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    An extended arm roll-over is demonstrated using standard techniques. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Immobilise the patient in the aquatic environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Spinal immobilisation is achieved using standard techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Head immobilisation blocks are applied according to organisational policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Continued care in changing environmental conditions is explained and demonstrated in an aquatic rescue. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Remove the patient from the water. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Extraction from the water environment is undertaken using standard practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A secondary survey of the patient is conducted in order to establish priorities and treatment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Airway, vomiting, hypothermia, bleeding or other non-associated injury.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Transport is accessed for the benefit of the patient. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Apply patient after-care and a review. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Careful casualty handover is undertaken according to organisational policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The incident is recorded using standard documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Equipment is accounted for, checked and restored in preparation for future use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A self assessment is undertaken to appraise personal performance. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed against this unit standard (including through RPL) may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), or one with an appropriate memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard, or assessing this unit standard, must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Causes of spinal injuries.
  • The signs and symptoms of spinal injury.
  • Appropriate knowledge pertaining to suspected spinal injuries in the aquatic environment.
  • Appropriate knowledge pertaining to patient care within the aquatic environment including safe removal from the water.
  • Relevant aspects of patient after-care and a review. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork is required when working with other members of an organization to manage cases with spinal injuries. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation is enhanced and developed through the discipline of identifying and working at the task of stabilizing a patient with spinal injuries. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication skills are enhanced when dealing with others in the management of serious spinal injury cases. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Appropriate use of science and technology are required where using complex equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Personal development through responsible citizenship is nurtured when providing first aid to persons with spinal injuries. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  61509   Further Education and Training Certificate: Lifeguarding  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.