This unit applies to arborists preparing and planning for the coordination and execution of rescue operations and the implementation of safety and first aid requirements covering hazard identification, basic first aid and emergency procedures, tree climbing and aerial rescue techniques. Aerial rescue is likely to be undertaken in emergency situations with little or no supervision.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan for aerial rescue

1.1. Rescue equipment and first aid kit are checked to ensure they are complete and placed within easy access.

1.2. Suitable safety equipment, dedicated rescue kit and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are selected and checked.

1.3. Emergency communication system used to summon emergency services is checked according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise work procedures.

1.4. Documented rescue plan is confirmed and clarified with work team prior to work being undertaken.

2. Assess and respond to an aerial emergency situation

2.1. Casualty response is determined.

2.2. Emergency plan is activated and assistance requested from work team and/or public according to documented rescue plan.

2.3. Hazards associated with the rescue are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.

2.4. Appropriate access equipment to affect rescue is used according to rescue plan.

3. Assess nature of injury

3.1. Casualty and rescuer are safely secured according to enterprise standards.

3.2. Injuries are assessed to determine whether or not to move casualty based on standard first aid procedures and risk assessment.

3.3. Casualty with possible neck or spinal injuries is supported (but not moved) to await expert medical treatment.

3.4. First aid able to be performed above ground is applied, as required, in line with standard procedures.

3.5. Instructions to ground staff and climbers are communicated clearly and concisely.

4. Lower casualty to ground

4.1. Casualty is prepared for descent according to first aid and risk assessments.

4.2. Casualty is lowered safely to the ground with support of rescuer.

5. Complete rescue operations

5.1. First aid is applied on the ground according to need.

5.2. Emergency assistance is obtained as per rescue plan.

5.3. Records of aerial rescue are maintained in the appropriate format.

Required skills

coordinate work group, equipment and own activities to sequentially and effectively complete rescue operations safely

apply rigging and rope handling techniques in aerial rescue operations

apply tree climbing techniques necessary for aerial rescue operations

administer first aid to injured climbers

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

senior First Aid Certificate or equivalent

safety ropes and equipment

dealing with electrical emergencies

operational hazards of tree work

relevant industry codes of practice

principles of hazard and risk analysis

statutory requirements relating to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) records (Incident Notification) required for rescue operations

selected Australian Standards.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

carry out preparation for an aerial rescue

assess and respond to an aerial emergency situation

evaluate the need for additional or specialist assistance

carry out the required aerial rescue or response to an aerial emergency

use a dedicated rescue kit for an aerial rescue

implement the documented rescue plan

implement appropriate post incident responses.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Aerial rescue may include:

rescue, safety and emergency communications

equipment and standard operating procedures for dealing with hazards

personal safety.

Unit sector

Arboriculture

This unit contains employability skills.