The application of this unit in the workplace covers a range of vertical rescue situations.

The unit is typically performed by personnel from emergency services and/or volunteer organisations.

Pre-requisite Unit/s

PUASAR022A Participate in a rescue operation

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare and respond to vertical rescue

1.1 Operation and task information is obtained from a variety of sources and analysed, and team roles are confirmed

1.2 Vertical rescue equipment is selected based on incident information and is checked to ensure it is ready for use

1.3 Personal protective equipment for vertical rescue is selected

2. Assess scene

2.1 Appropriate actions are taken to preserve incident scene

2.2 Scene reconnaissance is conducted and results are reported

2.3 Scene management procedures are followed in accordance with vertical rescue procedures and legal requirements

2.4 Physical and environmental features of scene are assessed before deploying rescue resources

2.5 Risk assessment is conducted and communicated as per organisational procedures

2.6 Access is controlled and a safe and effective operational environment is maintained

2.7 Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained including team and safety briefings relevant to task

2.8 Location and condition of casualty is determined

3. Establish vertical rescue system

3.1 Rescue system is constructed according to type of incident

3.2 Anchors are established and monitored

3.3 Equipment is prepared and techniques are used in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and organisational procedures

4. Perform vertical rescue

4.1 Hygiene precautions are maintained in accordance with organisational requirements

4.2 Access is gained to casualties or trapped persons using organisationally approved techniques and equipment

4.3 Casualties or trapped persons are secured and prepared for removal in consultation with medical personnel

4.4 Casualties are removed using vertical rescue techniques and equipment while preventing further injury

4.5 Scene is preserved for investigating officers

5. Terminate vertical rescue operations

5.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and serviced in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and organisational procedures

5.2 Where identified, signs and symptoms of operational stress are recognised and reported

5.3 Operational debrief is conducted and operationaldocumentation is completed to organisational standards

5.4 Decontamination procedures are followed in accordance with organisational procedures

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

Required Skills

check, service and maintain vertical rescue equipment

control infection

escort stretchers in raising and lowering operations

establish, maintain, monitor and use:

ascent and descent systems

safety systems

stretcher rigging

implement safe and effective scene management procedures

manage edge protection

treat and package casualties

undertake scene assessment and reporting

use personal protective and rescue equipment within its safe work limitations

wear appropriate personal protective and rescue equipment correctly

work in a team

Required Knowledge

breaking strains

casualty assessment and packaging

emergency management and interagency arrangements

equipment characteristics

operation of high lines (span line, Tyrolean etc.)

operational briefing and debriefing procedures

organisational procedures for cleaning and discarding equipment in terms of environmental management and sustainability

organisational procedures for operating vertical rescue equipment

personal hygiene protocols

principles of suspension trauma

reconnaissance techniques

relevant legislation

relevant occupational health and safety (OH&S) principles and practices

safe working loads of equipment

safety factors and safe working loads

signs and symptoms of operational stress

vertical rescue concepts and practices

voice, whistle and other communication systems

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

establish safe systems to gain access to and recover casualties

extricate casualty minimising further injury or discomfort while conducting rescue operation

apply safe work practices.

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 involving vertical rescues using a range of equipment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

an appropriate venue for vertical rescue activities

organisational vertical rescue equipment and personnel for team-based activities.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed with the following unit:

PUATEA002B Work autonomously.

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.

Operation and task information may include

Access and egress routes

Clearly defining team roles (team leader, safety officer, technicians)

Command, control and coordination arrangements

Location

Magnitude and type of incident

Number and type of casualties

Other organisations

Potential hazards

Weather conditions and forecasts

Sources may include

Pager

People on scene

Public

Other organisations

Vertical rescue equipment may include

Anchors

Ascending and descending devices

Binoculars

Edge management devices

Edge protection

Karabiners

Lighting and generator

Pulleys

Rescue rope to AS 4142.3-1993 Fibre ropes - Man-made fibre rope for static life rescue lines; AS 4143.6-1996 Methods of test for fibre ropes - Resistance to abrasion; AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices

Slings

Specialist communications equipment

Stretchers

Tapes

Scene management procedures may include

Establishing and monitoring safety zones

Establishing barriers and perimeter access controls

Liaising with the media

Managing bystanders and media

Preserving the crime scene

Preserving the incident scene must include

Disturbing only to gain access or make scene safe

Not disturbing fatality scenes until police investigation activities are completed

Preserving integrity of evidence

Physical and environmental features may include

Air quality

Anchor points

Cold rain

Clearances

Exhaust or steam outlets

Exposed or hazardous electrical conductors

Exposed unprotected edges

Fuels and chemicals

Greasy or oily surfaces

Ground stability

High winds

Hot and/or humid conditions

Hot surfaces

Irrespirable atmospheres

Loud noises

Low light environments

Moving machinery

Physical features such as slopes:

loose surfaces

sheer face

overhangs

Snow and ice

Swift water

Tides/waves/surf movements

Unstable structures

Operational environments may include

Man-made such as tower structures, mines and shafts

Natural such as trees, cliffs, caves

Systems may include

Edge management

Hauling

High line or Tyrolean

Lowering

Vertical rescue techniques will be determined by

Organisational policy and procedures

Type of vertical rescue system adopted

Operational documentation may include

Equipment running logs

Notes

Organisational procedures and related legal requirements

Sketches

Vehicle logs

This unit contains employability skills.