This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to perform land based swiftwater and floodwater rescues and recoveries as a member of a specialist team.

Swiftwater and floodwater recovery involves the rescue of persons from fast moving water in areas such as stormwater drains, canals, rivers and/or creeks. It involves the use of a variety of rescue techniques with suitably equipped responders entering the water.

The unit is applicable to personnel who may perform a narrow range of land based rescues from a swiftwater and/or floodwater environment while working under direct supervision.

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

Prepare and respond to the rescue

1.1

Operation and task information is obtained from communication centre or supervisor

1.2

Rescue equipment and/or resources are identified and selected based on incident information, as directed by supervisor

1.3

Personal protective clothing and equipment is selected based on nature of the rescue operation

1.4

Any further details on the nature of the rescue received en route is assessed with rescue team members

1.5

Anticipated situational and environmental hazards are discussed with rescue team members whilst on approach

2

Participate in assessing the rescue scene

2.1

Information is collected from relevant persons at the scene and observations are made to determine the location, number and condition of trapped casualties

2.2

Situational and environmental hazards are identified and reported to supervisor

2.3

Risk control procedures are implemented, as directed by supervisor

2.4

Based on assessment of rescue scene personal capabilities and limitations are recognised and referred to supervisor

2.5

Defensive and aggressive swimming techniques are used for self-rescue in event of accidental entry into swiftwater or floodwater

2.6

Need for additional personnel and/or specialist equipment is reported through the chain of command

2.7

Communication with other team members is maintained using appropriate techniques and terminology

3

Participate in developing primary and secondary rescue plans

3.1

Rescue and recovery techniques suitable for casualties and vehicles in swiftwater and floodwater conditions are identified

3.2

Primary and secondary rescue plans are formulated, in consultation with other team members and other organisations/agencies on site and is communicated to relevant personnel

3.3

Equipment and resources required to perform land based rescues and recoveries in swiftwater and floodwater are identified and selected, in accordance with the rescue plan

3.4

Deployment of the secondary rescue plan downstream is implemented

4

Gain access and perform rescue on casualty

4.1

Isolation techniques are used to stabilise positioning of casualty to assist in extrication

4.2

Land based rescue techniques and equipment are deployed, as identified in the rescue plan, to gain access to the casualty

4.3

Casualty is extricated and or secured using appropriate rescue techniques and equipment

5

Remove casualty from swiftwater and floodwater

5.1

Casualties are retrieved from swiftwater and floodwater using recognised techniques for removal, in accordance with organisational procedures

5.2

Casualties are packaged and handled, in accordance with organisational emergency care procedures, or as directed by first aid or medical personnel

6

Conclude swiftwater and floodwater rescue

6.1

Prior to leaving scene equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained, in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturers' guidelines

6.2

During cleaning of rescue equipment and personal protective equipment hygiene precautions are followed, in accordance with organisational procedures

6.3

Signs and symptoms of operational stress in self and others are recognised and reported to appropriate personnel

6.4

Operational debriefing is participated in and documentation is completed, in accordance with organisational procedures and standards

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.

recognised techniques for removal must include

manual carry

spine board

stretcher

Not applicable

Search and Rescue