Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency covers the process of rescuing and restraining animals and providing basic first aid.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Application of the unit 

The unit is applicable to animal keepers and carers where it may be necessary to identify where assistance is required in the rescue of animals and the management of animal stress and injuries.

In addition to legal and ethical responsibilities, all units of competency in the ACM10 Animal Care and Management Training Package have the requirement for animals to be handled gently and calmly. The individual is required to exhibit appropriate care for animals so that stress and discomfort is minimised.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Assess the situation and plan response

1.1. Risk posed to self , others and animals  is assessed.

1.2. Options for assisting animals  are evaluated and procedures selected with reference to workplace protocols and regulations.

1.3. Animals  are identified and appropriate equipment  is selected for the rescue.

1.4. Occupational health and safety  (OHS ) procedures  and personal protective equipment  are used at all times when handling animals.

2. Capture and protect animal

2.1. Basic animal care  is provided to minimise stress to animals.

2.2. Animal is caught and handled safely and humanely  to minimise pain and potential injuries.

2.3. Animal is reassured in a caring manner and made comfortable using available resources.

2.4. Physical condition and vital signs of the animal are assessed.

3. Provide first aid assistance

3.1. Basic first aid is provided in accordance with established animal first aid procedures .

3.2. Treatment is sought from others as appropriate and required.

3.3. Advice and assistance  are sought from supervisor or appropriate personnel in respect to future options for animal.

3.4. Information on animal  is collected and recorded in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• complete relevant work-related documentation and reports
• employ safe and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when handling animals
• evaluate behaviour, signs, symptoms and objective measures that may indicate animal health is at risk
• follow workplace procedures for hazard identification and risk control
• gather and provide information in response to workplace requirements
• maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection
• observe, document and report findings on animal health and behaviour using workplace protocols and procedures
• respond to emergencies in line with practised actions
• literacy skills to read and follow organisational policies and procedures, including OHS
• numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• oral communication skills/language to fulfill the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor
• interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities
• problem-solving skills to use available resources, prioritise rescue tasks and determine who to contact for assistance
• use personal protective clothing and equipment correctly
• use safe manual handling techniques and/or equipment.

Required knowledge 

• anatomical orientation terminology
• animal emergency network, including animal welfare bodies and support facilities
• animal first aid techniques
• animal temperaments and behaviours related to the associated hazards and risks to animals and staff during animal capture, restraint, inspection and treatment
• communication procedures and systems, and technology relevant to the organisation and the individual's work responsibilities
• examination techniques for health status
• first aid casualty management principles
• hazards associated with handling animals and control measures
• methods used to identify animals
• methods used to capture, restrain and examine animals including equipment
• natural animal behaviour relating to the characteristics of the species, age, health status and social needs
• organisation policies and procedures, including OHS and emergency procedures
• personal protective clothing and equipment and when and how it should be used
• physical conditions and vital signs of animals
• principles of animal welfare and ethics
• physiological features of animals
• relevant state or territory legislation and regulations relating to the practice of veterinary science, OHS, animal welfare and waste disposal
• safe animal handling techniques and procedures
• safe work practices
• workplace hygiene standards, disinfectants, cleaning agents, cleaning techniques and cleaning equipment and materials
• zoonotic diseases.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

• plan rescue response through situation assessment
• communicate effectively with others and follow instructions
• carry out rescue procedures and protect animal in accordance with OHS requirements
• apply basic animal care and first aid
• seek advice and assistance regarding animal care and future options
• gather information on animal and maintain records.

The skills and knowledge required to rescue animals and apply basic first aid must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment of this unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in an animal care workplace or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.

There must be access to a range of animals as well as relevant information, equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence.Assessment must be relevant to the industry sector in which candidates are working andmust cover a minimum of one species from at least two of the six major animal groups OR at least three breeds from within one of the six major animal groups (mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates.

Method of assessment 

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry defined standards, on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this unit are:

• written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
• observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
• simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions
• third-party evidence
• workplace documentation
• portfolio.

