The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit/s

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Maintain personal health and safety

1.1 Threats of disease, distraction and discomfort are minimised

1.2 Threats posed by exposure to the sun are minimised

1.3 Equipment is handled with meticulous safety to prevent cuts

1.4 Injuries are immediately treated

1.5 Opportunities to improve personal hygiene are taken

2. Maintain a healthy and safe environment

2.1 Fire is treated with respect to prevent injury or ignition of camp-site and surrounds

2.2 Latrine and slaughter areas are established away from the camp area to prevent disease and attraction of disease carriers

2.3 Camp area is cleaned of rubbish and food scraps to prevent disease and attraction of disease carriers

2.4 Safe distances are maintained from potential animal dangers

3. Optimise the chances of survival

3.1 A positive and proactive attitude is maintained towards the survival situation, and the goal of rescue is constantly reinforced

3.2 Personal fears and tensions are contained and not allowed to impact on others

3.3 Positive and constructive input is provided to the group to support agreement on the survival tasks, their priority and manner in which they will be conducted to maximise outcomes and minimise energy

3.4 Survival tasks allocated by the team are accepted and undertaken

3.5 Only available resources, as rationed by the team, are consumed

3.6 Signs of concern in others are identified and reassurance is provided to prevent deterioration of the individual and/or the group

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

Required Skills

apply natural remedies

clean and treat minor injuries (e.g. cuts and burns)

maintain personal health and fitness

team work

Required Knowledge

factors impacting on stress and personal health and fitness

first aid

fire safety

health and hygiene

natural remedies provided by plant material

safety awareness

team dynamics and the impact on work performance

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to maintain a positive attitude; to work as part of a team; to maintain health and safety consistent with the threats to health posed by the environment; and to maintain physical health and fitness while experiencing the following over a significant period:

food restrictions

the absence of normal living conditions and amenities

personal discomfort and fatigue.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of situations that could be expected in a survival situation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency must be assessed in a simulated workplace environment.

While a person can demonstrate the ability to maintain physical and emotional health and fitness, doing so in a survival situation is crucial; consequently it is strongly recommended that holistic assessment be conducted with other associated survival units.

Assessment under simulated survival conditions must include:

food restrictions (food should be restricted to half the recommended daily caloric intake)

the absence of normal living conditions and amenities such as showers, beds and bedding (warmth to be provided by fire), kitchens etc. with the attendant levels of personal discomfort and fatigue

a significant period of time - the recommendation is four days.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to suitable assessment area.

Guidance information for assessment

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

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.

Threats of disease, distraction and discomfort may be posed by

Insects

Mosquitos

Minimising threats of disease, distraction and discomfort may include

Keeping covered during high risk periods

Maintaining hygiene

Using improvised repellents such as burning:

citroenella, camphor and eucalypts

herbivore dung

pungent vegetation

Minimising threats posed by the sun may include

Avoiding unnecessary exposure

Keeping covered during peak periods

Equipment may include

Cooking utensils

Knives

Weapons

Injuries may include

Burns

Cuts

Treating injuries may include

Cleaning

Regularly checking for infection

Using available medical supplies effectively

Using natural remedies provided by plant material where necessary

Opportunities to improve personal hygiene include

Cleaning teeth

Grooming

Washing skin and clothes

Potential animal dangers may include

Animal tracks

Proximity to estuaries

Available resources may include

Food

Medical supplies

Water

This unit contains employability skills.