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Evidence Guide: PUASAR034 - Undertake swiftwater and floodwater rescue and recovery

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

PUASAR034 - Undertake swiftwater and floodwater rescue and recovery

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Prepare and respond to the rescue

  1. Operation and task information is obtained from communication centre or supervisor.
  2. Rescue equipment/resources are identified and selected based on incident information received.
  3. Personal protective equipment is selected based on the nature of the rescue operation.
  4. Any further details of the nature of the rescue are received en route.
  5. Anticipated situational and environmental hazards are discussed with rescue team members while on approach and are used as the basis for the development of a rescue plan.
Operation and task information is obtained from communication centre or supervisor.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rescue equipment/resources are identified and selected based on incident information received.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personal protective equipment is selected based on the nature of the rescue operation.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any further details of the nature of the rescue are received en route.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anticipated situational and environmental hazards are discussed with rescue team members while on approach and are used as the basis for the development of a rescue plan.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assess the rescue scene

  1. Information is collected from relevant persons at scene and observations are made of the scene to determine location, number, entrapment and condition of casualties.
  2. Risk assessment on situational and environmental hazards is conducted and control measures to ensure safety to self, other team members and casualty are developed.
  3. Communication with other team members is maintained during assessment to gather further information from their observations.
  4. Request for additional personnel and/or specialist equipment based on risk assessment is reported to supervisor.
  5. Personal capabilities and limitations of self and other team members are recognised and referred to the supervisor, based on assessment of rescue scene.
Information is collected from relevant persons at scene and observations are made of the scene to determine location, number, entrapment and condition of casualties.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk assessment on situational and environmental hazards is conducted and control measures to ensure safety to self, other team members and casualty are developed.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communication with other team members is maintained during assessment to gather further information from their observations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Request for additional personnel and/or specialist equipment based on risk assessment is reported to supervisor.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personal capabilities and limitations of self and other team members are recognised and referred to the supervisor, based on assessment of rescue scene.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Develop primary and secondary rescue plans

  1. Rescue and recovery techniques suitable to the casualty condition, entrapment, location and swiftwater and floodwater conditions are identified.
  2. Primary and secondary rescue plans are developed based on risk assessment, identification of appropriate rescue and recovery techniques and consultation from team members and other agencies.
  3. Equipment and resources are selected to perform rescues and recoveries as identified by the rescue plan.
  4. Job roles and equipment are allocated to other team members.
  5. In conjunction with the primary plan, deployment of secondary rescue plan downstream is implemented and is acted upon.
Rescue and recovery techniques suitable to the casualty condition, entrapment, location and swiftwater and floodwater conditions are identified.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary and secondary rescue plans are developed based on risk assessment, identification of appropriate rescue and recovery techniques and consultation from team members and other agencies.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment and resources are selected to perform rescues and recoveries as identified by the rescue plan.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Job roles and equipment are allocated to other team members.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In conjunction with the primary plan, deployment of secondary rescue plan downstream is implemented and is acted upon.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use mechanical advantage systems

  1. Situations requiring the use of mechanical advantage systems are identified.
  2. Type of system required is determined in accordance with contextual issues, and organisational policies and procedures.
  3. Suitable rope and mechanical advantage systems are established to perform rescues and recoveries in a range of situations.
  4. System equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and organisational policies and procedures, to ensure that design limits are not exceeded.
  5. System is modified to increase efficiency, where necessary, and communication is maintained throughout.
Situations requiring the use of mechanical advantage systems are identified.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type of system required is determined in accordance with contextual issues, and organisational policies and procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suitable rope and mechanical advantage systems are established to perform rescues and recoveries in a range of situations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

System equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and organisational policies and procedures, to ensure that design limits are not exceeded.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

System is modified to increase efficiency, where necessary, and communication is maintained throughout.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain access and perform rescue on casualty

