ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for structural collapse rescue

1.1 Operation and task information is obtained and communicated to supervisor.

1.2 Based on incident information received, rescue resources are identified, selected and checked to ensure they are ready for use.

1.3 Personal protective clothing and equipment is selected based on the nature of the structural collapse operation.

1.4 Systematic approach to identifying potential hazards and associated risks is discussed with team members en route and on approach to the incident.

2. Participate in assessing structural collapse rescue

2.1 Rescue scene reconnaissance and size up is conducted and identified hazards and results are reported to supervisor.

2.2 Situational and environmental hazards are identified, analysed, evaluated and treated, marked and monitored.

2.3 Physical features of structural collapse are assessed before rescue operations are deployed by supervisor.

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

2.5 Liaison with primary response team and other relevant personnel is maintained.

2.6 Communication with other team members on site is established and maintained using appropriate techniques and terminology.

2.7 Structural collapse sectors and boundaries are confirmed with rescue team.

2.8 Structural collapse marking system is implemented.

2.9 Personal capabilities and limitations are recognised and referred to supervisor.

2.10 Incident scene is preserved for investigating officer/s.

3. Determine location and condition of surface casualties

3.1 Intelligence of location of surface casualties within a collapsed structure is collected, analysed and reported in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

3.2 Collapse areas are explored for surface casualties in accordance with safe work practices.

3.3 Resources are used for surface or lightly trapped casualties.

3.4 Condition of surface or lightly trapped casualties and nature of entrapment is ascertained where possible.

4. Gain access to surface casualties

4.1 Techniques and equipment are employed to stabilise and make safe incident site.

4.2 Techniques and equipment are employed to locate trapped casualties.

4.3 Primary survey of casualty is undertaken to determine injury type and severity.

4.4 Located casualties are treated prior to being moved in consultation with medical personnel in accordance with organisational policies.

5. Remove casualties

5.1 Located casualties are released, treated and stabilised.

5.2 Casualties are removed using recognised techniques and equipment.

5.3 Evidence of casualty identity is collected and processed in accordance with organisational procedures.

5.4 Actions are taken to preserve the incident scene where possible for evidentiary purposes.

6. Conclude structural collapse rescue operations

6.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and serviced according to manufacturers' guidelines and organisational standards.

6.2 Signs andsymptoms of operational stress in self and others are reported to relevant personnel.

6.3 Operational debrief is attended and documentation is completed to organisational standards.

6.4 Hygiene precautions are implemented in accordance with the organisational procedures.

6.5 Exposure records are completed.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

conduct a primary survey

handle casualties safely

handle stretchers safely

conduct a risk assessment

identify signs of structural collapse including those associated with secondary collapse

implement surface search procedures and surface clearance of casualties

operates equipment in accordance with organisational procedures

problem solving

use structural collapse rescue equipment

wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with organisational requirements

work within the responsible agency's command and control structure

Required Knowledge

building and structure classifications

calling and listening procedures

capabilities and limitations of rescue equipment

collapse patterns ( curtain fall wall collapse, inward/outward collapse, lean over collapse, lean to floor collapse, angle wall collapse

command and control structure

dangers associated with a damaged structure

establishment of exclusion zones

hazard identification and dynamic risk assessment recording

hazardous materials procedures

hygiene precautions

marking systems such as structure assessment marking, victim location marking in accordance with INSARAG guidelines and methodology

organisational policies and procedures (such as relevant legislation; operational, corporate and strategic plans; operational performance standards; operational policies and procedures; organisational personnel and occupational health and safety practices and guidelines; organisational quality standards; organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability)

primary survey procedures

procedures for reporting injuries and accidents

relevant legislation

risks associated with confined spaces

role of structural collapse rescue

safe work practices

scene assessment procedures

search procedures

situational and environmental hazards

standard internationally accepted warning systems

standard operating procedures

structural collapse equipment typically used in the rescue of surface casualties

structure of the USAR taskforce and the roles of USAR personnel

symptoms of physical/emotional stress

team stretcher handling procedures

types of PPE and clothing

types of building structures

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

work effectively as part of a team

apply safe work practices when providing assistance to a USAR rescue team

conduct a dynamic risk assessment

conduct a primary survey of casualty

maintain situational awareness and be alert to environmental and situational hazards

implement basic search techniques using approved marking systems

operates equipment in accordance with organisational procedures

traverse unstable environments

safely and effectively gain access to surface casualties with no further injury to persons or damage to property

respond and react to instructions in a safe, correct and timely manner

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual and/or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an industry-approved simulated and/or workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

USAR incident or simulation of a USAR incident

equipment, personnel, facilities etc. appropriate to a USAR incident

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Task information may include:

cause of collapse

current situation

environmental and other hazards

incident location

other public safety organisations

type and magnitude of incident

type and number of casualties/vehicles

Rescue resources may include:

basic rescue equipment such as lighting, hydraulic tools, ropes and hand tools

canines

communications

heavy plant

logistics support services such as portable toilets, tents, food

medical equipment

more sophisticated rescue equipment such as search cameras, chainsaws, jack hammers and air monitors

