Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to conduct a search and rescue within an activity-specific context. It requires the ability to fully assess the situation, develop a response plan and complete searches and rescues using methods and equipment appropriate for the situation.
It applies to senior leaders, guides or instructors, and others who use discretion and judgement to manage significant problems and emergencies when they arise.
This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
• complete two simulated searches for lost parties using methods suitable for the land or water based environment
• complete two simulated rescues using methods and equipment suitable for the circumstance
• during each of the above search and rescue operations, designate roles and responsibilities to team members and participants to effectively conduct operations
• for one of the above search or rescue operations, seek outside assistance from search or rescue authorities
• for each search and rescue operation, participate in a debrief and complete an incident report.

Knowledge Evidence

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
• organisational emergency response policies and procedures
• roles and responsibilities that can be allocated to team members and participants to effectively conduct a search and a rescue
• hazards and risks associated with search and rescue situations and methods uses to manage these
• search methods, suitability for different circumstances, effectiveness and limitations to include those for:
• ground searches
• water based searches
• rescue methods, suitability for different circumstances, effectiveness and limitations:
• use of hand line
• support techniques
• use of flotation aids
• specific to the particular type of outdoor recreation activity:
• key features, functions and use of rescue equipment
• evacuation equipment and how to improvise a structure if none available
• key considerations for seeking outside assistance:
• failed search or rescue
• area of search exceeds ability to cover
• weather, topography and time limitations
• limitations of rescuer skill
• inability to access person in need of rescue
• condition of person in need of rescue and need for medical attention
• functions of search and rescue authorities and how to contact:
• police search and rescue
• State Emergency Services (SES)
• volunteer rescue agencies
• ski patrol, as relevant.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in an environment specific to the particular type of outdoor recreation activity.
First aid equipment must be available to replicate industry conditions of operation.
Assessments can only be completed through simulated activities. Simulations must incorporate time critical requirements.
Assessment must ensure use of:
• people who act as team members, participants, rescuees and external service providers with whom the individual interacts during simulated activities
• rescue equipment specific to the particular type of outdoor recreation activity
• communication equipment for emergency response
• template incident reports
• organisational emergency response policies and procedures.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations requirements for assessors, and:
• have a collective period of at least three years’ experience as a recreational activity leader, guide or instructor; or as a search and rescue operator where they have applied the skills and knowledge covered in this unit of competency; the three years’ experience can incorporate full and or part time experience.

Foundation Skills

• {'skill': 'Reading skills to:', 'description': 'interpret detailed familiar organisational policies and procedures for emergency response.'}
• {'skill': 'Writing skills to:', 'description': 'record detailed and accurate factual information about search and rescue responses.'}
• {'skill': 'Self-management skills to:', 'description': 'critically analyse all circumstances and implications to coordinate a considered response to search and rescue requirements.'}
• {'skill': 'Technology skills to:', 'description': 'use the features of emergency communication equipment to relay information about search and rescue requirements.'}

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