SISORSC003
Perform complex vertical rescues


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to establish ropes and belays for rescue rope systems, and to use rope rescue techniques and mechanical advantage systems to rescue self and others during single and multi pitch activities. Complex situations may involve bad or extreme weather, unconscious persons, numerous environmental hazards or a combination of many factors.

Complex rope rescue skills are required in a range of activity contexts which can include abseiling, climbing, canyoning and caving.

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. Determine rescue requirements and prepare for rescue.

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

1.2. Determine appropriate rescue methods and techniques for situation, according to degree of urgency and condition of persons in need of rescue.

1.3. Select rescue equipment according to requirements.

1.4. Determine roles and responsibilities of others, complete a briefing and provide clear and concise instructions throughout rescue.

1.5. Implement rescue operations according to organisational policies and procedures for emergency response.

2. Establish systems for complex rescues.

2.1. Determine need for use of mechanical advantage systems, identify and establish type appropriate for rescue situation.

2.2. Select and rig or establish multiple anchors, ensuring equalisation and minimise potential for shock loading.

2.3. Promptly establish rescue systems required to raise and lower persons for complex situations.

2.4. Rig rescue ropes to minimise effects of rope stretch and rub points and for efficient ascent and descent during rescue.

2.5. Establish belays suitable for rescue circumstance and to ensure personal safety during rescues.

2.6. Verify manufacturers’ recommendations, equipment limitations and safety margins, and rig equipment accordingly.

3. Conduct complex rescue of others.

3.1. Identify situations requiring approach from above or below and implement suitable approach procedures.

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

3.3. Operate rescue system to raise and lower persons on single and multi pitches.

3.4. Safely and efficiently escape a loaded belay system and transfer from belay device to direct connection to anchor.

3.5. Maintain safety of self, others and rescuee throughout rescue operations.

4. Complete complex self rescues.

4.1. Determine need for self rescue, assess complexities of situation and identify suitable techniques to resolve.

4.2. Anticipate hazards and utilise techniques to approach, avoid or negotiate throughout complex self rescues.

4.3. Implement extrication techniques to release from compromised situation.

4.4. Maintain personal safety throughout rescue operations.

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 rescue responses.

Numeracy skills to:

complete significant calculations and estimations of loads for anchors, ropes and pulleys

visually estimate distances to calculate lengths for ropes.

Teamwork skills to:

pro-actively and cooperatively work within teams of operational personnel to coordinate rescue logistics, solve arising problems and effect efficient rescues.

Self-management skills to:

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


Sectors

Outdoor Recreation


Competency Field

Rescue Operations