This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to participate in rescue operations as a member of a rescue team; it underpins specialist rescue operations. This includes a wide range of rescue and environmental situations which may incorporate industrial, rural, bush and extreme environmental conditions.

Typically, personnel performing these roles have completed induction or recruitment training and are commencing work as a member of an operational team. They will work under supervision in a team but may be responsible for completing singular tasks relating to a rescue.

It is applicable to personnel from the emergency services, volunteer organisations and/or associated industries.

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

Rescue operation and task information is received through a briefing, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.2

Rescue equipment is identified and selected based on incident information, as directed by the supervisor

1.3

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

1.4

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

1.5

Anticipated hazards and associated risks are discussed with rescue team members while on approach to rescue operation

2

Contribute to a risk assessment at the scene

2.1

Rescue scene assessment is conducted, and hazards and risks identified at the scene are reported to the supervisor

2.2

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

2.3

Hazards and environmental conditions are minimised and/or controlled using risk mitigation processes, as directed

2.4

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

2.5

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

2.6

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 extricated safely using appropriate equipment, rescue techniques and procedures, whilst under the direction of appropriately trained personnel

3.4

Incident scene is constantly monitored for hazards to prevent injury to self and/or others and reports are provided to the supervisor, as required

3.5

Hygiene precautions are implemented, in accordance with organisational requirements

4

Conclude rescue operations

4.1

Appropriate actions are taken to preserve the incident scene, in accordance with organisational procedures

4.2

Equipment is recovered, cleaned and serviced, in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturers' guidelines

4.3

Hygiene precautions are implemented, in accordance with organisational procedures

4.4

Decontamination procedures are followed, in accordance with organisational procedures

4.5

Operational debriefing is participated in, in accordance organisational procedures

4.6

Operational documentation including post incident reports 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.

rescue operation must include at least one or more of the following

confined spaces rescue

flood rescue

industrial rescue

road crash rescue

search and rescue

swift water rescue

trench rescue

vertical rescue

rescue equipment must include at least one or more of the following

fire extinguishers

glass management kit

hand tools

ladders

lighting equipment

powered tools (battery, electric and fuel) such as

air bags

chain saws

cutting tools

drills

excavating tools

hydraulic tools

pneumatic equipment

winches

rescue vehicles

ropes

stretchers

tarpaulins

Not applicable

Search and Rescue