Application
This unit describes the skills required to conduct initial search and rescue (SAR) actions, including identifying search areas and conducting briefings when commencing a search and rescue operation.
This unit applies to those working as police staff involved in police search and rescue and incident management operations.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to resource deployment, conducting briefings and debriefings and work health and safety (WHS).
Those undertaking this unit would work autonomously and within teams while remaining responsible for reporting to senior staff. They would perform a range of complex tasks and demonstrate adaptability across a broad range of contexts, either in the field or within police station/office environment.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Plan initial search and rescue actions | 1.1 Identify mission to prosecute search and rescue operation. 1.2 Identify resources to facilitate search and rescue operation. 1.3 Determine initial actions and resource deployment in accordance with nature of search and rescue incident. 1.4 Establish lines of communication with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate sharing of information/progress of operation. |
2. Identify search area | 2.1 Identify last known position of the target. 2.2 Apply search planning models. 2.3 Define initial search area to commence initial search and rescue operations. 2.4 Determine probability of detection and coverage for allocation of resources. |
3. Conduct initial search and rescue activities | 3.1 Deploy resources to carry out initial actions. 3.2 Assess and monitor search and rescue situation to adapt response. 3.3 Negotiate resource acquisition to facilitate search and rescue operation. 3.4 Prioritise tasks to maximise efficiency and effectiveness of resources. |
4. Conduct briefings | 4.1 Identify stakeholders to inform them of situation. 4.2 Collate information to develop briefings. 4.3 Deliver briefing to facilitate flow of information. 4.4 Communicate required follow-on actions for ongoing coordination of search and rescue operation. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
establishing mission and deploying resources to commence search and rescue operation
evaluating information to commence search and rescue operation
coordinating initial search and rescue
communicating with stakeholders
reading and interpreting maps/charts
performing calculations
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
contextual considerations which impact on search and rescue situation
resources available to respond to search and rescue situations
capabilities of assets and resources
jurisdictional procurement processes relating to external agencies and resources
communication search tools
information technology systems to support search and rescue operation
jurisdictional communication systems
jurisdictional briefing and debriefing requirements
media requirements for search and rescue situations
the requirements of Defence Assistance to the Civil Community (DACC)
jurisdictional legislation, policies and procedures relating to WHS
Assessment Conditions
This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.
Consideration must be given to holistic assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the companion volumes.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Search and rescue