This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to establish and manage operational priorities for a deployed Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team. USAR team leaders implement and monitor operational plans developed for the USAR team.

The unit is applicable to personnel performing roles within USAR management teams who are responsible for implementing and monitoring USAR operations plans. Compliance with legislative or regulatory requirements of Australian jurisdictions or the host country may be required. Authorisation to perform this role is subject to organisational policies and procedures.

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

Interpret results of structural triage from area of operations

1.1

USAR team is briefed on operations portion of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) using Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration/logistics, Command/control and Safety (SMEACS) format

1.2

Results of structural triage are analysed and resources are assigned to the area of operations

2

Establish and manage base of operations

2.1

Location for base of operations is confirmed, in accordance with Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team requirements

2.2

Base of operations is established; base camp manager is appointed and arrangements are communicated to appropriate personnel

2.3

Resources for base of operations are acquired and allocated, as required, and tasks are delegated to appropriate personnel

2.4

Base of operations and resources are managed, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.5

Security arrangements, fire protection and evacuation arrangements are identified and communicated to USAR team

2.6

Personnel working within base of operations are briefed on key responsibilities and operational priorities, including accountabilities

3

Manage deployed USAR team

3.1

USAR team communication and welfare plans are disseminated to relevant personnel and are implemented and monitored

3.2

USAR team personnel are tasked with collecting and recording of operational information

3.3

Internal and external reporting arrangements for the USAR team are established and information flow is monitored to ensure it is accurate, timely and relevant

3.4

Information management systems are utilised to maintain operational data and records

3.5

Media requests are managed, in accordance with the media plan and, where required, a media liaison officer is appointed

3.6

USAR team logistics is managed through the appointment of a logistics officer with delegated financial responsibilities

3.7

Financial expenditure for the deployed team is managed and appropriate financial control measures are implemented

3.8

Liaison arrangements are managed, through the appointment of a liaison officer, as required

4

Manage implementation of and monitor USAR operations portion of IAP

4.1

Preparation of the USAR operations portion of the IAP is managed, in accordance with organisational requirements

4.2

Implementation of the USAR operations portion of the IAP is managed, in accordance with organisational requirements and for consistency with the approved IAP

4.3

Plan and actions to ensure the safety, health and welfare of USAR team members at an incident are communicated to relevant personnel and are implemented and monitored

4.4

Identified risks are mitigated within the scope of USAR operations and safe work practices are monitored and adhered to

4.5

Ongoing liaison is maintained with supervisor about incident situation, process towards achievement of allocated tasks, IAP modifications, additional resources requirements and significant events occurring

4.6

Ongoing liaison is maintained with USAR team regarding work progress, resource status, needs, location and any significant changes or emerging risks

4.7

Regular and timely reports are prepared and distributed to relevant personnel

4.8

Activities with adjacent areas of operation are coordinated, in accordance with organisational procedures

4.9

Log of activities and decisions is kept and maintained throughout deployment

5

Reassign USAR rescuers

5.1

Resources are reassigned to different worksites or teams, in accordance with emergency management arrangements

5.2

Reconnaissance deployment briefing is conducted for reassigned rescue personnel

5.3

Reassigned rescue personnel are deployed and reconnaissance operations are supervised and managed

6

Demobilise or evacuate USAR team

6.1

USAR team demobilisation plan is communicated to relevant personnel, implemented and monitored

6.2

Disposal, donation and decontamination of equipment and resources is implemented, in accordance with the approved plan

6.3

USAR team evacuation plan is implemented, as required, in conjunction with mobilisation preplanning processes

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.

Not applicable

Search and Rescue