Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

PUASAR036 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Implement and monitor USAR task force plans

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PUASAR036 - Implement and monitor USAR task force plans
Description This unit covers the competency required to establish and manage operational priorities for a deployed urban search and rescue (USAR) task force.The USAR task force leader approves plans developed for the USAR task force through the approved reporting structure. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to a person performing the role of a USAR task force leader. This role is responsible for the management of a USAR task force, specifically:conduct of a structural triage at a USAR incidentimplementation of operational priorities by the deployed USAR task forceestablishment of a base of operations operational briefs and debriefs throughout the incidentmanagement of deployed USAR task forceimplementation of the USAR component of the Incident Action Planimplementation of the communication plan and information flow within the team and through the established chain of commandproviding leadership to the task force Team and to individual membersan USAR task force operates within the command and control system established by the organisation with the legislative authority for the incident, but will operate in accordance with AIIMS or CIMSCompliance with legislative or regulatory requirements of Australian jurisdictions or the host country may be required.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites PUASAR035 Develop plans for deployment of a USAR task force
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Perform structural triage at USAR site
  • USAR task force is briefed on operations portion of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) using SMEACS-Q format.
  • Structural triage principles and processes are applied at the area of operations.
       
Element: Establish and manage base of operations
  • Location for base of operations is confirmed in accordance with USAR task force requirements.
  • Base of operations is established, base camp manager is appointed and arrangements are communicated to appropriate personnel.
  • Resources for base of operations are acquired and allocated as necessary, and tasks are delegated to appropriate personnel.
  • Base of operations and resources are managed.
  • Security arrangements are identified and communicated to task force staff.
  • Fire protection and evacuation plan for base of operations is prepared and promulgated to appropriate personnel.
  • Personnel working within base of operations are briefed on key responsibilities and operational priorities.
       
Element: Manage deployed USAR task force
  • Task force communications and welfare plans are implemented, monitored and communicated to all relevant personnel.
  • Task force members are tasked with the collection. collation and archiving of operational information.
  • Task force internal and external reporting arrangements are established and information flow is monitored to ensure it is accurate, timely and relevant.
  • Information management systems are implemented to maintain operational records.
  • Media requests are managed in accordance with the media plan and, where required, a media liaison officer is appointed.
  • USAR task forcelogistics is managed, and a logistics officer is appointed and delegated the appropriate financial delegation.
  • Financial expenditure for the deployed task force is managed and appropriate financial control measures are implemented.
  • Liaison function for the deployed task force is delegated and arrangements are managed.
       
Element: Manage implementation of and monitor the USAR operations portion of, the IAP
  • Preparation of the USAR operations portion of the IAP is managed.
  • Implementation of the USAR operations portion of the IAP is managed in accordance with agreed procedures.
  • Actions to ensure the safety, health and welfare of task force members at the incident are authorised.
  • Identified risks are mitigated within the scope of USAR operations and safe work practices are monitored and adhered to.
  • Strategies implemented are consistent with the approved IAP.
  • Ongoing exchange is maintained with supervisor on incident situation, progress towards achievement of allocated tasks, when IAP is to be modified, when additional resources are needed and when significant events occur.
  • Ongoing exchange is maintained with USAR task force regarding work progress, resource status and location, and any significant changes or emerging risks.
  • Regular and timely reports are prepared and distributed.
  • Activities with adjacent areas of operations are coordinated.
  • Log of activities is maintained.
       
Element: Redeploy USAR task force
  • USAR task force redeployment plan is implemented in accordance with emergency management arrangements.
  • Reconnaissance deployment briefing is conducted for USAR task force.
  • USAR task force is deployed and reconnaissance operations are supervised and managed.
  • Reception/departure centre is established and incoming emergency response teams are processed.
       
Element: Demobilise and evacuate USAR task force
  • USAR task force demobilisation plan is implemented, stages of demobilisation are taken into consideration and preplanning of demobilisation is undertaken.
  • Approvals for disposal and decontamination are sought form relevant authorities.
  • USAR task force evacuation plan is prepared in conjunction with mobilisation pre-planning processes and is implemented.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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:

assess area of operations, manage application of structural triage processes and determine operational strategies and priorities in line with the IAP

manage achievement of USAR task force operational priorities and effectively implement support plans

manage demobilisation, redeployment and evacuation of USAR task force

Consistency in performance

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an actual or industry-approved multi-agency simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

emergency situations or simulation of emergency situations, in a multi-team response environment

equipment, personnel, facilities etc. appropriate to the emergency situation and within the bounds of responsibility as designated within the requirements of control

Method of assessment

Assessment should be conducted by direct observation in either the workplace (through recorded subject matter supervision and/or mentoring) or the training environment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved 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

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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

Required Skills

analyse a range of structures and apply structural triage principles

analyse risk assessment, reconnaissance and intelligence to determine operational priorities

conduct briefings

delegate effectively

lead and manage personnel

make decisions

make presentations, specifically to the media

manage own work load

manage time effectively and deal with multiple issues

prepare a range of plans to support USAR task force operations

report on operational progress

resolve conflict

solve problems

undertake negotiations

Required Knowledge

contents of all plans prepared to support and direct USAR task force

format and content of briefing to be conducted

purpose and content of Incident Action Plan

risk management principles and processes

structure triage principles and processes

task force leader responsibilities during the response phase of an incident

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.

