Application
This unit applies to a person performing the role of a USAR task force leader. This role is responsible for the management of a USAR task force, specifically:
conduct of a structural triage at a USAR incident
implementation of operational priorities by the deployed USAR task force
establishment of a base of operations
operational briefs and debriefs throughout the incident
management of deployed USAR task force
implementation of the USAR component of the Incident Action Plan
implementation of the communication plan and information flow within the team and through the established chain of command
providing leadership to the task force Team and to individual members
an USAR task force operates within the command and control system established by the organisation with the legislative authority for the incident, but will operate in accordance with AIIMS or CIMS
Compliance with legislative or regulatory requirements of Australian jurisdictions or the host country may be required.
Prerequisites
PUASAR035 Develop plans for deployment of a USAR task force
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Perform structural triage at USAR site | 1.1 USAR task force is briefed on operations portion of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) using SMEACS-Q format. 1.2 Structural triage principles and processes are applied at the area of operations. |
2. Establish and manage base of operations | 2.1 Location for base of operations is confirmed in accordance with USAR task force requirements. 2.2 Base of operations is established, base camp manager is appointed and arrangements are communicated to appropriate personnel. 2.3 Resources for base of operations are acquired and allocated as necessary, and tasks are delegated to appropriate personnel. 2.4 Base of operations and resources are managed. 2.5 Security arrangements are identified and communicated to task force staff. 2.6 Fire protection and evacuation plan for base of operations is prepared and promulgated to appropriate personnel. 2.7 Personnel working within base of operations are briefed on key responsibilities and operational priorities. |
3. Manage deployed USAR task force | 3.1 Task force communications and welfare plans are implemented, monitored and communicated to all relevant personnel. 3.2 Task force members are tasked with the collection. collation and archiving of operational information. 3.3 Task force internal and external reporting arrangements are established and information flow is monitored to ensure it is accurate, timely and relevant. 3.4 Information management systems are implemented to maintain operational records. 3.5 Media requests are managed in accordance with the media plan and, where required, a media liaison officer is appointed. 3.6 USAR task forcelogistics is managed, and a logistics officer is appointed and delegated the appropriate financial delegation. 3.7 Financial expenditure for the deployed task force is managed and appropriate financial control measures are implemented. 3.8 Liaison function for the deployed task force is delegated and arrangements are managed. |
4. Manage implementation of and monitor the USAR operations portion of, the IAP | 4.1 Preparation of the USAR operations portion of the IAP is managed. 4.2 Implementation of the USAR operations portion of the IAP is managed in accordance with agreed procedures. 4.3 Actions to ensure the safety, health and welfare of task force members at the incident are authorised. 4.4 Identified risks are mitigated within the scope of USAR operations and safe work practices are monitored and adhered to. 4.5 Strategies implemented are consistent with the approved IAP. 4.6 Ongoing exchange is maintained with supervisor on incident situation, progress towards achievement of allocated tasks, when IAP is to be modified, when additional resources are needed and when significant events occur. 4.7 Ongoing exchange is maintained with USAR task force regarding work progress, resource status and location, and any significant changes or emerging risks. 4.8 Regular and timely reports are prepared and distributed. 4.9 Activities with adjacent areas of operations are coordinated. 4.10 Log of activities is maintained. |
5. Redeploy USAR task force | 5.1 USAR task force redeployment plan is implemented in accordance with emergency management arrangements. 5.2 Reconnaissance deployment briefing is conducted for USAR task force. 5.3 USAR task force is deployed and reconnaissance operations are supervised and managed. 5.4 Reception/departure centre is established and incoming emergency response teams are processed. |
6. Demobilise and evacuate USAR task force | 6.1 USAR task force demobilisation plan is implemented, stages of demobilisation are taken into consideration and preplanning of demobilisation is undertaken. 6.2 Approvals for disposal and decontamination are sought form relevant authorities. 6.3 USAR task force evacuation plan is prepared in conjunction with mobilisation pre-planning processes and is implemented. |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
analyse a range of structures and apply structural triage principles analyse risk assessment, reconnaissance and intelligence to determine operational priorities conduct briefings delegate effectively lead and manage personnel make decisions make presentations, specifically to the media manage own work load manage time effectively and deal with multiple issues prepare a range of plans to support USAR task force operations report on operational progress resolve conflict solve problems undertake negotiations |
