Unit of competency details

Release 

TP version 

Comments 

3

PUA12 V2.1

Editorial changes.

2

PUA12 V1

Layout adjusted.

1

PUA00 V8.1

First release in TGA.

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 Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare and respond to rescue 

1.1 Rescue operation  and task information is received.

1.2 Rescue equipment  is identified and selected based on incident information, as directed by supervisor.

1.3 Personal protective equipment  (PPE ) is selected based on the nature of the rescue operation.

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

1.5 Anticipated hazards  and associated risks are discussed with rescue team members while on approach.

2. Contribute to a risk assessment at the scene 

2.1 Rescue scene reconnaissance is conducted and hazards and risks identified at the scene are reported to supervisor.

2.2 Communication  with other team members is maintained using appropriate techniques  and terminology.

2.3 Hazards and environmental conditions  are minimised and/or controlled as directed.

2.4 Health, safety and security procedures are followed in accordance with organisational policy and relevant legislation.

2.5 Personal capabilities  and limitations are recognised and referred to supervisor.

2.6 Need for additional personnel and/or specialist equipment is reported to supervisor.

2.7 Casualties at scene are identified, reported to supervisor and action is taken as directed.

3. Perform rescue 

3.1 Access to incident and/or casualties is gained using techniques and equipment in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.2 Rescue procedures are conducted in accordance with supervisor's instructions and organisational procedures.

3.3 Casualties are prepared for removal and extricated safely using appropriate equipment rescue techniques and procedures, under the direction of appropriately trained personnel. 

3.4 Incident scene is constantly monitored for hazards to prevent injury to self and/or others and reports are provided to supervisor as required.

3.5 Hygiene precautions  are implemented in accordance with organisational requirements.

4. Conclude rescue operations 

4.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained to organisational standards and manufacturers' procedures, and is restowed to maintain operational readiness.

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

4.3 Operational debriefing is participated in and operational documentation  is completed to organisational standards.

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

Required Skills 

• identify and monitor hazards
• identify and use rescue equipment
• wear PPE in accordance with organisational requirements

Required Knowledge 

• capabilities and limitations of rescue equipment
• casualty handling techniques
• environmental hazards
• manual handling techniques
• organisational policies and procedures (such as relevant legislation; operational, corporate and strategic plans; operational performance standards; operational policies and procedures; organisational personnel and occupational health and safety practices and guidelines; organisational quality standards; organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability)
• personal hygiene
• procedures for reporting injuries and accidents
• relevant legislative and regulatory requirements
• ropes and knots
• safety precautions

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:

• apply safe work practices in rescue operations
• use equipment in accordance with organisational procedures
• respond and react to instructions in a safe, correct and timely manner

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual and/or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in an industry-approved simulated and/or workplace environment involving rescue scenarios.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• PPE in accordance with organisational requirements
• rescue equipment

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed with the following unit:

• PUATEA001B Work in a team

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

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

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 operation  may include:

• confined spaces rescue
• flood rescue
• industrial rescue
• road crash rescue
• search and rescue
• swift water rescue
• trench rescue
• vertical rescue

Rescue equipment  may include:

• fire extinguishers
• glass management kit
• hand tools
• ladders
• lighting equipment
• powered tools (battery, electric, fuel) such as:

• air bags
• chain saws
• cutting tools
• drills
• excavating tools
• hydraulic tools
• pneumatic equipment
• winches

• rescue vehicles
• ropes
• tarpaulins

Personal protective equipment  may include:

• appropriate protective clothing
• boots
• ear protection
• helmets
• infection protection
• insect repellent
• reflective vests
• respiratory protection
• safety glasses
• safety gloves
• sunscreen

Hazards  may include:

• adverse weather
• convergence
• dangerous goods and hazardous substances
• difficult terrain
• electricity
• gas
• heights
• insufficient light
• respiratory
• rubble and debris
• supplementary restraint systems
• traffic
• water
• wild farm or domestic animals

Communication techniques  may include:

• non-verbal
• signals/signs
• verbal
• written

Environmental conditions  may include:

• effects of weather:

• excess or lack of light
• extreme weather
• flood
• heat
• humidity
• mud slides

• limited access
• stability of rescue site

Personal capabilities  may include:

• fatigue, stress, phobias
• self assessed level of skill or competence

Appropriately trained personnel  may include:

• ambulance crew
• doctors
• first aiders
• nurses
• paramedics

Hygiene precautions  may include:

• as per operational procedures
• avoiding contact with body fluids
• washing hands
• wearing appropriate protective clothing

Operational documentation  may include:

• incident reports
• legislation
• notebooks, logbooks
• organisational policies and procedures