This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to participate in rescue operations as a member of an aquatic rescue team. Rescue operations may occur at inland rivers, lakes, dams, surf zones and oceans.

Participation in a rescue operation may involve working with personnel who are trained appropriately to treat casualties including members of the public, first aid officers, lifesavers, lifeguards, ambulance crew, doctors, nurses and paramedics.

The unit underpins specialist rescue operations and includes rescue preparedness, response, direct participation and appropriate post rescue recovery and is applicable to lifesavers, lifeguards or other rescue personnel who are required to perform or participate in rescues (regularly or occasionally) in an aquatic 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

Prepare and respond to rescue

1.1

Operation and task information is obtained and discussed with team members

1.2

Appropriate rescue equipment is identified and selected based on task information, as directed by supervisor

1.3

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

1.4

Any further details of the nature of the rescue are received en route and acted on, in accordance with organisational procedures

2

Participate in assessing the rescue scene

2.1

Hazards are identified and associated risks are assessed on approach to rescue scene

2.2

Methods for minimising hazards are discussed and agreed to by team members

2.3

Hazards and environmental conditions are minimised or controlled using risk mitigation processes, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.4

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

2.5

Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and security procedures are followed, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.6

Personal capabilities and limitations are recognised and referred to supervisor, as required, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.7

Need for additional personnel and/or specialist equipment is reported to supervisor

2.8

Casualties at scene are identified, reported to supervisor and action is taken, as directed

3

Perform rescue

3.1

Access to incident and/or casualties is gained using techniques and equipment, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.2

Rescue procedures are conducted, in accordance with organisational procedures and supervisor's instructions

3.3

Casualties are prepared for removal and/or extricated safely, in accordance with organisational procedures and supervisor's instructions

3.4

Hygiene precautions are implemented, in accordance with organisational requirements

4

Conclude rescue operations

4.1

Equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained, in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturers' guidelines and is restored appropriately to maintain operational readiness

4.2

Signs and symptoms of operational stress in self and others is reported to relevant personnel

4.3

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

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