Required Knowledge |
contents of all plans prepared to support and direct USAR task force format and content of briefing to be conducted purpose and content of Incident Action Plan risk management principles and processes structure triage principles and processes task force leader responsibilities during the response phase of an incident |
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: assess area of operations, manage application of structural triage processes and determine operational strategies and priorities in line with the IAP manage achievement of USAR task force operational priorities and effectively implement support plans manage demobilisation, redeployment and evacuation of USAR task force Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in an actual or industry-approved multi-agency simulated workplace environment. Specific resources for assessment Access is required to: emergency situations or simulation of emergency situations, in a multi-team response environment equipment, personnel, facilities etc. appropriate to the emergency situation and within the bounds of responsibility as designated within the requirements of control |
Method of assessment | Assessment should be conducted by direct observation in either the workplace (through recorded subject matter supervision and/or mentoring) or the training environment. 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. | |
Incident Action Plan (IAP) may include: | accommodation and welfare arrangements communications plan division or sector plans incident objectives information on alternative strategies information plan for dissemination of information to all stakeholders information regarding the necessary logistical arrangements management arrangements, including establishment of sectors and divisions management structure, if established maps or site plans of the incident medical plan and consideration of workplace health and safety issues resources to be allocated to each division and sector statement of current situation and predictions of the incident’s likely development (including key risk exposures) strategies to achieve defined incident objectives structural chart depicting the personnel in the incident management arrangements, including establishment of divisions and sectors timings of meetings and changeovers traffic management weather |
Structural triage principles may include: | composition of triage teams detailed triage assessment of allocated structures initial triage at incident site hazard identification priorities of a triage team |
Structural triage processes may include: | establishment of operational priorities preparation of triage documentation re-evaluation of structures as situation changes |
Location for base of operations may include: | establishment timelines location of local amenities proximity to other rescue teams requirements for an effective base of operations security considerations short- or long-term site of task force base camp transport corridors |
Resources for base of operations may include: | self-sustainability cache including task force documentation and equipment such as laptops and generators database back-up systems |
Fire protection and evacuation plan may include: | assembly area location of fire blankets location of fire extinguishers location of smoke alarms |
Communications plan may include: | confirming communications needs for the effective management of task force operations establishing communications networks both internally and externally promulgating the communications plan to task force and other personnel monitoring the performance of the communications systems and modifying if necessary establishing supervisory and communications arrangements with the task force |
Welfare plan may include: | peer support psychological, physical and religious needs |
Information management systems may include: | self-sustainability cache sufficient redundancy |
Media plan may include: | assessment of operational priorities and provision of information to the media control of access to scene, personnel and victims holding statements location for media briefing area |
Task force logistics may include: | chain of supply for consumables self-sustainability cache management transport |
Liaison may include: | local emergency management authority onsite operations coordination centre (OSOCC) other relevant authorities other respondent task force management teams reception/departure centre |
Task force redeployment plan may include: | deployment briefing mobilisation plan transport plan welfare plan |
Reception/departure centre may include: | central point for cross border processes liaison point for incoming USAR task forces logistical supply point for incoming task forces |
Task force demobilisation plan may include: | decontamination disposal rehabilitation of cache from base to home location logistics planning move from incident site to base of operations notification post operational analysis task force casualties type of demobilisation (part or full) welfare |
Task force evacuation plan may include: | equipment disposal key considerations if emergency evacuation is required local contacts medical evacuation of a task force team member modes of transport risk assessment role of task force leader security seeking pre-approval of evacuation plan |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.