Vaccinators
All vaccinators must meet the Ministry of Health requirements by holding a current CPR certificate. Under the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) guidelines, all vaccinators need to achieve and maintain specific resuscitation skills and be able to resuscitate a patient should the need arise.
The PRS Immediate Responder session covers the core components required for vaccinators:
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infant, child and adult CPR, including mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-mask and the management of choking
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administration of IM adrenaline for treatment of anaphylaxis
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use of an automated external defibrillator
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one- and two-person bag valve mask ventilation and mouth-to-mask technique.
In addition to the above, participants will also learn airway management techniques including basic adjuncts, and the preparation of intramuscular adrenaline.
The Immediate Responder training session is available as a 3-hour full face-to-face training session or in a hybrid learning format where learners complete the theory component online ahead of a shortened practical session with a PRS instructor. This training meets and exceeds the requirements set by the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) for health professionals performing vaccinations across Aotearoa New Zealand
Vaccinating health workers must be aware of the signs of anaphylaxis and have the knowledge to treat it but are not expected to administer adrenaline in practice so therefore should participate in the CPR Skills session, also available in full face-to-face or hybrid formats.