Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of aerial rescue where an injured or unconscious person is safely brought to the ground from a tree or aerial lift and defines the standard required to: carry out preparation for an aerial rescue; assess and respond to an aerial emergency situation; evaluate the need for additional or specialist assistance; carry out the required aerial rescue or response to an aerial emergency; use a dedicated rescue kit for an aerial rescue; implement the documented rescue plan and implement appropriate post incident responses.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to arborists preparing and planning for the coordination and execution of rescue operations and the implementation of safety and first aid requirements covering hazard identification, basic first aid and emergency procedures, tree climbing and aerial rescue techniques. Aerial rescue is likely to be undertaken in emergency situations with little or no supervision.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan for aerial rescue

1.1. Rescue equipment and first aid kit are checked to ensure they are complete and placed within easy access.

1.2. Suitable safety equipment, dedicated rescue kit and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are selected and checked.

1.3. Emergency communication system used to summon emergency services is checked according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise work procedures.

1.4. Documented rescue plan is confirmed and clarified with work team prior to work being undertaken.

2. Assess and respond to an aerial emergency situation

2.1. Casualty response is determined.

2.2. Emergency plan is activated and assistance requested from work team and/or public according to documented rescue plan.

2.3. Hazards associated with the rescue are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.

2.4. Appropriate access equipment to affect rescue is used according to rescue plan.

3. Assess nature of injury

3.1. Casualty and rescuer are safely secured according to enterprise standards.

3.2. Injuries are assessed to determine whether or not to move casualty based on standard first aid procedures and risk assessment.

3.3. Casualty with possible neck or spinal injuries is supported (but not moved) to await expert medical treatment.

3.4. First aid able to be performed above ground is applied, as required, in line with standard procedures.

3.5. Instructions to ground staff and climbers are communicated clearly and concisely.

4. Lower casualty to ground

4.1. Casualty is prepared for descent according to first aid and risk assessments.

4.2. Casualty is lowered safely to the ground with support of rescuer.

5. Complete rescue operations

5.1. First aid is applied on the ground according to need.

5.2. Emergency assistance is obtained as per rescue plan.

5.3. Records of aerial rescue are maintained in the appropriate format.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• coordinate work group, equipment and own activities to sequentially and effectively complete rescue operations safely
• apply rigging and rope handling techniques in aerial rescue operations
• apply tree climbing techniques necessary for aerial rescue operations
• administer first aid to injured climbers
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• senior First Aid Certificate or equivalent
• safety ropes and equipment
• dealing with electrical emergencies
• operational hazards of tree work
• relevant industry codes of practice
• principles of hazard and risk analysis
• statutory requirements relating to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) records (Incident Notification) required for rescue operations
• selected Australian Standards.

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 competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• carry out preparation for an aerial rescue
• assess and respond to an aerial emergency situation
• evaluate the need for additional or specialist assistance
• carry out the required aerial rescue or response to an aerial emergency
• use a dedicated rescue kit for an aerial rescue
• implement the documented rescue plan
• implement appropriate post incident responses.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Aerial rescue may include:

• rescue, safety and emergency communications
• equipment and standard operating procedures for dealing with hazards
• personal safety.

Unit sector 

Arboriculture

Co-requisite units 

Competency field