  1. Isolation techniques are used to stabilise positioning of casualty to assist in extrication and management of conscious casualty.
  2. Craft is tethered to perform a rescue or recovery, where required by the rescue plan.
  3. Rescue techniques and equipment are deployed to gain access to casualty as identified in the rescue plan.
  4. Rescue plan is implemented and casualty is extricated from entrapment or secured by using rescue techniques and equipment.
Isolation techniques are used to stabilise positioning of casualty to assist in extrication and management of conscious casualty.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Craft is tethered to perform a rescue or recovery, where required by the rescue plan.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rescue techniques and equipment are deployed to gain access to casualty as identified in the rescue plan.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rescue plan is implemented and casualty is extricated from entrapment or secured by using rescue techniques and equipment.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remove casualty from swiftwater and floodwater

  1. Casualties are retrieved from swiftwater and floodwater using techniques for removal in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
  2. Casualty is packaged and handled in accordance with organisational emergency care procedures, or as directed by first aid or medical personnel.
Casualties are retrieved from swiftwater and floodwater using techniques for removal in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casualty is packaged and handled in accordance with organisational emergency care procedures, or as directed by first aid or medical personnel.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclude swiftwater and floodwater rescue

  1. Prior to leaving the scene, equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and organisational procedures.
  2. During cleaning of rescue equipment and personal protective equipment, hygiene procedures are followed in accordance with organisational procedures.
  3. Where identified, signs and symptoms of operational stress in self and others are recognised and reported to appropriate personnel.
  4. Operational debrief is participated in or conducted, in accordance with role during rescue.
  5. Documentation is completed to organisational standards and job role.
Prior to leaving the scene, equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and organisational procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During cleaning of rescue equipment and personal protective equipment, hygiene procedures are followed in accordance with organisational procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where identified, signs and symptoms of operational stress in self and others are recognised and reported to appropriate personnel.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operational debrief is participated in or conducted, in accordance with role during rescue.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Documentation is completed to organisational standards and job role.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use rope and mechanical advantage systems

  1. Situations requiring the use of rope system and mechanical advantage systems are identified.
  2. Type of system required is based on the situation, and organisational policies and procedures.
  3. Suitable rope and mechanical advantage systems are established to perform rescues and recoveries in a range of situations.
  4. System equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and organisational policies and procedures, to ensure that design limits are not exceeded.
  5. System is modified to increase efficiency, where necessary, and communication is maintained throughout.
Situations requiring the use of rope system and mechanical advantage systems are identified.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type of system required is based on the situation, and organisational policies and procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suitable rope and mechanical advantage systems are established to perform rescues and recoveries in a range of situations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

System equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and organisational policies and procedures, to ensure that design limits are not exceeded.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

System is modified to increase efficiency, where necessary, and communication is maintained throughout.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

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:

undertake risk assessment to determine and implement control measures

develop and implement appropriate primary and secondary plans for rescue being undertaken

use mechanical advantage system to conduct rescue or recovery

apply organisational policies and procedures relating to swiftwater and floodwater rescue

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed conducting rescues and recoveries in swiftwater and floodwater relevant to the job role and of sufficient breadth to demonstrate competency.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

swiftwater and floodwater location

personnel for team based rescues

rescue, recovery, safety, first aid and activity-specific equipment and resources

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

Required Skills and Knowledge

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

Required Skills

anticipate, identify and mitigate hazards and risks

apply aggressive, manoeuvring and defensive swimming techniques to escape hazards

apply entrapment rescue techniques

apply first aid

apply search techniques and implement search management procedures

apply wading techniques

contact rescue

determine rescue and recovery methods to use according to the routine situation

handle and package patient

handle non-powered boat/craft safely

identify changes in casualty condition and position

identify changes in water flow, currents, eddies and other hydrological features

inform appropriate people of progress

interact with other members of the rescue team, casualty and others

manage spinal injuries in the context of swiftwater and floodwater incident

operate in a range of conditions and climates

select equipment and resources

swim aggressively and defensively

throw equipment to reach a swimmer in swiftwater and floodwater

use rope and mechanical advantage systems

use knots and anchors

work as part of a team and support others in the rescue operation

Required Knowledge

behaviour of vehicles trapped in swiftwater and floodwater

composition of team, and roles and responsibilities of team members

environmental considerations based on whether operating in an urban or rural context

