What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?

Competence in responding to rescue incidents requires evidence that an individual can demonstrate that they have the required knowledge and skills to respond to an incident according to enterprise guidelines and industry best practice. The skills and knowledge required to respond to rescue incidents must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different types of incidents, environments, locations and rescue equipment.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

Local environmental conditions.

Search and rescue methods.

Operation and characteristics of rescue equipment, tools and vehicles.

Environmental, public health and safety issues.

Types of hazards and how they should be handled.

Enterprise procedures, legislative and OHS requirements.

First aid, life preservation.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Prepare for response.

Respond to incident.

Effect the rescue.

Implement post-incident responses.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (2) be applied?

By informing superiors and others of incidents.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)?

Recording details of the incident.

3. How are activities planned and organised (2)?

By responding to the incident.

4. How can team work (2) be applied?

As a part of the rescue team.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?

Distances and times in response.

6. How can problem-solving skills (2) be applied?

Determining options for response.

7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?

With machinery and equipment.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

For information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, refer to the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this competency standard. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts

Which enterprise procedures may be included in this standard?

Schedules, protocols, recording and reporting.

A variety of environmental conditions may be included. What are these?

Weather, climatic conditions, remoteness, geophysical systems, local ecology, all terrain conditions, rivers, lakes, dams, seas, confined spaces, sewers, buildings, wells, shafts, trenches, silos, caves, day and night.

What are the different incidents to consider?

Fires, drowning, accidents, exposure to hazardous materials, injury, damaged to equipment, environment, significant sites, stranding, exposure, lost persons, vehicle, boating, aircraft accidents fires, drowning, accidents, exposure to hazardous materials, injury, damage to equipment, environment, significant sites, stranding, exposure, lost persons, vehicle, boating and aircraft accidents.

What sorts of rescue equipment may be included?

Support vehicles, boats, aircraft, fire extinguishing, control equipment, ropes, ladders, axes, spades, shovels, lifting, cutting equipment, winches, blocks, chainsaws, hand tools, power tools, generators, maps, torches, first aid, life support, protective clothing, stretchers, slings, rescue/spinal boards, two way radios and scene warning equipment.

How might access to casualties be made?

By normal entry, forced entry, constructed access routes, natural terrain, on foot, by vehicle, aircraft and vessel.

What sorts of maps may be included?

Topographic, cadastral, aeronautical, pastoral, road maps, street directory and specialist.

How might servicing and maintenance be undertaken?

Washing, disinfecting, lubricating and storing.

Which statutory requirements may be relevant to this standard?

OHS, Local Government, Public Health and Safety, Environmental Protection, Waste Management and Parks and Wildlife.

Which forms of communication may be undertaken?

One to one, as a team member, following instructions, giving directions to the public and reporting situations, outcomes and matters needing attention.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment refer to the Sector Booklet.