Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:10 PM AWST

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Undertake aerial rescue

Undertake aerial rescue

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB306
State Code
BAO33
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
21/12/2017
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2017
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
12/01/2017
Nominal Hours
24
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to perform an aerial rescue where an injured or unconscious person is safely brought to the ground from a tree or elevated work platform (EWP).The unit applies to Arborists preparing and planning for the coordination and execution of rescue operations and the implementation of safety and first aid requirements.Aerial rescue is likely to be undertaken in emergency situations with little or no supervision. It involves working closely with other members of a team to ensure the safety of all personnel and the public during a rescue operation. This unit applies to individuals who have a range of skills to select and apply a specialised range of methods, tools, materials and information to complete routine activities and provide and transmit solutions to predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems.Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states and territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory. Works involving this unit of competency may be subject to local tree protection and preservation laws, and the relevant content of applicable Australian Standards.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for aerial rescue
  • 1.1 Undertake a site-specific risk assessment by identifying work health and safety hazards and assessing risk
  • 1.2 Confirm emergency communication system is working
  • 1.3 Confirm emergency services contact numbers are documented
  • 1.4 Select, prepare and check first aid equipment and rescue kit
  • 1.5 Position rescue and first aid equipment for easy access
  • 1.6 Clarify own role in rescue situations
  • 1.7 Confirm first aid, rescue personnel, equipment and rescue plan procedures with work team prior to undertaking work
  • 1.8 Select and use personal protective equipment
  • 1.9 Communicate with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals
2. Assess and respond to an aerial emergency situation
  • 2.1 Attempt communication with casualty
  • 2.2 Activate emergency plan and request assistance from work team and public in accordance with rescue plan
  • 2.3 Identify hazards associated with rescue, assess risks and implement suitable controls
  • 2.4 Determine presence of live electrical wires or apparatus that will interfere with ability to access casualty and take appropriate action
  • 2.5 Apply ‘Safe Approach Distance’ measures to live electrical situations
  • 2.6 Use appropriate access equipment to carry out rescue in accordance with rescue plan
  • 2.7 Maintain communication with casualty
3. Assess nature of injury
  • 3.1 Secure rescuer safely
  • 3.2 Secure casualty
  • 3.3 Assess injuries to determine whether or not to move casualty based on first aid procedures and risk assessment
  • 3.4 Apply first aid that can be performed above ground, as required
  • 3.5 Support, but do not move, a casualty with possible neck or spinal injuries and await expert medical treatment
  • 3.6 Maintain communications with ground crew
4. Lower casualty to ground
  • 4.1 Inform casualty of lowering procedure
  • 4.2 Prepare casualty for descent in accordance with first aid, rescue plan and risk assessments
  • 4.3 Descend tree safely in a controlled manner
  • 4.4 Lower casualty safely to ground with support of ground crew
5. Complete rescue operations
  • 5.1 Apply first aid on ground as needed
  • 5.2 Obtain emergency assistance as required
  • 5.3 Isolate equipment involved in accident for potential investigation and prevent reuse until checked
  • 5.4 Remove all equipment in a controlled manner
  • 5.5 Clean and store equipment
  • 5.6 Clean and store personal protective equipment
  • 5.7 Maintain records of aerial rescue in appropriate format
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D6660 AHCARB306A Undertake aerial rescue Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBV69 AHCARB318 Undertake aerial rescue Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BDE4 AHC30816 Certificate III in Arboriculture Qualification
BDF1 AHC30716 Certificate III in Horticulture Qualification