first aid hazards and risks associated with rescues and recoveries for swiftwater and floodwater

helicopter operations

organisational communication techniques used during rescue operations

potential contaminants in water and their potential impact on the rescuer and casualty

principles of risk assessment including hierarchy of control and control methods

psychological considerations of swiftwater and floodwater rescue for the rescuer, casualty (normal survivor behaviour, panic, counter-panic casualty, instinctive drowning response), onlookers and the potential need for support resources

relevant legislation, and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all swiftwater and floodwater rescue and recovery activities

rescue and recovery equipment, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and its care and maintenance to enable appropriate selection and use

rescue rating system

signs and symptoms of operational stress

swiftwater and floodwater hydrology and basic meteorology and the impact this will have on water flow

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.

Rescue equipment/resources must include:

And may also include:

carabiners

descender

first aid equipment

float ropes

life rescue ropes

non powered water craft

paddles

portable radios

prussiks

pulleys

stretchers

tapes/webbing

throw bags

vehicle

ascdenders

cyalume sticks

flares

harnesses

helicopters

hose inflators and encaps

electrical detection devices

line throwing device

loud hailer

sledge hammer

steel pickets for anchoring

Personal protective clothing and equipment must include:

appropriate footwear including bootees

appropriate personal floatation devices

eye protection

gloves

wetsuit and/or dry suit

whistles

And may include

fins

headlamps

helmet appropriate for swiftwater and floodwater

hoods

knives

lycra suit

mask

torches

wet shirt

wet weather gear

Situational and environmental hazards may include:

adverse water conditions

availability of assistance

below surface debris hazards

biological contaminants

boat wraps

confluence

culverts

cushions and/or stacked water cushions

diseases and infections

downstream and upstream vs

eddies

entrapment hazards

haystacks and standing waves

holes, stoppers and keepers

inundation

lightning

low visibility

manholes

overhead hazards

rocks

snakes and other dangerous animals

strainers

surface debris hazards

undercuts

utilities – electrical

water borne hazards

water contaminants

water hydraulics

waterfalls

water depth

weirs

Relevant persons may include:

bystanders

other agencies

other casualties

Entrapment may include:

body

Person static on object (e.g. tree)

Person in/on vehicle in water

Person with limb pinned

recirculation

rope entanglements

Communication may include:

hand signals

radio

verbal

whistle signals

written documents

Rescue and recovery techniques must include:

And may also include:

contact rescue

defensive swimming position

entrapment rescue techniques

line crossing techniques

mechanical advantage system

offensive or aggressive swimming position

reach rescue techniques

throw bag rescue technique

inflatable fire hoses techniques

boat and rope rescue system

paddle boat handling

shallow water crossing technique

vehicle rescue techniques

Other agencies may include:

ambulance service

fire service

interagency departments

police

state emergency service

Mechanical advantagesystems may include:

4 to 1 mechanical advantage

vector pulls

Z rigs

Organisational policies and procedures must include:

communication protocols

emergency care

rescue rating framework

removal of casualties

use, maintenance and storage of equipment

access to workplace health and safety

And may also include

Isolation techniques may include:

access to medical personnel

code of ethics

manufacturer design specifications and recommendations for equipment use

hand signals

yelling

Conscious casualty is:

a casualty who is able to follow commands and assist in stabilising their position

Craft may include:

flood rescue boats

inflatable rescue boat

motorised inflatable work platforms

rafts

Tethering a craft may include:

high line with a craft on tether system

two and/or four point boat tether system

Extricating a casualty from entrapment may include:

alternate entries

controlled release

immediate release

Techniques for removal may include:

manual carry

stretcher

Packaging and handling a casualty may include:

extrication device

stiff neck collar

spinal board

First aid or medicalpersonnel may include:

doctors

first aider

nurses

paramedics

Operational debriefs may include:

areas where improvements can be made

organisational strengths that can be built on

validation of the participation of teams and individuals

Documentation may include:

accident/injury report

incident report forms

risk assessment forms

Organisational standards may include:

documentation to meet another agency’s operational requirements