NZFS USAR Guide
NZFS USAR Guide
Table of Contents
COURSE DESCRIPTOR ....................................................................................................5
Course Outline ...............................................................................................................5
Terminal Objective .........................................................................................................5
Enabling Objectives........................................................................................................5
Target Group..................................................................................................................5
Delivery Modes...............................................................................................................6
Duration.........................................................................................................................6
Course Size.....................................................................................................................6
Student Resources...........................................................................................................7
Content...........................................................................................................................8
Trainer Requirements .....................................................................................................8
Location .........................................................................................................................8
Restricted Distribution....................................................................................................9
Overhead Transparencies...............................................................................................9
PRE COURSE ACTION LIST..........................................................................................10
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...............................................................................................75
Document control applies to this package – see Annex B for further information.
Every effort has been made to acknowledge reproduced extracts and graphics. If an
oversight has been made, we would welcome your input to ensure an
acknowledgement is made in subsequent versions.
The New Zealand Fire Service wishes to thank those organisations that have
provided references to aid the development of this package, especially the ACT Fire
Brigade and FEMA who have provided significant amount of information for this
package.
www.fire.org.nz
Course Descriptor
Course Outline
This course is designed for any emergency service or support worker who may
potentially be involved in responding to a structural collapse incident.
The course shall enable the learner to conduct safe and effective surface searches
within national urban search and rescue protocols.
Terminal Objective
Enabling Objectives
Target Group
This course is the foundation to the USAR Responder Certification (Orange Card)
and should be done before attending a General Rescue course.
Persons interested only in a brief overview of USAR, should read the NZ USAR
Awareness Manual or complete the NSW/ACT USAR CAT-1 CD-ROM (available
from FRSITO).
Delivery Modes
This package has been created to provide a range of flexible delivery modes.
It is modularised into sections to allow for staggered and block training delivery, to
cater for a series of evening sessions, days or a whole weekend.
Introduction (Cat-0)
This one-day (8-hour) session covers the topics within sections 1.1-1.11 and 4.1-4.5,
and provides a theoretical introduction to USAR operations. This should be the
minimum for all emergency service personnel and interested community sectors.
For large audiences, the practical modules may be cancelled. However, should the
audience wish to attend Module B they must be introduced to rubble pile skills
(Modules 5.2 – 5.4) during Module A.
This one-day (8-hour) session provides practical training and skills consolidation, and
is the foundation for achievement of Category 1R certification.
Duration
Course Size
Where practical (rubble pile) training is delivered, this course is designed to run
effectively with a course size of 12 students and 2 certified trainers. A course
assistant and/or manager may also be appointed if required.
Student Resources
All students attending this course should be issued a copy of the Student Manual and
the USAR Field Operations Guide (FOG) for future reference.
Certification
FRSITO
Level 1, 180 Taranaki Street
P O Box 11-988 Wellington
Phone: (04)801-9469
Fax: (04)801-9476
http://www.frsito.org.nz
[email protected]
A provider-based certificate may be issued for CAT-0, and such certificates shall also
be purchased from FRSITO
Trainers are to maintain a register of certificates and tickets issued and must ensure
they complete the “Certification” column on the Attendance Register (Annex G)
Upon completion of the following other units standards, the USAR Responder
Certificate (CAT-1R) and Orange Card is available upon request and payment to
FRSITO.
The FRSITO USAR Responder Certificate/Card shall be the only certificate used to
demonstrate operational competency for USAR.
Content
The course content is focused and sequenced against the 18516 Assessment
Evidence Workbook to ensure competency against the unit standard is achieved.
Trainer Requirements
The USAR Training Standards Committee have determined the following minimum
requirements for trainers of this package:
The National USAR Training Standards Committee has also developed a Certified
USAR Awareness Trainers Course for people delivering this package.
Location
A multi media classroom and at least one rubble pile (within 10 minutes travelling
distance) are required for delivering this course. Shower and equipment cleaning
facilities may also be required.
Restricted Distribution
Overhead Transparencies
If required, trainers can make a back-up set of overhead transparencies from the
provided Power Point slides (see Trainers CD-ROM resource).
