Application
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. | |
Prerequisites
Pre-requisite Unit/s | PUASAR022A Participate in a rescue operation |
Elements and Performance Criteria
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 |
Required Skills
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 |
Evidence Required
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. |
Range Statement
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 |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Not applicable.