Elements and Performance Criteria
- Assess situation at incident scene
- Identify and make contact with the incident controller, animal owner or person in charge at incident scene
- Request information about the incident, the animal and proposed incident management or rescue operation
- Assess human, animal and environmental risks at the scene
- Discuss likely animal behaviour and physical responses with the incident controller and team members
- Discuss site requirements for rescue relative to incident scene, in-situ care or transport access
- Determine, in consultation with others, required equipment from recovery tool kit, including appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for safety, hygiene and biosecurity
- Adhere to established incident management system and chain of command at the scene to ensure safety to self, others and animals
- Assist with triage procedures
- Contain or restrain the animal patient
- Assess animal condition and extent of injuries in consultation with others
- Discuss prognosis for life and viability of rescue or recovery with team members, taking into consideration risks to people involved
- Contribute to the decision to euthanase the animal, where necessary, and the most humane method for the situation in consultation with the veterinarian and relevant personnel
- Contribute to planning the method, timeframe and level of sedation or anaesthesia required to manage the animal in consultation with relevant personnel
- Assess zoonotic disease risk and precautions required with incident controller, veterinarian and team members
- Assist with emergency medical care during an incident
- Discuss sedation plan specific to the animal and incident requirements, and contingency or modifications to the plan if circumstances require
- Assist with stabilising the animal, and provide immediate care under veterinarian instructions
- Discuss and plan with the veterinarian and relevant personnel the sedation and/or anaesthesia doses appropriate for the incident action plan and the animal's condition
- Assist with monitoring the animal during the operation to ensure safety of operators and welfare of animal
- Provide post-incident care
- Monitor signs of recovery of the animal following sedation or anaesthesia
- Assist with further treatment or pre-hospital care according to needs of animal
- Assist with organising the appropriate transport to veterinary facility if required
- Assist with animal post-recovery
- Participate in team debriefing and contribute to support of others involved in the incident
- Complete records according to regulatory and industry requirements