Elements and Performance Criteria

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

Critical aspects of evidence
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

Interdependent assessment of units
Pre-requisite units: PUASAR001A Participate in rescue operations
Co-requisite units: PUATEA002A Working autonomously

Underpinning knowledge
relevant legislation
emergency management and interagency arrangements
organisation's procedures for operating vertical rescue equipment
vertical rescue concepts and practices
relevant OH&S principles and practices
voice, whistle and other communication systems
casualty assessment and packaging
equipment characteristics
braking strains
safety factors and safe working loads
operational briefing and debriefing procedures
signs and symptoms of operational stress
personal hygiene protocols
reconnaissance techniques

Underpinning skills
work in a team
use personal protective and rescue equipment within its safe work limitations
disaster victim identification procedures
working in a multi-service environment
scene assessment and reporting
wearing appropriate personal protective and rescue equipment correctly
safe and effective scene management procedures
establish, monitor and maintain safe anchor systems
establish, maintain, monitor and use:
- abseil
- belay
- ascent
- descent and raising and lowering systems
manage edge protection
treat and package casualties
escort stretchers in raising and lowering operations
check, service and maintain vertical rescue equipment
operate span line or tyrolean
infection control

Resource requirements
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

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 to be collected in a range of simulated or actual vertical rescue environment