Personal protective equipment and clothing must meet the desired Australian/New Zealand Standards and may include:

appropriate protective clothing

boots

dust mask

eye protection

gloves

hearing protection

helmets

knee/elbow protection

whistle

Systematic approach must include:

assessment i.e. call out and response, route, scene, liaison, casualties

positioning of vehicle i.e. dangers, access and casualties

procedures i.e. dangers, casualty protection, extrication, warning devices and lighting

Rescue scene reconnaissance and size up may include:

collecting relevant information about structural damage, e.g. casualties, victims, physical characteristics, hazards

isolating and eliminating utilities such as broken gas pipes, damaged electrical wiring, leaking water

relating knowledge of building and structure classifications to the incident scene

surveying the incident scene

Situational hazards may include:

adverse weather conditions

below debris hazards, including:

flooding

oxygen deficient atmosphere

toxic environment

flammable environment

different levels of elevation

biological hazards, including:

body fluids

decomposing bodies

untreated sewage

dangerous goods and hazardous substances

overhead hazards, including:

falling debris

loose or unstable sections of structure

power lines

structural instability due to:

events of nature such as earthquake, flood, landslide, wind

explosions

fire

inadequate construction

surface hazards, including:

climate

different types of surfaces

sharp and jagged objects

water pooling

dust and wind

noise and vibration

utilities

Environmental hazards may include:

dangerous goods and hazardous substances

utilities

weather

Treating hazards may include:

eliminating the hazard

isolating the area/source

stabilising overhead hazards

using atmospheric monitoring equipment

using PPE and clothing

Assessing physical features of structural collapse may include:

collapse patterns, including:

curtain fall wall collapse

lean over collapse

lean to floor collapse

pancake floor collapse

secondary collapse/other building

inverted 'V' or tent collapse

'V' collapse

cantilever collapse

methods of construction, including:

timber

light frame

besser block

reinforced masonry

concrete tilt-up

reinforced concrete and steel

Communication may include:

marking systems

posted signage

radio communications (radio, telephones and information technology)

whistle/horn warning signals

Structural collapse sectors and boundaries may include:

geographic area structure identification (sectorisation)

location identification within single structures

Structural collapse marking system includes:

INSARAG Guidelines and Marking System:

structural assessment marking

victim location marking

site sectorisation marking

Preserving the incident scene may include:

disturbing only to gain access or make scene safe

note taking and reporting to supervisor of observations made

preserving the integrity of evidence

Surface casualties may include:

casualties not trapped within the structure

casualties who would suffer most from injuries inflicted from debris

Safe work practices must include:

ability to traverse unstable surfaces in a safe manner

stretcher pass

three points of contact at all times

Techniques and equipment to stabilise and make safe site may include:

controlling entry and entry permits if appropriate

removing debris

Techniques and equipment to locate trapped casualties may include:

audible search method

rescue team - surface search procedures, line and hail

visual

Primary survey:

is a methodical process used to quickly identify immediate life threatening injuries and conditions that require intervention

should be completed promptly upon initial patient contact if no immediate life threatening injuries and conditions requiring intervention are found during the survey

should be completed as soon as possible if it is interrupted

should only be interrupted when:

life threatening condition is identified and immediate life saving interventions are initiated

scene conditions require that the patient be moved immediately due to danger to first emergency care responders or the patient

Treating casualties prior to being moved may include:

cervical collar

first aid

primary/secondary survey

respiratory protection, if required

Releasing located casualties may include:

use of stretcher packaging

surface extrication

Recognised techniques and equipment for removing casualties may include:

exit route for rescuers and packaged casualty

1:1/2:1 mechanical advantage hauling/lowering systems

rescue/spine boards

stretchers

team stretcher handling

Recovering, cleaning and servicing of equipment may include:

cleaning or disposing of contaminated clothing and equipment

inspecting equipment for damage and serviceability

checking inventories

Signs and symptoms of operational stress may include:

critical incident stress

dehydration

fatigue

hypothermia

Debriefings may include:

critical incident stress debriefing

operational analysis

post-incident analysis

performance evaluations

Documentation may include:

AIRS/coroner report

near miss injury register

notebooks completed

operational debrief

Hygiene precautions may include:

avoiding contact with body fluids

decontaminating equipment and personnel

washing hands

wearing appropriate protective clothing

Exposure records may include:

reporting form that documents any exposure that may result in a short- or long-term associated injury such as:

dangerous goods and hazardous substances, such as dust, vapours, fumes, radiation and chemical substances

heavy repetitive work over long periods of time

lifting heavy loads

noise

psycho-social hazards (e.g. critical incident stress)