Incident Action Plan (IAP) may include:

accommodation and welfare arrangements

communications plan

division or sector plans

incident objectives

information on alternative strategies

information plan for dissemination of information to all stakeholders

information regarding the necessary logistical arrangements

management arrangements, including establishment of sectors and divisions

management structure, if established

maps or site plans of the incident

medical plan and consideration of workplace health and safety issues

resources to be allocated to each division and sector

statement of current situation and predictions of the incident’s likely development (including key risk exposures)

strategies to achieve defined incident objectives

structural chart depicting the personnel in the incident management arrangements, including establishment of divisions and sectors

timings of meetings and changeovers

traffic management

weather

Structural triage principles may include:

composition of triage teams

detailed triage assessment of allocated structures

initial triage at incident site

hazard identification

priorities of a triage team

Structural triage processes may include:

establishment of operational priorities

preparation of triage documentation

re-evaluation of structures as situation changes

Location for base of operations may include:

establishment timelines

location of local amenities

proximity to other rescue teams

requirements for an effective base of operations

security considerations

short- or long-term

site of task force base camp

transport corridors

Resources for base of operations may include:

self-sustainability cache including task force documentation and equipment such as laptops and generators

database back-up systems

Fire protection and evacuation plan may include:

assembly area

location of fire blankets

location of fire extinguishers

location of smoke alarms

Communications plan may include:

confirming communications needs for the effective management of task force operations

establishing communications networks both internally and externally

promulgating the communications plan to task force and other personnel

monitoring the performance of the communications systems and modifying if necessary

establishing supervisory and communications arrangements with the task force

Welfare plan may include:

peer support

psychological, physical and religious needs

Information management systems may include:

self-sustainability cache

sufficient redundancy

Media plan may include:

assessment of operational priorities and provision of information to the media

control of access to scene, personnel and victims

holding statements

location for media briefing area

Task force logistics may include:

chain of supply for consumables

self-sustainability cache management

transport

Liaison may include:

local emergency management authority

onsite operations coordination centre (OSOCC)

other relevant authorities

other respondent task force management teams

reception/departure centre

Task force redeployment plan may include:

deployment briefing

mobilisation plan

transport plan

welfare plan

Reception/departure centre may include:

central point for cross border processes

liaison point for incoming USAR task forces

logistical supply point for incoming task forces

Task force demobilisation plan may include:

decontamination

disposal rehabilitation of cache

from base to home location

logistics planning

move from incident site to base of operations

notification

post operational analysis

task force casualties

type of demobilisation (part or full)

welfare

Task force evacuation plan may include:

equipment disposal

key considerations if emergency evacuation is required

local contacts

medical evacuation of a task force team member

modes of transport

risk assessment

role of task force leader

security

seeking pre-approval of evacuation plan

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
USAR task force is briefed on operations portion of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) using SMEACS-Q format. 
Structural triage principles and processes are applied at the area of operations. 
Location for base of operations is confirmed in accordance with USAR task force requirements. 
Base of operations is established, base camp manager is appointed and arrangements are communicated to appropriate personnel. 
Resources for base of operations are acquired and allocated as necessary, and tasks are delegated to appropriate personnel. 
Base of operations and resources are managed. 
Security arrangements are identified and communicated to task force staff. 
Fire protection and evacuation plan for base of operations is prepared and promulgated to appropriate personnel. 
Personnel working within base of operations are briefed on key responsibilities and operational priorities. 
Task force communications and welfare plans are implemented, monitored and communicated to all relevant personnel. 
Task force members are tasked with the collection. collation and archiving of operational information. 
Task force internal and external reporting arrangements are established and information flow is monitored to ensure it is accurate, timely and relevant. 
Information management systems are implemented to maintain operational records. 
Media requests are managed in accordance with the media plan and, where required, a media liaison officer is appointed. 
USAR task forcelogistics is managed, and a logistics officer is appointed and delegated the appropriate financial delegation. 
Financial expenditure for the deployed task force is managed and appropriate financial control measures are implemented. 
Liaison function for the deployed task force is delegated and arrangements are managed. 
Preparation of the USAR operations portion of the IAP is managed. 
Implementation of the USAR operations portion of the IAP is managed in accordance with agreed procedures. 
Actions to ensure the safety, health and welfare of task force members at the incident are authorised. 
Identified risks are mitigated within the scope of USAR operations and safe work practices are monitored and adhered to. 
Strategies implemented are consistent with the approved IAP. 
Ongoing exchange is maintained with supervisor on incident situation, progress towards achievement of allocated tasks, when IAP is to be modified, when additional resources are needed and when significant events occur. 
Ongoing exchange is maintained with USAR task force regarding work progress, resource status and location, and any significant changes or emerging risks. 
Regular and timely reports are prepared and distributed. 
Activities with adjacent areas of operations are coordinated. 
Log of activities is maintained. 
USAR task force redeployment plan is implemented in accordance with emergency management arrangements. 
Reconnaissance deployment briefing is conducted for USAR task force. 
USAR task force is deployed and reconnaissance operations are supervised and managed. 
Reception/departure centre is established and incoming emergency response teams are processed. 
USAR task force demobilisation plan is implemented, stages of demobilisation are taken into consideration and preplanning of demobilisation is undertaken. 
Approvals for disposal and decontamination are sought form relevant authorities. 
USAR task force evacuation plan is prepared in conjunction with mobilisation pre-planning processes and is implemented. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUASAR036 - Implement and monitor USAR task force plans
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Assessment Record Sheet

PUASAR036 - Implement and monitor USAR task force plans

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