Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to undertake vertical rescue operations as a member of a rescue team.

Application of the Unit 

The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit /s 

PUASAR001B Participate in a rescue operation

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for and respond to vertical rescue 

1.1 Operation and task information  is obtained and analysed

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

1.3 Personal protective equipment for vertical rescue is selected

1.4 Scene reconnaissance is conducted and results are reported

1.5 Appropriate actions are taken to preserve incident scene

2. Assess scene 

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

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

2.3 Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained

2.4 Location and condition of casualty is determined

3. Establish vertical rescue system 

3.1 Rescue system is constructed according to the 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 Access is gained to casualties or trapped persons using organisationally approved techniques and equipment

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

4.3 Casualties are removed using vertical rescue techniques  and equipment whilst preventing further injury

5. Terminate vertical rescue operations 

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

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

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

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• check, service and maintain vertical rescue equipment
• disaster victim identification procedures
• escort stretchers in raising and lowering operations
• establish, maintain, monitor and use:
• abseil
• belay
• ascent
• descent and raising and lowering systems
• establish, monitor and maintain safe anchor systems
• infection control
• manage edge protection
• operate span line or Tyrolean
• safe and effective scene management procedures
• scene assessment and reporting
• treat and package casualties
• use personal protective and rescue equipment within its safe work limitations
• wearing appropriate personal protective and rescue equipment correctly
• work in a team
• working in a multi-service environment

Required Knowledge 

• braking strains
• casualty assessment and packaging
• emergency management and interagency arrangements
• equipment characteristics
• operational briefing and debriefing procedures
• organisation's procedures for operating vertical rescue equipment
• personal hygiene protocols
• reconnaissance techniques
• relevant legislation
• relevant OH&S principles and practices
• safety factors and safe working loads
• signs and symptoms of operational stress
• vertical rescue concepts and practices
• voice, whistle and other communication systems

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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

It is essential for this unit that competence is demonstrated in establishment of safe systems to gain access to and recover casualties; extrication of casualty minimising further injury or discomfort while conducting rescue operation; and application of safe work practices

Consistency in performance 

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Evidence to be collected in a range of simulated or actual vertical rescue environment

Specific resources for assessment 

Assessment of this competency requires access to an appropriate training/venue for vertical rescue activities; organisation's vertical rescue equipment and personnel for team-based activities

Guidance information for assessment 

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

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 

number and type of casualties

location

magnitude and type of incident

access and egress routes

weather conditions and forecasts

potential hazards

command, control and coordination arrangements

other organisations

Systems may include 

lowering

hauling

high line or Tyrolean

edge management

Vertical rescue equipment may include 

Rescue rope to AS41423

tapes

slings

pulleys

edge protection

karabiners

ascending and descending devices

anchors

stretchers

lighting and generator

specialist communications equipment

binoculars

edge management devices

Physical and environmental features may include 

ground stability

anchor points

clearances

tides/waves/surf movements

exposed or hazardous electrical conductors

moving machinery

greasy or oily surfaces

hot surfaces

unstable structures

exhaust or steam outlets

air quality

high winds

cold rain

swift water

loud noises

fuels and chemicals

irrespirable atmospheres

physical features such as slopes

• loose surfaces
• sheer face
• overhangs

Vertical rescue environments may include 

cliffs

towers

structures

trees

mines and caves and shafts

Vertical rescue techniques will be determined by 

the type of vertical rescue system adopted

organisation's policy and procedures

Scene management may include 

establishing barriers and perimeter access controls

management of bystanders and media

establishing and monitoring safety zones

media liaison

crime scene preservation

Operational documentation may include 

organisational procedures and related legal requirements

equipment running logs

vehicle logs

notes

sketches

Co-requisite Unit /s 

PUATEA002B Work autonomously