Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for incident response
   • Assess hazards and associated risks to people and animals, and discuss with team members, including the veterinarian
   • Participate in team briefing about incident action plan, objectives and roles
   • Confirm incident controller's instructions and follow organisational procedures to meet plan objectives
   • Manage animal owner, unauthorised personnel and/or spectators
   • Establish animal containment and/or release areas
   • Monitor safety and maintain situational awareness at all stages
   • Select appropriate manual manipulation technique/s for incident and animal
2. Prepare to move a large animal
   • Select and fit appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
   • Prepare operational equipment required for technique, and check condition and serviceability
   • Maintain safety requirements relating to hygiene and biosecurity according to regulatory and organisational requirements
   • Monitor animal behaviour at all stages and maintain situational awareness to ensure safety of self, others and animals
   • Assist with set-up of incident scene, including planned release area for animal and escape routes for team members
   • Assist veterinarian with animal restraint and to stabilise the animal according to instructions
   • Discuss with veterinarian the need for sedation or anaesthetics to implement the action plan and for animal handling
3. Rig large animal
   • Approach animal calmly, and adopt a safe position to handle and move the animal according to technique employed
   • Maintain control of the animal's head
   • Place slings and/or straps in correct position for animal species and technique using appropriate aids and equipment
4. Use manual manipulation techniques to move a large animal safely
   • Work in haul team to pull or manoeuvre the animal towards the planned location according to instructions
   • Safely manoeuvre animal to agreed location using a rescue glide or other appropriate equipment where needed
   • Cooperate and communicate with team members to ensure safety, and minimal stress to the animal
5. Release large animal safely
   • Remove the sling and ropes in reverse order, maintaining a safe system of work and avoiding unnecessary stimulation of the animal
   • Reposition animal to aid recovery
   • Ensure the animal is released in a planned location for monitoring during recovery phase
   • Handle deceased animal, where required, safely and with dignity