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Risk posed to self , others and animals  may include:

• to self and others from animals:

• attack by other animals
• bites, kicks and scratches
• envenomation
• crush injuries
• zoonoses and infective agent release

• to self and others from humans:

• injury caused by inexperienced handling capture techniques or by not following protocols
• unsuccessful rescue due to:

• inexperienced assistants using poor techniques
• using inadequate or unsuitable equipment
• not following agreed protocols
• poor communication of procedures to be followed

• environmental hazards to self, others and animals:

• contaminated sites
• chemical a spillage
• electrocution
• fire and smoke
• flood
• potential cave-ins
• rocky or unstable terrain
• traffic
• weather and climatic conditions

• to animals:

• inability to assess extent of injury and needs due to inaccessible or remote location
• inability to rescue due to lack of suitable equipment or poor site access
• injury as a result of capture methods used
• injury as a result of inexperienced handlers or volunteers
• injury or death due to the trauma of rescue or capture.

Options for assisting animals  may include:

• animal needs:

• food, water and shelter
• reassurance
• restraint to prevent further trauma or injury

• assistance required from others:

• emergency services agencies
• machinery operator
• rescuers with specific animal handling skills
• utilities operators to control power, gas, water and other services
• volunteers with little or no experience to assist
• veterinarian or other animal specialist authorised to act in emergencies

• methods and equipment needed to:

• assess animal condition and possible injuries
• catch animal
• rescue animal.

Animals  may include:

• animals commonly encountered within the industry workplace and may cover both native and introduced species
• animals from the six major animal groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates).

Equipment  may include:

• catching equipment relevant to species to be rescued:

• barriers, screens and yards
• catch poles and nets
• food and enticement toys
• halters and collars
• nets, bags and hoods
• slings and cradles
• transport equipment

• rescue equipment:

• concrete and masonry cutting equipment
• cranes and winches
• digging equipment and machinery

• animal needs:

• food, water and shelter
• reassurance

• first aid equipment:

• shock treatment
• temperature regulation items (e.g. blankets and water)
• wound and injury care items.

OHS procedures  and personal protective equipment  may include:

• OHS procedures:

• establishing a clear chain of command
• ensuring site safety for personnel and animals is assessed and appropriate precautions are taken prior to commencing rescue
• ensuring equipment is in working order and safe to use in particular circumstances
• identifying possible escape routes of animals and minimising opportunities of escape during rescue
• ensuring first aid equipment for personnel and animals is available
• following workplace protocols for advising of planned routes or locations if working away from regular worksite
• ensuring staff with experience using rescue equipment are utilised if available
• taking adequate fluids and w

• personal protective equipment:

• communication equipment
• infection control equipment
• protective clothing:

• boots, gloves, goggles and helmet
• sun and wet weather protection from head and cold
• protection from animal scratches and bites
• protection from terrain, chemical spills or other hazards

• safety lines and harness.

Basic animal care  may include:

• suitable containment and transport
• provision of warmth
• not feeding if advised
• providing a quiet environment or darkness when appropriate.

Safely and humanely  handling animals may include:

• appropriate use of restraints
• correct use of personal protective equipment and rescue equipment
• observing stress to the animal
• allocating sufficient time to the process
• considering animals' welfare at all times

Established animal first aid procedures  may include:

• stop bleeding
• minimise impact of shock by keeping animal quiet, warm and away from activity or noise
• immobilise limb injuries if soft tissue damage or fractures are suspected if possible
• hose or apply water if available in cases of burns or heat exhaustion
• administration of emetics or antidotes under instruction if appropriate
• feeding or watering as advised
• transporting animal to veterinary assistance as soon as possible.

Advice and assistance  may include:

• veterinary consultation:

• immediate fist aid care and treatment
• surgical or medication needs
• potential of animal to recover from emergency situation
• animal quality of life evaluation post-emergency recovery
• diet options

• rehabilitation and therapy options:

• carers or volunteers looking after animals
• devising structured rehabilitation and release programs for wildlife
• returning domestic pets to owners
• giving animals to a captive animal facility

• insurance considerations:

• if animal was insured what are instructions from underwriter regarding care, treatment option and future use
• if animal rescue has impact on business insurance what are instructions from underwriter.

Information on animal  may include:

• identification of animal
• extent of injuries
• treatment provided
• equipment used
• witness details and version of events
• owner contact details if owner identified
• reasons for animal emergency in the first place
• procedure followed during rescue
• issues arising from rescue that could lead to improved success in future operations.

Unit sector 

Animal studies

Competency field 

Co-requisite units