SISORSC001
Conduct search and rescue


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to conduct a search and rescue within an activity-specific context. It requires the ability to fully assess the situation, develop a response plan and complete searches and rescues using methods and equipment appropriate for the situation.

It applies to senior leaders, guides or instructors, and others who use discretion and judgement to manage significant problems and emergencies when they arise.

This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCECRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Assess the situation and make plans.

1.1. Assess situation, identify hazards promptly, assess risks and manage to avoid injury to self and others.

1.2. Assess probable and possible location of lost participants and define search area.

1.3. Identify any known location and condition of participants in need of rescue.

1.4. Determine a suitable search and or rescue method according to situation and in line with organisational emergency response policies and procedures.

1.5. Select suitable equipment and resources to complete search or rescue.

1.6. Develop a response plan to include contingencies, roles and responsibilities of others.

1.7. Relay information to base as able and required.

2. Conduct search.

2.1. Provide clear and concise search instructions and information to others.

2.2. Advise search participants of communication processes and contingency plans.

2.3. Conduct search methodically using search techniques appropriate for situation.

3. Conduct rescue.

3.1. Identify immediate hazards, assess risks and negotiate to avoid injury to self and others.

3.2. Establish communication with rescuee and provide clear and concise instructions and information throughout the rescue.

3.3. Determine condition of persons in need of rescue.

3.4. Brief others involved in rescue and provide clear and concise instructions throughout rescue.

3.5. Use equipment and rescue techniques appropriate to situation.

3.6. Determine ambulatory status of rescued persons and use or construct an evacuation structure as required.

3.7. Evaluate and monitor condition of rescued persons and determine need for first aid, medical treatment or evacuation.

4. Seek outside assistance.

4.1. Identify situations requiring outside assistance and alert search or rescue authorities to initiate search or rescue.

4.2. Hand over search or rescue to relevant authorities according to organisational policies and procedures.

5. Debrief and complete reports.

5.1. Participate in incident management debrief and identify future response improvements.

5.2. Complete required incident reports according to organisational procedures.

Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement.

SKILLS

DESCRIPTION

Reading skills to:

interpret detailed familiar organisational policies and procedures for emergency response.

Writing skills to:

record detailed and accurate factual information about search and rescue responses.

Self-management skills to:

critically analyse all circumstances and implications to coordinate a considered response to search and rescue requirements.

Technology skills to:

use the features of emergency communication equipment to relay information about search and rescue requirements.


Sectors

Outdoor Recreation


Competency Field

Rescue Operations