This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to provide a safe response to an incident involving compromised structural stability partial collapse, and to gaining access to and extricating casualties.

It requires the responder to stabilise the structure and where casualties are present the responder is required to remove the casualties using a range of techniques relevant to the type of structure, type of collapse and nature of entrapment.

The unit is applicable to members of rescue teams particularly, responders working within the capability of a local response team. It cannot be used to certify competency for an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team member.

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 for structural collapse operation

1.1

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

1.2

Rescue resources are identified and selected based on incident information received and are checked to ensure they are ready for use

1.3

Personal protective clothing and equipment is selected based on the nature of the incident and rescue resources to be used

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

Establish and maintain rescue scene safety

2.1

Rescue scene assessment is conducted, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.2

Hazards and environmental conditions are identified, monitored and controlled using risk mitigation processes

2.3

Scene is managed to control access and maintain a safe and effective operational environment

2.4

Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained, in accordance with organisational procedures

3

Determine location and condition of casualties

3.1

Evidence of the location of casualties within the collapsed structure is identified, analysed and reported, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.2

Appropriate resources are used to extricate surface or lightly trapped casualties

3.3

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

3.4

Specialist resources are requested to assist with extricating casualties where entrapment exceeds that of surface or lightly trapped

3.5

Search marking systems are utilised, as required

4

Stabilise and make safe incident scene

4.1

Exclusion zone is established to provide a safe working environment

4.2

Stabilisation techniques are utilised to make the collapsed site safe

4.3

Incident scene is constantly monitored for situational and environmental hazards and structural stability to prevent injury to self or others

4.4

Stabilisation that requires the use of specialist resources is requested, as required

5

Gain access to casualties

5.1

Techniques appropriate to the nature of the entrapment are utilised to access casualties

5.2

Located casualties are treated in consultation with medical personnel, in accordance with organisational procedures

5.3

Hygiene precautions are implemented, in accordance with organisational procedures

6

Remove casualties

6.1

Techniques and equipment are used to remove the casualty from within the structure

6.2

Casualties are released, treated and stabilised, in accordance with organisational procedures

6.3

Casualties are removed from scene, in accordance with organisational procedures

6.4

Evidence of casualty's identity is collected and processed, in accordance with organisational procedures

6.5

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

7

Conclude rescue operations

7.1

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

7.2

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

7.3

Hygiene precautions are implemented, in accordance with organisational procedures

7.4

Decontamination procedures are followed, in accordance with organisational procedures

7.5

Operational debriefing is participated in, in accordance organisational procedures

7.6

Operational documentation including post incident report 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.

personal protective clothing and equipment must include

boots

ear protection (plugs and muffs)

eye protection (goggles and glasses)

gloves

hand held lighting

helmet and light

knee and elbow protection

masks and respirators

protective clothing

safety harnesses

surgical gloves

wet weather gear

whistle

Not applicable

Search and Rescue