This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to undertake trench rescues as member of a single organisation or multi-disciplinary team. It includes a range of trench rescue situations.

The unit is applicable to personnel from the emergency services, volunteer organisations and/or organisations working in environments where the potential for trench collapse is prevalent.

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 trench rescue operation

1.1

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

1.2

Shoring, propping up and excavating equipment is identified and prepared for use, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.3

Personal protective clothing and equipment and trench rescue equipment is selected, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.4

Any further details on the nature of the rescue are received and analysed en route

1.5

Potential hazards and associated risks are discussed with rescue team members while on route

2

Assess and manage trench rescue scene

2.1

Physical features of the trench rescue are assessed before deploying rescue resources and team members

2.2

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

2.3

Trench rescue scene is managed to control access and to maintain a safe operational environment

2.4

Scene management procedures are followed, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.5

Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained throughout the rescue operation

3

Stabilise trench

3.1

Trench collapse pattern and signs of further collapse are identified

3.2

Action to minimise further trench collapse is undertaken, in accordance with organisational procedures

4

Locate and enter collapsed trench

4.1

Assessment of incident scene is undertaken to determine possible location of casualties

4.2

Appropriate resources are used to assist in location of casualties

4.3

Condition of casualties and nature of entrapment is ascertained, where possible, in accordance with organisational procedures

4.4

Appropriate excavation techniques are employed to gain access to casualties

4.5

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

4.6

Hygiene precautions are followed, in accordance with organisational procedures

5

Remove casualties

5.1

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

5.2

Released casualties are removed from scene using recognised techniques

5.3

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

6

Conclude rescue operations

6.1

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

6.2

Hygiene precautions are implemented, in accordance with organisational procedures

6.3

Decontamination procedures are followed, in accordance with organisational procedures

6.4

Operational debriefing is participated in, in accordance organisational procedures

6.5

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