3 months prior
2 months prior
1 month prior
q Venue check if required (check classroom, rubble pile, toilets, showers and lunch room).
q Determine student placements (check prerequisites).
q Send pre-course information to confirmed students.
q Advise unsuccessful students – flag the need to run additional courses if required.
q Order Field Operations Guides and any other consumables.
q Check course gear and resources (see Annex C).
q Obtain student listing forward to course staff.
q Book lunches and refreshments.
q Notify FIRECOM and POLCOM, and District Chief Fire Officer of practical exercises –
Pre-plan for PRT to attend and advise use of acoustic explosives (if applicable).
q Have Trainers meeting (or teleconference) to discuss administration and delivery of
course (include financial, contractual and transportation issues).
1 week prior
1 day prior
Course Programme
Module A
Start Finish Action Notes
0800 0810 0.1 Welcome Complete course sign in sheet
Toilets, fire exit, fire warden,
0810 0815 0.2 Facility & safety briefing first aid kit, first aider, OSH
reporting, kitchen, breaks.
0.3 Introductions & Individual
0815 0835
Goal Setting
Hand out Student Manual &
0835 0845 0.4 Course Overview & Objectives
Responder FOG
0845 0855 1.1 USAR NZ History
Day 1 continued…
5.3 Line & Hail Search (Practical) & 5.3 & 5.4 run concurrently,
1530 1555
5.4 Stretcher Walk (Practical) student group split into 2 teams
Practical modules 5.2 – 5.4 are optional under Category 0 training delivery.
Module B
Start Finish Action Notes
0800 0805 Module B Briefing Start day at Practical Venue
Lesson Prompts
Lesson Prompt Format
Lesson prompts contained within this package are kept in a brief, key point format as
trainers of this package should have completed further training and be well versed
with the subject matter.
The lesson prompts are only meant as a guide to promote consistency of course
delivery. The trainer is welcome to introduce other content should time permit.
Each section of the programme has been allocated a unique and sequential
identifier. Each section has its own respective Power Point slide(s) and in most cases
will also have presenter’s notes.
The course has been designed to use a digital projector for the primary visual
teaching aid, and although colour overheads are provided these may not have video
or sound files that are available through Power Point mode.
The following prompts are further identified by either the suffix Event or Lesson.
Event Prompts are not formal learning opportunities, but prompt the trainer to cover
general or administrative issues. Such prompts include the course welcome, safety
briefings and debriefing.
Lesson Prompts are formal learning opportunities, which enable the student to
achieve the course’s terminal objective.
Skill Check
The Skill Check is designed to ensure students have understood some of the key
points of the lesson before moving to the next lesson and to promote trainer/student
interaction.
Answers are generally found in the lesson plan key points, in some cases however
you may wish to refer to the student manual also.
You may wish to have students discuss the question(s) as a group also.
Power Point presentations have been split into their respective sections and further
denoted by slide number. For example the slide for USAR History (Module 1.1)
comes from section 1 and uses slide 1, so it is given the reference PPT 1.1.
Event Prompt
0.1 Welcome
Objective
To welcome everyone to the course.
Duration (mins) 10 Location Classroom
Skill Check
Nil
Event Prompt
0.2 Facility & Safety Briefing
Objective
To ensure OSH requirements are met by outlining emergency procedures and
equipment.
Duration (mins) 5 Location Classroom
Skill Check
1 Where is your closest fire exit?
Event Prompt
0.3 Introductions & Goal Setting
Objective
Introduce staff and allow students to introduce themselves, as well as indicating their
personal goals for the course.
Duration (mins) 20 Location Classroom
Cover:
• Name.
• Organisation.
• Experience in emergency work/USAR.
• A life achievement .
• Identify a personal learning goal/outcome for
the course.
• Maybe also a clean joke to share with the
group.
• Have fun.
Skill Check
Nil
Event Prompt
0.4 Course Overview & Objectives
Objective
Introduce course terminal and enabling objectives, and give an overview of the course
programme.
