Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:47 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Undertake vertical rescue

Undertake vertical rescue

Unit of competency
National Code
PUASAR004B
State Code
D3002
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
09/02/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/08/2014
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
06/08/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit covers the competency to undertake vertical rescue operations as a member of a rescue team.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for and respond to vertical rescue
  • 1.1 Operation and task information is obtained and analysed
  • 1.2 Vertical rescue equipment is selected based on incident information and checked to ensure it is ready for use
  • 1.3 Personal protective equipment for vertical rescue is selected
  • 1.4 Scene reconnaissance is conducted and results are reported
  • 1.5 Appropriate actions are taken to preserve incident scene
2. Assess scene
  • 2.1 Physical and environmental features of scene are assessed before deploying rescue resources
  • 2.2 Access is controlled and a safe and effective operational environment is maintained
  • 2.3 Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained
  • 2.4 Location and condition of casualty is determined
3. Establish vertical rescue system
  • 3.1 Rescue system is constructed according to the type of incident
  • 3.2 Anchors are established and monitored
  • 3.3 Equipment is prepared and techniques are used in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and organisational procedures
4. Perform vertical rescue
  • 4.1 Access is gained to casualties or trapped persons using organisationally approved techniques and equipment
  • 4.2 Casualties or trapped persons are secured and prepared for removal in consultation with medical personnel
  • 4.3 Casualties are removed using vertical rescue techniques and equipment whilst preventing further injury
5. Terminate vertical rescue operations
  • 5.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and serviced in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and organisational standards
  • 5.2 Where identified, signs and symptoms of operational stress are recognised and reported
  • 5.3 Operational debrief is conducted and documentation is completed to organisational standards
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Operation and task information may include
number and type of casualties
location
magnitude and type of incident
access and egress routes
weather conditions and forecasts
potential hazards
command, control and coordination arrangements
other organisations
Systems may include
lowering
hauling
high line or Tyrolean
edge management
Vertical rescue equipment may include
Rescue rope to AS41423
tapes
slings
pulleys
edge protection
karabiners
ascending and descending devices
anchors
stretchers
lighting and generator
specialist communications equipment
binoculars
edge management devices
Physical and environmental features may include
ground stability
anchor points
clearances
tides/waves/surf movements
exposed or hazardous electrical conductors
moving machinery
greasy or oily surfaces
hot surfaces
unstable structures
exhaust or steam outlets
air quality
high winds
cold rain
swift water
loud noises
fuels and chemicals
irrespirable atmospheres
physical features such as slopes
loose surfaces
sheer face
overhangs
Vertical rescue environments may include
cliffs
towers
structures
trees
mines and caves and shafts
Vertical rescue techniques will be determined by
the type of vertical rescue system adopted
organisation's policy and procedures
Scene management may include
establishing barriers and perimeter access controls
management of bystanders and media
establishing and monitoring safety zones
media liaison
crime scene preservation
Operational documentation may include
organisational procedures and related legal requirements
equipment running logs
vehicle logs
notes
sketches
EVIDENCE GUIDE



Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential for this unit that competence is demonstrated in establishment of safe systems to gain access to and recover casualties; extrication of casualty minimising further injury or discomfort while conducting rescue operation; and application of safe work practices

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Evidence to be collected in a range of simulated or actual vertical rescue environment
Specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this competency requires access to an appropriate training/venue for vertical rescue activities; organisation's vertical rescue equipment and personnel for team-based activities

Guidance information for assessment
Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C3937 PUASAR004A Undertake vertical rescue Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
D5537 PUASAR032A Undertake vertical rescue Unit of competency