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Elements and Performance Criteria

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

check service and maintain vertical rescue equipment

control infection

escort stretchers in raising and lowering operations

establish maintain monitor and use

ascent and descent systems

stretcher rigging

implement safe and effective scene management procedures

manage edge protection

treat and package casualties

undertake scene assessment and reporting

use personal protective and rescue equipment within its safe work limitations

wear appropriate personal protective and rescue equipment correctly

Required Knowledge

breaking strains

casualty assessment and packaging

emergency management and interagency arrangements

equipment characteristics

operation of high lines span line Tyrolean etc

operational briefing and debriefing procedures

organisational procedures for cleaning and discarding equipment in terms of environmental management and sustainability

organisational procedures for operating vertical rescue equipment

personal hygiene protocols

principles of suspension trauma

reconnaissance techniques

relevant legislation

relevant occupational health and safety OHampS principles and practices

safe working loads of equipment

safety factors and safe working loads

signs and symptoms of operational stress

vertical rescue concepts and practices

voice whistle and other communication systems

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to

establish safe systems to gain access to and recover casualties

extricate casualty minimising further injury or discomfort while conducting rescue operation

apply safe work practices

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual andor simulated workplace environments

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an industryapproved simulated andor workplace environment involving vertical rescues using a range of equipment

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to

an appropriate venue for vertical rescue activities

organisational vertical rescue equipment and personnel for teambased activities

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed with the following unit

PUATEAB Work autonomously

PUATEA002B Work autonomously.

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision andor mentoring which is typically recorded in a competency workbook

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industryapproved simulated work environment Forms of assessment that are typically used include

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions

Range Statement


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	Access and egress routes Clearly defining team roles (team leader, safety officer, technicians) Command, control and coordination arrangements Location Magnitude and type of incident Number and type of casualties Other organisations Potential hazards Weather conditions and forecasts
Sources may include	Pager People on scene Public Other organisations
Vertical rescue equipment may include	Anchors Ascending and descending devices Binoculars Edge management devices Edge protection Karabiners Lighting and generator Pulleys Rescue rope to AS 4142.3-1993 Fibre ropes - Man-made fibre rope for static life rescue lines; AS 4143.6-1996 Methods of test for fibre ropes - Resistance to abrasion; AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices Slings Specialist communications equipment Stretchers Tapes
Scene management procedures may include	Establishing and monitoring safety zones Establishing barriers and perimeter access controls Liaising with the media Managing bystanders and media Preserving the crime scene
Preserving the incident scene must include	Disturbing only to gain access or make scene safe Not disturbing fatality scenes until police investigation activities are completed Preserving integrity of evidence
Physical and environmental features may include	Air quality Anchor points Cold rain Clearances Exhaust or steam outlets Exposed or hazardous electrical conductors Exposed unprotected edges Fuels and chemicals Greasy or oily surfaces Ground stability High winds Hot and/or humid conditions Hot surfaces Irrespirable atmospheres Loud noises Low light environments Moving machinery Physical features such as slopes: loose surfaces sheer face overhangs Snow and ice Swift water Tides/waves/surf movements Unstable structures
Operational environments may include	Man-made such as tower structures, mines and shafts Natural such as trees, cliffs, caves
Systems may include	Edge management Hauling High line or Tyrolean Lowering
Vertical rescue techniques will be determined by	Organisational policy and procedures Type of vertical rescue system adopted
Operational documentation may include	Equipment running logs Notes Organisational procedures and related legal requirements Sketches Vehicle logs