Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:20 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.

Participate in a rescue operation

Participate in a rescue operation

Unit of competency
National Code
PUASAR022A
State Code
D5527
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
02/05/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/11/2014
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
07/11/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit covers the competency required to participate in rescue operations as a member of a rescue team. This unit underpins specialist rescue operations.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 rescue
  • 1.1 Rescue operation and task information is received.
  • 1.2 Rescue equipment is identified and selected based on incident information, as directed by supervisor.
  • 1.3 Personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected based on the nature of the rescue operation.
  • 1.4 Any further details of the nature of the rescue are received en route.
  • 1.5 Anticipated hazards and associated risks are discussed with rescue team members while on approach.
2. Contribute to a risk assessment at the scene
  • 2.1 Rescue scene reconnaissance is conducted and hazards and risks identified at the scene are reported to supervisor.
  • 2.2 Communication with other team members is maintained using appropriate techniques and terminology.
  • 2.3 Hazards and environmental conditions are minimised and/or controlled as directed.
  • 2.4 Health, safety and security procedures are followed in accordance with organisational policy and relevant legislation.
  • 2.5 Personal capabilities and limitations are recognised and referred to supervisor.
  • 2.6 Need for additional personnel and/or specialist equipment is reported to supervisor.
  • 2.7 Casualties at scene are identified, reported to supervisor and action is taken as directed.
3. Perform rescue
  • 3.1 Access to incident and/or casualties is gained using techniques and equipment in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • 3.2 Rescue procedures are conducted in accordance with supervisor's instructions and organisational procedures.
  • 3.3 Casualties are prepared for removal and extricated safely using appropriate equipment rescue techniques and procedures, under the direction of appropriately trained personnel.
  • 3.4 Incident scene is constantly monitored for hazards to prevent injury to self and/or others and reports are provided to supervisor as required.
  • 3.5 Hygiene precautions are implemented in accordance with organisational requirements.
4. Conclude rescue operations
  • 4.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained to organisational standards and manufacturers' procedures, and is restowed to maintain operational readiness.
  • 4.2 Where identified, signs and symptoms of operational stress are recognised in self and others and reported to relevant personnel.
  • 4.3 Operational debriefing is participated in and operational documentation is completed to organisational standards.
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.
Rescue operation may include:
confined spaces rescue
flood rescue
industrial rescue
road crash rescue
search and rescue
swift water rescue
trench rescue
vertical rescue
Rescue equipment may include:
fire extinguishers
glass management kit
hand tools
ladders
lighting equipment
powered tools (battery, electric, fuel) such as:
air bags
chain saws
cutting tools
drills
excavating tools
hydraulic tools
pneumatic equipment
winches
rescue vehicles
ropes
tarpaulins
Personal protective equipment may include:
appropriate protective clothing
boots
ear protection
helmets
infection protection
insect repellent
reflective vests
respiratory protection
safety glasses
safety gloves
sunscreen
Hazards may include:
adverse weather
convergence
dangerous goods and hazardous substances
difficult terrain
electricity
gas
heights
insufficient light
respiratory
rubble and debris
supplementary restraint systems
traffic
water
wild farm or domestic animals
Communication techniques may include:
non-verbal
signals/signs
verbal
written
Environmental conditions may include:
effects of weather:
excess or lack of light
extreme weather
flood
heat
humidity
mud slides
limited access
stability of rescue site
Personal capabilities may include:
fatigue, stress, phobias
self assessed level of skill or competence
Appropriately trained personnel may include:
ambulance crew
doctors
first aiders
nurses
paramedics
Hygiene precautions may include:
as per operational procedures
avoiding contact with body fluids
washing hands
wearing appropriate protective clothing
Operational documentation may include:
incident reports
legislation
notebooks, logbooks
organisational policies and procedures
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:
apply safe work practices in rescue operations
use equipment in accordance with organisational procedures
respond and react to instructions in a safe, correct and timely manner
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 rescue scenarios.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
PPE in accordance with organisational requirements
rescue equipment
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed with the following unit:
PUATEA001B Work in a team
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
D3798 PUASAR001B Participate in a rescue operation Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAX71 PUASAR022 Participate in a rescue operation Unit of competency