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

PUAFIR201B Prevent injury (Fire specific)

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for land search

1.1 Operation and task information is obtained

1.2 Incident information is used to determine personal equipment needed for search operation

1.3 Search equipment is checked and packed for use

2. Participate in search

2.1 Specified team roles and functions are carried out

2.2 Search formation and spacings are maintained

2.3 Search boundaries are marked in line with task requirements

2.4 Observation skills are applied, and any clues or objects located are reported immediately in accordance with the organisation's procedures

2.5 Communication is maintained within the team

2.6 Personal capabilities and limitations are recognised and referred to the supervisor

3. Maintain search safety

3.1 Survival techniques are applied were required

3.2 Search safety procedures are implemented

3.3 Lost searcher procedures are implemented if required

4. Preserve scene

4.1 Supervisor is immediately advised of located persons or findings in accordance with the organisation's procedures

4.2 Initial preservation procedures are implemented to maintain the integrity of evidence

4.3 Initial scene preservation is conducted in line with the organisation's requirements

5. Complete recall and stand down procedures

5.1 Search equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and organisational procedures

5.2 Operational debriefing is participated in and documentation is completed to organisational standards

5.3 Where identified, symptoms of operational stress are recognised and reported

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

Required Skills

appropriate personal protective equipment worn correctly

deal appropriately with clues and location of objects or causalities

implement lost searcher procedures

maintain search information

observation skills

spacing and boundary marking

survival techniques

working in a team

Required Knowledge

local documentation requirements

local hazards and environmental threats

local operating procedures

local operational briefing and debriefing procedures

lost searcher procedures

object recovery procedures

recall procedures

relevant occupational health and safety principles and practices

relevant search management arrangements in their State or Territory

requirements to preserve a crime scene and the preservation of evidence

signs and symptoms of operational stress

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

It is essential for this unit that competence is demonstrated in compliance with search orders

Safety of self and others is observed at all times during the search

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 of competence is to be gathered in an actual or simulated search environment

Specific resources for assessment

An appropriate environment to conduct the search operation is essential Support may include other organisations

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.

Search operations may include

Operations are normally conducted in support of the police Volunteers may be involved in searches for missing persons objects or evidence

Land searches are most commonly on foot, although searches may be undertaken from two or four wheel vehicles or on horseback, skis and snowshoes

Search terrain may include

forests

grassland

steep rock areas sand

snow

urban areas

Land search may be conducted under conditions which include

hazardous environmental conditions including:

adverse weather

after dark operations

difficult terrain

time pressure

dangerous flora and fauna

urban or rural environments

operating as part of a multi-agency response

Incident and task information may include

number, nature and description of persons or objects that are the focus of the search

weather forecast

operating area

access and egress routes

emergency rendezvous points

terrain and environmental information

potential hazards

Command, control and co-ordination arrangements

time constraints

Communication may include

feedback of information

modes of communication as per PUACOM001C

calming and reassuring a casualty

Equipment used may include

Personal protective equipment, especially

wet weather gear

cold weather clothing

sun protection

water

food

overnight sleeping equipment

personal first-air equipment

personal hygiene items

notebook and pencil

boundary marking tapes

radio communications equipment

map

compass or other positioning equipment

Specific team roles

Determined based on the selected search technique

Search formations

Determined based on the selected search techniques

Observation skills

Day and night vision skills

Procedures to locate person or object

are determined locally depending on the nature of the incident and the requirements of the controlling authority. They are made clear in pre-search briefings

Survival techniques may include

Skills relevant to the local areas (such as cold, heat, terrain and forest)

Obtain water

constructing fires

locating shelter

constructing temporary shelters

conserving water

food and energy

Operational documentation may include

notes or sketches of findings or other relevant information required for potential coronial or other legal proceedings

Symptoms of operational stress

may include fatigue

intolerance

indecision

lack of focus

nausea

headaches

illness

This unit contains employability skills.