This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to acclimatise canines to work within an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) environment, develop a canine's ability to detect live human scent and to indicate live human scent with alert behaviours. It also includes managing training assistants in a simulated USAR environment for the purposes of training canines.

The unit is applicable to canine search specialists responsible for developing a search canine to be part of a USAR canine search team.

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

Work in a USAR environment

1.1

Risk assessment of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) environment is undertaken, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.2

Personal protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the USAR environment is selected and worn

1.3

Principles and organisational procedures for working safely in a USAR environment are implemented

2

Introduce canines to a USAR environment

2.1

An incremental approach is followed to introduce canines to a USAR environment

2.2

Problems that may develop with canines being introduced to a USAR environment are identified and solved within area of responsibility

2.3

Problems outside area of responsibility are referred to appropriate personnel for action and recommendations are made, as required

3

Prepare canines for detection of live human scent

3.1

Scent factors that limit the capability of canines to function efficiently are identified

3.2

Canine behaviour and responses are interpreted, and appropriate action is taken, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.3

Regular interaction with canine is undertaken to maintain an enthusiastic, effective and appropriate level of work and behaviour at search locations

3.4

Canine is deployed to detect live human scent in a range of areas and situations

4

Develop alert behaviour in canines

4.1

Training tools and techniques are used to shape the desired bark alert behaviour in canine

4.2

Problems encountered in bark alert training are diagnosed and solved, in accordance with organisational procedures

5

Train canine using appropriate methods

5.1

Humane ways of training are used that reflect positive reinforcement techniques

5.2

Canine psychology and drives are recognised and applied when training canine

5.3

Appropriate degree of correction is used to discourage unwanted canine behaviour

5.4

Canine involved in training is handled and controlled in a way that maintains performance and safety

6

Manage training assistants

6.1

Training assistant is selected for the training exercise to be performed in a simulated USAR environment

6.2

Training assistant is briefed on the expected outcomes of the exercise

6.3

Job safety analysis is provided to training assistant prior to commencement of training exercise

6.4

Safety and welfare of training assistant is maintained throughout the training exercise

6.5

Problems encountered with the training assistant are diagnosed and resolved, or referred to relevant personnel, 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