Description

This unit covers the competency required to plan and prepare for emergency operations and manage emergency operations in a training area or a range.

Emergency operations are the result of a range or training area incident such as injury, accident or bushfire that generates a requirement to coordinate and manage activities between users and other emergency services.

A control and management facility (the operations centre) is normally activated to manage an emergency on the range or training area. The level and complexity of activities of the operations centre will vary to meet operational requirements.

Pre/Co-Requisites

Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for operations

1.1. Operational information is obtained and hazards are identified to permit accurate assessment of the problem

1.2. Operational plans are activated in accordance with local emergency management practices and procedures

2. Manage an operations centre

2.1. Operations centre tasks are allocated and briefings are conducted in accordance with operational plans

2.2. Internal and external liaison networks are activated and maintained to ensure effective communication

2.3. Operations centre staff work is supervised to ensure it meets relevant OH&S and other regulatory requirements

2.4. Physical and financial resources are managed in accordance with the organisation’s policies and procedures

3. Manage operational information

3.1. Operation centre staff are tasked to collect and collate operational information using standard operational procedures

3.2. Information flow is managed in accordance with standard operating procedures

3.3. Operational information is analysed to modify and update plans and prioritise tasks in accordance with operational plans and policies

3.4. Regular and timely situation reports are raised and distributed in accordance with organisational standards

3.5. Radio and allied communication nets are established in accordance with standard operating procedures

3.6. Message and information management systems are implemented and maintained to provide accurate operational records

4. Make operational decisions

4.1. Extent of the operational area is promptly identified

4.2. Operational strategies are identified, assessed and implemented in accordance with local emergency management arrangements and standard operating procedures

4.3. Hazards are identified and prioritised to ensure that the response is appropriate to the type and scale of the event

4.4. Termination of the operation is accomplished in accordance with operational standards

5. Manage post operation activities

5.1. Debriefing requirements are met in accordance with organisational standards

5.2. Operational reports are prepared in accordance with organisation’s policies and procedures

5.3. Training and operational planning review requirements are met to enhance future operations

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

Operational information may include

• Nature and extent of the emergency
• Estimated duration of the emergency
• Location of incidents
• Number and nature of casualties
• Access and egress routes
• Resources available
• Weather forecast
• Potential hazards
• Other organisations involved

Operational plans may include

• Those in Range Standing Orders
• User formation or unit instructions
• Regional, state or national plans

Task allocation may be

• Guided by the organisation’s policies and assessments of tasks
• An allocation of response teams based on resources available
• competency and authority to act

Communication nets may include

• HF, VHF and UHF radio systems
• Telephone systems
• Satellite phones
• Internet or Intranet links

Hazards may include

• Adverse weather
• Environmental conditions
• Closed access routes
• Utilities
• Hazardous materials
• Protracted response operations
• Limited access to resources

Operational reports may include

• Those required for coronial or other legal proceedings, Organisational reports, Debrief report

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

• Assessment must confirm the ability to plan and prepare for emergencies, to manage emergency operations and to manage post emergency operational activities.

Underpinning Knowledge

• Relevant OH&S and regulatory requirements
• Emergency plans
• Principles of risk management
• Locally used information management and communications systems
• Local alert and warning systemsLocally available resources, their capabilities and access to them
• Nature of local hazards and plans, including effects on the provision of communications
• Local operating procedures
• Local documentation requirements
• Local operational briefing and debriefing procedures
• Communications equipment and systems
• Team work principles and strategies
• Composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members
• Verbal and non-verbal communication techniques
• Written communication to a level required to complete workplace documentation and reports

Underpinning Skills

• Establish an operational plan and adapt the plan as circumstances change
• Work in a team
• Encourage and support team members
• Solve problems and make decisions
• Plan for emergency response, including the setting up of appropriate control and coordination structures
• Establish an improvised operations centre
• Raise regular and timely situation reports
• Participate as a team member
• Manage communications within and between teams and organisations
• Provide and receive feedback in a constructive manner
• Identify operational areas of concern
• Conduct regular briefing and debriefing
• Maintain a calm approach under stress
• Apply verbal and non-verbal communication techniques
• Read and understand organisations policies, procedures

Resource implications

• Access to an operations centre and an operating range and training area

Consistency in performance

• Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual or simulated emergency contexts

Context of assessment

• Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated work environment, in accordance with all relevant legislation and Defence requirements