This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to operate safely, perform search operations and apply survival techniques for self and others in an alpine environment. It is applicable to personnel who will be performing operational search activities and/or tasks in an alpine environment and in all weather conditions.

Roles to which this unit may apply include emergency services personnel and other agencies and/or organisations involved in searches operations.

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 operation in alpine environments

1.1

Operational and task information is obtained from search coordinator or delegated personnel

1.2

Specific hazards and equipment requirements for environmental and operational requirements are identified

1.3

Personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and used

1.4

Food and water requirements for the operation, environment and physical activity are identified and selected, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.5

Environment and/or weather conditions for anticipated period of operational response are determined

1.6

Own ability to meet anticipated physical and psychological requirements of operation is evaluated and any issues anticipated are reported to the team leader

2

Undertake operations in an alpine environment

2.1

Deployment to operational response area using transportation is undertaken in a safe and timely manner

2.2

Specified team roles and functions are carried out safely, as directed by the team leader

2.3

Search safety is maintained, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.4

Search formation and spacing are undertaken and maintained as outlined by the team leader, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.5

Search boundaries are marked, in accordance with task requirements, under the direction of the team leader

2.6

Observation skills are applied, and any clues or objects located are immediately reported, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.7

Communication within the team is maintained

2.8

Safety and wellbeing of self and others is monitored, and any concerns are reported to the team leader

2.9

Hazards are continually monitored, risks assessed, and any concerns identified are reported, in accordance with organisational procedures

3

Perform survival techniques

3.1

Emergency shelter is constructed appropriately for current and anticipated conditions

3.2

Weather conditions and other information is interpreted, and actions are taken to minimise effects of weather on self and others

3.3

First aid is applied to self and others, as required

3.4

Lost searcher drills are conducted, as required, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.5

Welfare of self and others is sustained

3.6

Situational awareness is maintained and changing environment and weather conditions are responded to in a timely manner

4

Complete recall and stand down procedures

4.1

Search equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained, in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturers' guidelines

4.2

Operational debriefing is participated in and documentation is completed, in accordance with organisational procedures and standards

4.3

Symptoms of operational stress in self and others is recognised and reported to relevant personnel

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.

State/Territory Emergency Services

SES Sector