Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:31 AM 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
PUASAR032A
State Code
D5537
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
17/08/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/06/2013
Field of Education
080399 - Business And Management, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
25/06/2013
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit covers the competency required to undertake vertical rescue in a range of emergency situations in natural and man-made environments.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare and respond to vertical rescue
  • 1.1 Operation and task information is obtained from a variety of sources and analysed, and team roles are confirmed.
  • 1.2 Vertical rescue equipment is selected based on incident information and is checked to ensure it is ready for use.
  • 1.3 Personal protective equipment for vertical rescue is selected.
2. Assess scene
  • 2.1 Appropriate actions are taken to preserve incident scene.
  • 2.2 Scene reconnaissance is conducted and results are reported.
  • 2.3 Scene management procedures are followed in accordance with vertical rescue procedures and legal requirements.
  • 2.4 Physical and environmental features of scene are assessed before deploying rescue resources.
  • 2.5 Risk assessment is conducted and communicated as per organisational procedures.
  • 2.6 Access is controlled and a safe and effective operational environment is maintained.
  • 2.7 Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained including team and safety briefings relevant to task.
  • 2.8 Location and condition of casualty is determined.
3. Establish vertical rescue system
  • 3.1 Rescue system is constructed according to 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 Hygiene precautions are maintained in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • 4.2 Access is gained to casualties or trapped persons using organisationally approved techniques and equipment.
  • 4.3 Casualties or trapped persons are secured and prepared for removal in consultation with medical personnel.
  • 4.4 Casualties are removed using vertical rescue techniques and equipment while preventing further injury.
  • 4.5 Scene is preserved for investigating officers.
5. Terminate vertical rescue operations
  • 5.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and serviced in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and organisational procedures.
  • 5.2 Where identified, signs and symptoms of operational stress are recognised and reported.
  • 5.3 Operational debrief is conducted and operationaldocumentation is completed to organisational standards.
  • 5.4 Decontamination procedures are followed in accordance with organisational procedures.
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:
access and egress routes
clearly defining team roles (team leader, safety officer, technicians)
command, control and coordination arrangements
location
magnitude and type of incident
number and type of casualties
other organisations
potential hazards
weather conditions and forecasts
Sources may include:
pager
people on scene
public
other organisations
Vertical rescue equipment may include:
anchors
ascending and descending devices
binoculars
edge management devices
edge protection
karabiners
lighting and generator
pulleys
rescue rope to AS 4142.3-1993 Fibre ropes - Man-made fibre rope for static life rescue lines; AS 4143.6-1996 Methods of test for fibre ropes - Resistance to abrasion; AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
slings
specialist communications equipment
stretchers
tapes
Scene management procedures may include:
establishing and monitoring safety zones
establishing barriers and perimeter access controls
liaising with the media
managing bystanders and media
preserving the crime scene
Preserving the incident scene must include:
disturbing only to gain access or make scene safe
not disturbing fatality scenes until police investigation activities are completed
preserving integrity of evidence
Physical and environmental features may include:
air quality
anchor points
cold rain
clearances
exhaust or steam outlets
exposed or hazardous electrical conductors
exposed unprotected edges
fuels and chemicals
greasy or oily surfaces
ground stability
high winds
hot and/or humid conditions
hot surfaces
irrespirable atmospheres
loud noises
low light environments
moving machinery
physical features such as slopes:
loose surfaces
sheer face
overhangs
snow and ice
swift water
tides/waves/surf movements
unstable structures
Operational environments may include:
man-made such as tower structures, mines and shafts
natural such as trees, cliffs, caves
Systems may include:
edge management
hauling
high line or tyrolean
lowering
Vertical rescue techniques will be determined by:
organisational policy and procedures
type of vertical rescue system adopted
Operational documentation may include:
equipment running logs
notes
organisational procedures and related legal requirements
sketches
vehicle logs
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
establish safe systems to gain access to and recover casualties
extricate casualty minimising further injury or discomfort while conducting rescue operation
apply safe work practices
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual and/or simulated workplace environments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in an industry-approved simulated and/or workplace environment involving vertical rescues using a range of equipment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
an appropriate venue for vertical rescue activities
organisational vertical rescue equipment and personnel for team-based activities
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed with the following unit:
PUATEA002B Work autonomously
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D3002 PUASAR004B Undertake vertical rescue Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAX66 PUASAR032 Undertake vertical rescue Unit of competency