Elements and Performance Criteria

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Risk posed to self, others and animals may include:
to self and others from animals:
attack by other animals
bites, kicks and scratches
envenomation
crush injuries
zoonoses and infective agent release
to self and others from humans:
injury caused by inexperienced handling capture techniques or by not following protocols
unsuccessful rescue due to:
inexperienced assistants using poor techniques
using inadequate or unsuitable equipment
not following agreed protocols
poor communication of procedures to be followed
environmental hazards to self, others and animals:
contaminated sites
chemical a spillage
electrocution
fire and smoke
flood
potential cave-ins
rocky or unstable terrain
traffic
weather and climatic conditions
to animals:
inability to assess extent of injury and needs due to inaccessible or remote location
inability to rescue due to lack of suitable equipment or poor site access
injury as a result of capture methods used
injury as a result of inexperienced handlers or volunteers
injury or death due to the trauma of rescue or capture.
Options for assisting animals may include:
animal needs:
food, water and shelter
reassurance
restraint to prevent further trauma or injury
assistance required from others:
emergency services agencies
machinery operator
rescuers with specific animal handling skills
utilities operators to control power, gas, water and other services
volunteers with little or no experience to assist
veterinarian or other animal specialist authorised to act in emergencies
methods and equipment needed to:
assess animal condition and possible injuries
catch animal
rescue animal.
Animals may include:
animals commonly encountered within the industry workplace and may cover both native and introduced species
animals from the six major animal groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates).
Equipment may include:
catching equipment relevant to species to be rescued:
barriers, screens and yards
catch poles and nets
food and enticement toys
halters and collars
nets, bags and hoods
slings and cradles
transport equipment
rescue equipment:
concrete and masonry cutting equipment
cranes and winches
digging equipment and machinery
animal needs:
food, water and shelter
reassurance
first aid equipment:
shock treatment
temperature regulation items (e.g. blankets and water)
wound and injury care items.
OHS procedures and personal protective equipment may include:
OHS procedures:
establishing a clear chain of command
ensuring site safety for personnel and animals is assessed and appropriate precautions are taken prior to commencing rescue
ensuring equipment is in working order and safe to use in particular circumstances
identifying possible escape routes of animals and minimising opportunities of escape during rescue
ensuring first aid equipment for personnel and animals is available
following workplace protocols for advising of planned routes or locations if working away from regular worksite
ensuring staff with experience using rescue equipment are utilised if available
taking adequate fluids and w
personal protective equipment:
communication equipment
infection control equipment
protective clothing:
boots, gloves, goggles and helmet
sun and wet weather protection from head and cold
protection from animal scratches and bites
protection from terrain, chemical spills or other hazards
safety lines and harness.
Basic animal care may include:
suitable containment and transport
provision of warmth
not feeding if advised
providing a quiet environment or darkness when appropriate.
Safely and humanely handling animals may include:
appropriate use of restraints
correct use of personal protective equipment and rescue equipment
observing stress to the animal
allocating sufficient time to the process
considering animals' welfare at all times
Established animal first aid procedures may include:
stop bleeding
minimise impact of shock by keeping animal quiet, warm and away from activity or noise
immobilise limb injuries if soft tissue damage or fractures are suspected if possible
hose or apply water if available in cases of burns or heat exhaustion
administration of emetics or antidotes under instruction if appropriate
feeding or watering as advised
transporting animal to veterinary assistance as soon as possible.
Advice and assistance may include:
veterinary consultation:
immediate fist aid care and treatment
surgical or medication needs
potential of animal to recover from emergency situation
animal quality of life evaluation post-emergency recovery
diet options
rehabilitation and therapy options:
carers or volunteers looking after animals
devising structured rehabilitation and release programs for wildlife
returning domestic pets to owners
giving animals to a captive animal facility
insurance considerations:
if animal was insured what are instructions from underwriter regarding care, treatment option and future use
if animal rescue has impact on business insurance what are instructions from underwriter.
Information on animal may include:
identification of animal
extent of injuries
treatment provided
equipment used
witness details and version of events
owner contact details if owner identified
reasons for animal emergency in the first place
procedure followed during rescue
issues arising from rescue that could lead to improved success in future operations.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
plan rescue response through situation assessment
communicate effectively with others and follow instructions
carry out rescue procedures and protect animal in accordance with OHS requirements
apply basic animal care and first aid
seek advice and assistance regarding animal care and future options
gather information on animal and maintain records.

The skills and knowledge required to rescue animals and apply basic first aid must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in an animal care workplace or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.

There must be access to a range of animals as well as relevant information, equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence.Assessment must be relevant to the industry sector in which candidates are working andmust cover a minimum of one species from at least two of the six major animal groups OR at least three breeds from within one of the six major animal groups (mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates.

Method of assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry defined standards, on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this unit are:
written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions
third-party evidence
workplace documentation
portfolio.

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.

Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).