Description

This unit covers the competency to coordinate a Search and Rescue incident.

Pre/Co-Requisites

Performance Criteria

1. Prepare search plan

1.1. Search and rescue assets and potential assets are identified and recorded in databases

1.2. Strategic and tactical objectives are identified in accordance with unit plans

1.3. Strategies to achieve objectives are identified in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

1.4. Risk management strategies are identified and incorporated/conducted in accordance with policy guidelines

1.5. Information management strategies are identified and applied in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

1.6. Search and Rescue procedures and policies are communicated to interested and affected persons, groups and organisations in accordance with the needs of those people

2. Apply datum search planning principles

2.1. A last known/most probable position is established from available data

2.2. Initial search procedures are implemented in accordance with the National Search and Rescue manual

2.3. Calculations are made to establish intended track/area/position in accordance with planned route

2.4. Time frame for survival of the missing person(s) is calculated in accordance with policies and procedures protocols

2.5. Physiological and environmental factors are determined as a basis for decision making

2.6. A search area is calculated consistent with organisational policies and procedures

2.7. Search pattern and track spacing is determined consistent with organisational policies and procedures

2.8. A probability of detection factor is calculated consistent with organisational policies and procedures

2.9. Acceptability of probability of detection factor is evaluated consistent with organisational policies and procedures

2.10. Search area is recalculated or redefined, determined by availability of assets, changing weather conditions and search time available

3. Apply rescue-planning principles

3.1. The nature of problem/distress is determined in accordance with the available information

3.2. Rescue resources are identified, mobilised and monitored consistent with organisational policies and procedures

3.3. Operational risks are assessed and minimised in accordance with policies, procedures and best practices

3.4. Survivor delivery points are identified in accordance with requirements and capability of the rescue platform

3.5. Physiological, geographic and medical factors are considered for rescue and delivery as per the situational requirements

3.6. Time factors are considered as per the situational requirements

3.7. The chosen solution is evaluated and reported against the determined criteria in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4. Evaluate operational direction

4.1. The search and rescue plan is implemented and amended as dictated by the requirements of the situation

4.2. A process of continual evaluation is applied in accordance with policies and procedures protocol

4.3. Contingency planning is conducted in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4.4. Regular briefings and debriefings are conducted in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

Key Competencies

Communicating ideas and information

• Communicate ideas and information to reporting procedures (verbal and written) 

Collecting analysing and organising information

• Collect, organise and understand information related to recognising and reporting situations

 Planning and organising activities 

• Plan and organise activities which implement and follow standard procedures 

Working with others and in teams

• Work with others and in a team by assisting and cooperating with team members 

Using mathematical ideas and techniques 

• Use mathematical ideas and techniques to document and report numbers for emergency procedures

Solving problems 

• Establish diagnostic processes which recommend improvements for OH&S issues

Using technology 

• Use workplace technology related to the use of technology to assist with safe work practices

Range Statement

Databases may include

• contact names
• telephone numbers
• addresses (where appropriate)
• aircraft/vessel details
• aircraft/vessel requirements
• Databases are maintained by updating details on a regular basis as determined by local policies and procedures

Assets may include

• aircraft including helicopters
• Australian Defence Force aircraft
• vessels and personnel
• police equipment and personnel
• civilian vessels
• volunteer groups
• clubs and associations

Strategic objectives may include

• the systematic planning for the provision of Search and Rescue services and includes identification of emerging Issues

Tactical objectives may include

• the management of specific operations and includes
  • Resourcing
  • coordinating
  • reporting
  • etc

Policies and procedures protocols may include

• National Search and Rescue manual
• international search and rescue manuals and reference texts
• legislation relevant to the operation/incident/response
• legislation relevant to the organisation
• operationalcorporate and strategic plans
• operational Standing Operating Procedures
• operational performance standards
• organisational personnel practices and guidelines
• organisational quality standards

Last known/most probable position may include

• gathering intelligence to establish:
  • route taken
  • last verbal/radio or other contact
  • known patterns based on historical/routine data
  • navigation plan

Physiological constraints may include

• hypothermia
• hyperthermia
• physical condition
• age
• sex
• mental condition
• health

Environmental factors may include

• terrain
• weather conditions

Technical manuals, documentation or relevant publication may include

• Search and Rescue manuals
• medical charts
• flight plans
• sail plans

Information management strategies may include

• communication flow
• use of technology
• compatibility
• audit trails
• standardised information reporting procedures and formats

Calculations may include

• using manual or computer systems
• utilising compasses
• Protractors
• time/distance/speed calculators
• rulers and formulae

Calculations include

• sweep width and track spacing
• calculations for persons
• vessels and aircraft
• calculations in area – time – velocity – spacing
• probability of detection factors
• time/distance/speed calculations
• time frame for survival and mobility calculations

Calculating a search area may include

• the intended track/splash point/last known position and time
• vectorial factors
• wind
• current
• drift
• leeway and other weather factors
• positional error and safety factors

Determining a search pattern and track spacing may include

• taking into account environmental factors including:
  • weather conditions
  • currents
  • terrain
• target type including:
  • person
  • type of vessel/life raft
• physiological factors including
  • body mass
  • clothing
  • medical conditions and state of mind

Determining the nature of the problem may include

• consideration of such factors as:
  • size of area
  • time of day
  • number of lives at risk
  • location/accessibility
  • condition of survivors
  • capacity of available resources and speed of rescue, platform(s)

Surviving delivery points may include

• consideration of safe areas to alight survivor
• hospital facilities
• medical facilities

Time factors may include

• time frame for survival speed of rescue platform
• time of mobilisation
• transit times
• rescue platform endurance

Continual evidence may include

• reviewing available data
• monitoring changing weather conditions
• monitoring assets capabilities
• reassessing requirements
• assessing available daylight for search

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

• Knowledge of defining the search area preparing search and rescue plans and making recommendations to the Senior Search and Rescue Officer that are based on research

Underpinning Knowledge

• a knowledge of potential rescue platforms’ capabilities and limitations
• an understanding of coronial requirements in relation to SAR
• an understanding of hypothermia/hyperthermia factors
• an understanding of Risk Management principles
• an understanding of the Personal Development Plan

Underpinning Skills

• a knowledge of coaching and team building concepts
• collect and analyse information
• develop a compromised search area to suit available assets
• effectively communicate and consult with a range of individuals by a range of means including fax
• identify potential search patterns and their use pertaining to terrain
• plan for results
• telephone and face-to-face
• use initiative to achieve goals

Resource implications

• On job assessment will not entail additional resources however, rosters may need to be amended in order for simulation eg Search and Rescue exercise (SAREX) to be effected

Consistency in performance

• Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments

Context of assessment

• Competence must be demonstrable for the relevant work situation by day or night. The assessment for this unit is most effectively undertaken on the job but may be undertaken in a simulation eg Search and Rescue Exercise – (SAREX)