This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to establish and take control of a multi-agency response to an emergency situation. Control refers to the overall direction of emergency management activities in the emergency.

Authority for control is established in legislation or in an emergency plan and carries with it the responsibility for tasking other organisations, in accordance with the needs of the situation. Control relates to situations and operates horizontally across organisations.

The unit is applicable to public safety personnel who have a command role within their own organisation and are required to manage and control staff from all agencies in a multi-agency response environment.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Take control

1.1

Control of multi-agency response to an emergency is established, in accordance with designated responsibility or authority as specified in an emergency plan and/or relevant legislation

1.2

Identity of the controller is communicated to authorities and organisations participating in the emergency incident

1.3

Nature and complexity of the emergency incident is identified through liaison with participating personnel and authorities

2

Establish a control facility

2.1

An appropriate control facility is established, in accordance with approved operating procedures

2.2

Establishment of a facility is communicated to participating personnel and authorities

2.3

Communication systems and procedures are established to facilitate the function of control

3

Establish and maintain a control structure

3.1

Control structure is established appropriate to the nature and complexity of the emergency, encompassing specific roles and responsibilities of each participating organisation

3.2

Control structure is expanded or contracted in response to changes within the emergency environment

3.3

Control systems are managed ensuring flow of information is clear, accurate, timely and follows agreed reporting mechanisms

3.4

Control systems are managed ensuring human, physical, fiscal and communication systems are identified, allocated and deployed, in accordance with the control structure

3.5

Control systems are managed ensuring accurate recording and reporting systems are established and maintained

4

Establish procedures to permit control to be exercised

4.1

Control structure is communicated to participating organisations, authorities and individuals who may have a regulatory or economic interest applicable to the emergency incident

4.2

Communication is implemented between the controller and all agencies and organisations engaged in the emergency incident including supporting organisations, coordinators, higher authorities and the media

4.3

Liaison is initiated and maintained with those organisations that may provide information or resources applicable to the emergency and/or incident

5

Assess situation and determine priorities

5.1

Information is continuously sought about the emergency incident from participating organisations and/or relevant sources

5.2

Nature, extent and potential of the emergency incident is continually assessed

5.3

Information is analysed and processed to establish priorities for dealing with the emergency incident

5.4

Objectives are determined to manage the emergency incident

5.5

Objectives and priorities are continually reviewed from information updates, reports and feedback

6

Develop control plan

6.1

Appropriate strategies are determined to achieve objectives

6.2

Components of the strategies are determined, in consultation with participating organisations

6.3

Control plan is documented

6.4

Control plan is communicated to participating organisations, personnel and authorities, in accordance with organisational procedures

7

Implement control plan

7.1

Components of the strategies are allocated to operational and support organisations

7.2

Performance is monitored and reports and/or feedback is communicated through approved communication channels

7.3

Control plan is monitored to meet changes in conditions and modifications are made, as required

8

Conclude emergency activities

8.1

Recovery management is initiated, in accordance with organisational procedures

8.2

Physical, human and fiscal resources are accounted for

8.3

Debriefing requirements are met and operational control documentation is completed

8.4

Reports are produced, as required

9

Review emergency activities

9.1

Plans and procedures are evaluated and reviewed

9.2

Effectiveness of control function and its interaction with command organisations is evaluated and documented

9.3

Reports are produced and communicated, in accordance with organisational procedures and established protocols

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Public safety

Operations