The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit/s

PUASAR001B Participate in a rescue operation

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for and respond to vertical rescue

1.1 Operation and task information is obtained and analysed

1.2 Vertical rescue equipment is selected based on incident information and checked to ensure it is ready for use

1.3 Personal protective equipment for vertical rescue is selected

1.4 Scene reconnaissance is conducted and results are reported

1.5 Appropriate actions are taken to preserve incident scene

2. Assess scene

2.1 Physical and environmental features of scene are assessed before deploying rescue resources

2.2 Access is controlled and a safe and effective operational environment is maintained

2.3 Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained

2.4 Location and condition of casualty is determined

3. Establish vertical rescue system

3.1 Rescue system is constructed according to the type of incident

3.2 Anchors are established and monitored

3.3 Equipment is prepared and techniques are used in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and organisational procedures

4. Perform vertical rescue

4.1 Access is gained to casualties or trapped persons using organisationally approved techniques and equipment

4.2 Casualties or trapped persons are secured and prepared for removal in consultation with medical personnel

4.3 Casualties are removed using vertical rescue techniques and equipment whilst preventing further injury

5. Terminate vertical rescue operations

5.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and serviced in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and organisational standards

5.2 Where identified, signs and symptoms of operational stress are recognised and reported

5.3 Operational debrief is conducted and documentation is completed to organisational standards

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

check, service and maintain vertical rescue equipment

disaster victim identification procedures

escort stretchers in raising and lowering operations

establish, maintain, monitor and use:

abseil

belay

ascent

descent and raising and lowering systems

establish, monitor and maintain safe anchor systems

infection control

manage edge protection

operate span line or Tyrolean

safe and effective scene management procedures

scene assessment and reporting

treat and package casualties

use personal protective and rescue equipment within its safe work limitations

wearing appropriate personal protective and rescue equipment correctly

work in a team

working in a multi-service environment

Required Knowledge

braking strains

casualty assessment and packaging

emergency management and interagency arrangements

equipment characteristics

operational briefing and debriefing procedures

organisation's procedures for operating vertical rescue equipment

personal hygiene protocols

reconnaissance techniques

relevant legislation

relevant OH&S principles and practices

safety factors and safe working loads

signs and symptoms of operational stress

vertical rescue concepts and practices

voice, whistle and other communication systems

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

It is essential for this unit that competence is demonstrated in establishment of safe systems to gain access to and recover casualties; extrication of casualty minimising further injury or discomfort while conducting rescue operation; and application of safe work practices

Consistency in performance

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Evidence to be collected in a range of simulated or actual vertical rescue environment

Specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this competency requires access to an appropriate training/venue for vertical rescue activities; organisation's vertical rescue equipment and personnel for team-based activities

Guidance information for assessment

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Operation and task information may include

number and type of casualties

location

magnitude and type of incident

access and egress routes

weather conditions and forecasts

potential hazards

command, control and coordination arrangements

other organisations

Systems may include

lowering

hauling

high line or Tyrolean

edge management

Vertical rescue equipment may include

Rescue rope to AS41423

tapes

slings

pulleys

edge protection

karabiners

ascending and descending devices

anchors

stretchers

lighting and generator

specialist communications equipment

binoculars

edge management devices

Physical and environmental features may include

ground stability

anchor points

clearances

tides/waves/surf movements

exposed or hazardous electrical conductors

moving machinery

greasy or oily surfaces

hot surfaces

unstable structures

exhaust or steam outlets

air quality

high winds

cold rain

swift water

loud noises

fuels and chemicals

irrespirable atmospheres

physical features such as slopes

loose surfaces

sheer face

overhangs

Vertical rescue environments may include

cliffs

towers

structures

trees

mines and caves and shafts

Vertical rescue techniques will be determined by

the type of vertical rescue system adopted

organisation's policy and procedures

Scene management may include

establishing barriers and perimeter access controls

management of bystanders and media

establishing and monitoring safety zones

media liaison

crime scene preservation

Operational documentation may include

organisational procedures and related legal requirements

equipment running logs

vehicle logs

notes

sketches

This unit contains employability skills.