AHCARB318 — Undertake aerial rescue

Elements & performance criteria

Performance evidence

• An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.
• There must be evidence that the individual has conducted an aerial rescue for each of the following scenarios in a tree that is a minimum of 5 metres in height: - a pole top rescue, where the casualty must be safely lowered to the ground without the assistance of other crew members and: - is attached within 0.5 metres of the top of the pole - is at least 5 metres from the ground - a pick-off rescue without the assistance of other crew members in which the casualty must: - be lifted out of their compromised or non-functioning climbing system - be transferred to be lowered down on the rescuer’s system or on another climbing system - be at least 8 metres from the ground - be lifted at least 1 metre prior to beginning descent - a rescue where: - the casualty is away from the main trunk of the tree, toward the end of a branch or in a different stem from the primary anchor point - the rope angle between the casualty and the primary anchor point must be at least 30° - the rescuer must either control the movement of the casualty back under the primary anchor point, or redirect the casualty’s line to bring the casualty directly to the ground.
• There must also be evidence that the individual has: - confirmed resources for emergency rescue, including: - communications for emergency services and work team - first aid equipment, personnel, equipment and procedures - emergency rescue and first aid equipment, protocols and procedures - conducted a pre assessment of the rescue including: - attempted communication with casualty - assessed the tree and situation for hazards and risks and determined rescue plan - sought assistance from emergency services where safe rescue could not be performed - used tree climbing equipment to carry out rescue, including: - accessed tree safely - selected and installed anchor points - installed redirects to achieve safe rope angle according to rescue requirements - secured rescuer and casualty - demonstrated the procedure for securing and assessing a severe casualty situation, including: - assessed casualty injuries - administered first aid above ground according to casualty condition - arranged for emergency services - demonstrated the procedure for rescuing a casualty, including: - informed and prepared casualty decent - descended tree safely in a controlled manner - applied first aid on ground - removed equipment used in rescue in a controlled manner and isolated and secured equipment for potential investigation - cleaned and stored all equipment - updated and maintained records of aerial rescue according to workplace and regulatory requirements.
• Aerial rescue is required to be performed according to preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume).

Knowledge evidence

• preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume) for aerial rescue
• emergency procedures for aerial rescues, including: - planning for the event of an emergency - dealing with emergencies - emergency protocol, including stop work, activate rescue plan, inspect site for tree hazards, delegate crew roles, access tree, install anchor points, reach casualty, lower casualty, and transfer to emergency services
• accessing trees in emergency situations
• accessing and utilising emergency services
• assessing site-specific safety in emergency situations, including: - methods for identifying risks - risk control measures
• safety and procedures when conducting a rescue near overhead power lines, including: - basics of electrocution - power line types and insulation - approach distances and safety zones, voltage and arcing - tools, equipment, personnel and power line contact - personal protective equipment
• administering first aid in an aerial rescue environment, including: - first aid procedures - contents and use of a first aid kit - first aid in an aerial environment - assessing neck and back injuries and procedures - first aid on the ground following rescue - importance of communication and reassurance of casualty
• communications in a rescue situation, including: - emergency services communication systems - emergency services contact numbers - work team communication methods
• tools, equipment and other resources required for aerial rescue, including: - appropriate placement of rescue equipment - components of and use of rescue kits - rescue personnel, equipment and rescue plan procedures
• controlling risk to rescuer, victim and others during an aerial rescue
• climbing and rigging systems for aerial rescue, including: - pole top rescue - pick-off rescue - lifting moving or transferring casualties to alternate climbing systems - ropes, knots and equipment for rescue climbing and rigging systems - lifting and lowering systems
• cleaning, storing and maintaining safety kits and equipment
• workplace health and safety reporting procedures for accidents, incidents and rescue operations, including: - site and equipment security for investigations - mandatory records - workplace records - legislative responsibilities.

Foundation skills

• Writing: Accurately record and complete incident reports and workplace records
• Oral communication: Explain detailed information to emergency services and rescue team Communicate effectively with casualty and with other crew members involved in rescue
• Get the work done: Accept responsibility and ownership for conducting the rescue, and make decisions on rescue parameters and coordination of others

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Questions about assessing AHCARB318