Elements and Performance Criteria

Search operations may include
Operations are normally conducted in support of the police. Volunteers may be involved in searches for missing persons, objects or evidence
Land searches are most commonly on foot, although searches may be undertaken from two or four wheel vehicles or on horseback, skis and snowshoes

Search terrain may include
forests
grassland
steep rock areas sand
snow
urban areas

Land search may be conducted under conditions that include
Hazardous environmental conditions including:
adverse weather
after dark operations
difficult terrain
time pressure
dangerous flora and fauna
urban or rural environments
operating as part of a multi-agency response

Incident and task information may include
number, nature and description of persons or objects that are the focus of the search
weather forecast
operating area
access and egress routes
emergency rendezvous points
terrain and environmental information
potential hazards
Command, control and coordination arrangements
time constraints

Communication may include
feedback of information
modes of communication as per PUACOM001A
calming and reassuring a casualty

Equipment used may include
Personal protective equipment, especially
wet weather gear
cold weather clothing
sun protection
water
food
overnight sleeping equipment
personal first-air equipment
personal hygiene items
notebook and pencil
boundary marking tapes
radio communications equipment
map
compass or other positioning equipment

Specific team roles
Determined based on the selected search technique

Search formations
Determined based on the selected search techniques

Observation skills
Day and night vision skills

Procedures to locate person or object
Are determined locally depending on the nature of the incident and the requirements of the controlling authority. They are made clear in pre-search briefings

Survival techniques may include
skills relevant to the local areas (such as cold, heat, terrain and forest)
obtain water
constructing fires
locating shelter
constructing temporary shelters
conserving water
food and energy

Operational documentation may include
Notes or sketches of findings or other relevant information required for potential coronial or other legal proceedings

Symptoms of operational stress
may include fatigue
intolerance
indecision
lack of focus
nausea
headaches
illness

Critical aspects of evidence
It is essential for this unit that competence is demonstrated in compliance with search orders.
Safety of self and others is observed at all times during the search

Interdependent assessment of unit
Pre-requisite Unit: PUAFIR201A Prevent injury (Fire Specific requirement)
Co-requisite Units: PUATEA001A Work in a team

Underpinning knowledge
relevant search management arrangements in their State or Territory
local operating procedures
lost searcher procedures
recall procedures
object recovery procedures
local hazards and environmental threats
relevant occupational health and safety principles and practices
requirements to preserve a crime scene and the preservation of evidence
local documentation requirements
local operational briefing and debriefing procedures
signs and symptoms of operational stress

Underpinning skills
survival techniques
observation skills
working in a team
appropriate personal protective equipment worn correctly
maintain search information
spacing and boundary marking
implement lost searcher procedures
deal appropriately with clues and location of objects or causalities

Resource requirements
An appropriate environment to conduct the search operation is essential. Support may include other organisations

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

Context of assessment
Evidence of competence is to be gathered in an actual or simulated search environment