Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:16 PM AWST

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Undertake aerial rescue

Undertake aerial rescue

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB318
State Code
OBV69
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
15/02/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/11/2020
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
13/11/2020
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to perform an aerial rescue where an injured or trapped climber is safely brought to ground from the tree. It is likely to be undertaken in an emergency situation.The unit applies to individuals who work in arboriculture under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources and for solving problems.The arboriculture industry requires that tree rescue work is undertaken according to preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume).No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for aerial rescue
  • 1.1 Confirm emergency communication system is working
  • 1.2 Confirm emergency services contact numbers are documented
  • 1.3 Select, prepare and check first aid equipment and rescue kit
  • 1.4 Position rescue and first aid equipment for easy access
  • 1.5 Clarify own role in rescue situations
  • 1.6 Confirm first aid, rescue personnel and equipment with work team prior to undertaking rescue
  • 1.7 Select, check and use personal protective equipment
  • 1.8 Communicate with work team during operations using agreed communication method for the site and activity being undertaken
2. Assess and respond to an aerial emergency situation
  • 2.1 Follow emergency response protocol according to workplace and industry procedures
  • 2.2 Stop all work activity and ensure other workers are aware of the incident
  • 2.3 Attempt communication with casualty
  • 2.4 Activate emergency plan and request assistance from work team and public in accordance with rescue plan
  • 2.5 Obtain emergency assistance according to rescue plan
  • 2.6 Inspect site and tree for hazards associated with rescue, assess risks and implement controls
  • 2.7 Assess if rescue can be conducted safely within work team capability
  • 2.8 Seek assistance from emergency rescue services when safe rescue is not possible
3. Access tree to undertake rescue
  • 3.1 Select low-risk access methods to access tree and undertake rescue
  • 3.2 Maintain inspection of tree for above-ground hazards during ascent and throughout the rescue
  • 3.3 Maintain communication with casualty and ground crew
  • 3.4 Select and install suitable anchor points before reaching casualty
  • 3.5 Install redirects to ensure good rope angle when reaching casualty
4. Assess casualty condition and system integrity
  • 4.1 Ensure rescuer is secure before approaching casualty
  • 4.2 Assess the security of casualty attachment in tree and secure if deemed unstable
  • 4.3 Assess seriousness of condition of casualty according to first aid procedures and risk assessment
  • 4.4 Assess integrity of casualty climbing system to determine its suitability for lowering the casualty
  • 4.5 Administer first aid above ground according to first aid procedures and risk assessment
  • 4.6 Apply first aid protocols for casualties with possible neck or spinal injuries and await expert medical attention
  • 4.7 Maintain communications with ground crew
5. Lower casualty to ground
  • 5.1 Inform casualty of lowering procedure
  • 5.2 Prepare casualty for descent in accordance with first aid, rescue plan and risk assessments
  • 5.3 Select and implement rescue technique relative to rescue and emergency situation and casualty condition
  • 5.4 Descend tree safely in a controlled manner
  • 5.5 Lower casualty safely to ground with support of ground crew according to emergency conditions
6. Complete rescue operations
  • 6.1 Administer first aid on ground according to casualty condition until emergency services arrive
  • 6.2 Transfer responsibility of casualty to emergency services on their arrival
  • 6.3 Isolate equipment involved in incident for potential investigation and prevent reuse until checked
  • 6.4 Complete incident report and notify affected parties according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAR22 AHCARB311 Tie, dress, set and finish arborist knots Unit of competency
BAO33 AHCARB306 Undertake aerial rescue Unit of competency