Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to use a range of recognised techniques and specialised equipment to extricate a compromised large animal from an incident scene. It covers a range of techniques to recover large animals from a variety of situations.
The unit applies to individuals who work as responders in a team to assist in large animal incident operations. They have experience responding to animal incidents and in applying animal handling and manipulation techniques.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for incident response | 1.1 Assess incident situation and risks to people and animals, and discuss risk control strategies with team members 1.2 Determine appropriate techniques and equipment for incident condition and size, weight and welfare requirements of the animal in consultation with others 1.3 Participate in team briefing about incident action plan, objectives and own role 1.4 Monitor safety and maintain situational awareness at all stages |
2. Prepare for technical large animal extrication | 2.1 Select and correctly fit appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) 2.2 Organise support equipment and supplies as instructed 2.3 Locate, inspect and prepare manual and mechanical equipment required to extricate or lift the large animal 2.4 Assist with set-up of incident area, including planned release area for animal and identified escape routes 2.5 Cooperate and communicate clearly with team members to ensure safety of team and bystanders and to maintain animal welfare |
3. Prepare large animal for extrication | 3.1 Communicate with veterinarian regarding the need for physical restraint and sedation or anaesthetics for the animal, to allow safer access, provision of first aid and assistance with extrication 3.2 Approach the animal calmly on the safer side and adopt correct position for technique and equipment employed 3.3 Maintain control of the animal's head 3.4 Attach lifting straps, slings or harness securely to the animal according to agreed plan 3.5 Connect lifting strap, sling or harness securely to mechanical equipment, where lifting is required 3.6 Assess and respond to animal behaviour to ensure safety of self, others and animal |
4. Extricate large animal | 4.1 Assist with steering, lifting and manoeuvring the animal safely to the planned location in readiness for release 4.2 Remove the lifting sling, straps or harness in reverse order, maintaining a safe system of work and avoiding unnecessary stimulation of the animal 4.3 Release large animal in a planned location to be treated or monitored during recovery phase 4.4 Handle and make arrangements for disposal of deceased animals promptly, in a dignified and environmentally safe manner |
5. Conclude operations | 5.1 Recover, clean and store equipment and remove waste and debris from incident scene according to workplace procedures 5.2 Participate in incident debrief 5.3 Complete required records or reports according to workplace procedures |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Oral communication | Listen attentively and ask questions to confirm or clarify information using appropriate technical terminology Use clear, precise language and tone appropriate for situation and audience |
Interacts with others | Work independently and collectively as an effective team member with a sense of responsibility and ownership of agreed plans, decisions and outcomes |
Navigate the world of work | Recognise the purpose, main tasks, responsibilities and boundaries of own role |
Get the work done | Plan, organise and sequence own tasks contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of the team Adapt plans to accommodate safety and animal welfare contingencies, making decisions based on workplace procedures and experience Anticipate animal behavioural responses and use problem-solving approaches to minimise hazards and risks |
Sectors
Animal Incident Management (AIM)