This unit of competency involved the skills and knowledge required to gain access to and extricate casualties from complex transport, such as trains, trams, light aircraft, and self-propelled heavy plant, whilst minimising the potential for further injury and preserving the integrity of evidence.

The unit requires the responder to access casualties using a range of techniques and to operate specialist equipment. It is applicable to personnel working in a rescue 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

Prepare for complex transport rescue

1.1

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

1.2

Appropriate rescue equipment is identified and selected based on incident information received and is checked to ensure that it is ready for use

1.3

Personal protective clothing and equipment is selected based on type of transport and nature of collision

1.4

Systematic approach to identifying potential hazards and associated risks is undertaken en route and on approach to rescue incident

2

Establish and maintain rescue scene safety

2.1

Rescue scene assessment is conducted, as required

2.2

Communication and ongoing liaison with rescue team members is established and maintained throughout the rescue

2.3

Liaison with other relevant personnel is established and maintained, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.4

Hazards are identified, analysed, evaluated, treated marked and monitored, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.5

Rescue team is positioned taking into account potential dangers, requirements for personnel and vehicles to access incident scene and limitations of operating equipment

2.6

Safe work area is established to protect casualties, emergency services personnel and members of the public

2.7

Impact effects on transport and potential effects on casualties are assessed

2.8

Techniques and equipment are employed to stabilise transport and to make incident scene safe

2.9

Rescue resources and equipment are accessed based on assessment of the incident, in accordance with organisational procedures

3

Manage casualties

3.1

Hygiene precautions are implemented, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.2

Techniques and equipment are used to gain access to casualties

3.3

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

3.4

Injuries that may complicate removal of casualties from the area are confirmed and appropriate action is taken

3.5

In the event of multiple casualties, a triage assessment is undertaken to determine priorities for medical treatment and extrication

3.6

Need for additional personnel and/or specialist equipment is requested, as required

3.7

Treatment of located casualties is undertaken, in accordance with organisational procedures and in consultation with medical personnel

3.8

Support is provided to medical personnel assisting with the treatment of the casualties, as required

4

Extricate casualties

4.1

Transport design, materials and safety features that may impact on casualty extrication is considered when using rescue techniques and equipment

4.2

Access and extrication plans are determined in consultation with team leader, medical staff and other technical specialists

4.3

Casualties are extricated using recognised rescue techniques and equipment

5

Conclude rescue operations

5.1

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

5.2

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

5.3

Hygiene precautions are implemented, in accordance with organisational procedures

5.4

Decontamination procedures are followed, in accordance with organisational procedures

5.5

Operational debriefing is participated in, in accordance organisational procedures

5.6

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.

Not applicable

Search and Rescue