This unit covers the competency required to undertake vertical rescue in a range of emergency situations in natural and man-made environments.

What you will learn includes:

  • check, service and maintain vertical rescue equipment
  • control infection
  • escort stretchers in raising and lowering operations
  • establish, maintain, monitor and use:
  • ascent and descent systems
  • safety systems
  • stretcher rigging
  • implement safe and effective scene management procedures
  • manage edge protection
  • treat and package casualties
  • undertake scene assessment and reporting
  • use personal protective and rescue equipment within its safe work limitations
  • wear appropriate personal protective and rescue equipment correctly.
  • breaking strains
  • casualty assessment and packaging
  • emergency management and interagency arrangements
  • equipment characteristics
  • operation of high lines
  • operational briefing and debriefing procedures
  • organisational procedures for cleaning and discarding equipment in terms of environmental management and sustainability
  • organisational procedures for operating vertical rescue equipment
  • personal hygiene protocols
  • principles of suspension trauma
  • reconnaissance techniques
  • relevant legislation
  • relevant work health and safety (WH&S) principles and practices
  • safe working loads of equipment
  • safety factors and safe working loads
  • signs and symptoms of operational stress
  • vertical rescue concepts and practices
  • voice, whistle and other communication systems