Duration (mins) 10 Location Classroom
Resources References
Skill Check
Nil
Lesson Prompt
1.1 USAR NZ History
Objective
To refresh students understanding on the evolution and purpose of urban search and
rescue, both globally and nationally.
Duration (mins) 10 Location Classroom
• Earthquakes.
• Structural accidents.
2 • Landslides.
• Train/Aviation accidents.
• Explosions.
• Storms.
• Single and multi site incidents.
• Terrorist attacks.
Skill Check
1. Define USAR
Lesson Prompt
1.2 USAR NZ Tier System
Objective
Refresh students understanding of the New Zealand USAR tiered training/operational
response system.
Duration (mins) 5 Location Classroom
Resources References
• US NFPA 1670
o Awareness
o Operations
o Technician
2
• European 4 CL
o Awareness
o Medium
o Heavy
o Executive/Command
Skill Check
1. How does the Australian CAT1 differ from the NZ CAT1?
Lesson Prompt
1.3 USAR NZ Task Forces
Objective
Provide students with an awareness of the capability and role of USAR Task Forces
within New Zealand, and how USAR Responders interact with such resources.
Duration (mins) 5 Location Classroom
• Responder role is to
Skill Check
1. What are the locations of the New Zealand Task Forces?
Lesson Prompt
1.4 Orange Card Information
Objective
To introduce the students to the NZ USAR Orange Card and its guidelines for use.
Duration (mins) 10 Location Classroom
Resources References
Sample USAR Orange Card (Responder) FRSITO USAR Orange Card Pamphlet.
Skill Check
1. Do you get any special powers or authority if you are issued an Orange Card?
Lesson Prompt
1.5 Support Services & Resources
Objective
Refresh students’ knowledge on the range of support services and resources that can
be used at USAR operations.
Duration (mins) 10 Location Classroom
Resources References
Skill Check
1 What others resources or services could be used, that are not listed above?
Lesson Prompt
1.6 Response Team Composition
Objective
Introduce the typical composition of a typical USAR Response Team.
Duration (mins) 10 Location Classroom
Resources References
• Composition
o Team Leader.
o Safety Officer (multiple teams).
o 3-6 Certified Responders
(includes Deputy Team
Leader).
1 • Manageable span of control = 5-7.
Skill Check
1. If you were a Team Leader and have 7 certified Responders and 4 bystanders, how would you
compose your team?
Lesson Prompt
1.7 Personal Protective Equipment
Objective
Refresh students’ knowledge on PPE used in USAR operations (Responder level).
Duration (mins) 10 Location Classroom
Resources References
Samples of PPE (as below)
Skill Check
1. Name some items required as the minimum level of PPE required for USAR operations.
Lesson Prompt
1.8 Helmet Coding System
Objective
Introduce students to the MCDEM helmet marking system and USAR helmet colour
coding system.
Duration (mins) 5 Location Classroom
Resources References
Other Points
Skill Check
1. What does an orange helmet and one reflective orange stripe indicate?
Lesson Prompt
1.9 Health & Hygiene
Objective
Refresh students’ knowledge on health and hygiene issues and management
strategies.
Duration (mins) 20 Location Classroom
Resources References
Skill Check
1. Name a health or hygiene issue and explain a management strategy for it.
Lesson Prompt
1.10 CIMS Overview & Video
Objective
Introduce students to the New Zealand Co-ordinated Incident Management and
explain its importance to USAR Operations.
Duration (mins) 20 Location Classroom
Resources References
Introduction to CIMS video CIMS Manual
Skill Check
1. What are four major responsibilities of the incident controller?
Lesson Prompt
1.11 Initial Action Strategies
Objective
Refresh students’ knowledge on the initial action strategies for first Responders at a
structural collapse incident.
Duration (mins) 10 Location Classroom
Resources References
Centralise Logistics.
Ensure there is only ONE logistics area for the
whole incident for all agencies, with a
representative from all agencies to assist. This pre-
vents resource request duplication.
Skill Check
1. Explain one of the initial action strategies.
Lesson Prompt
2.1 Hazards
Objective
Refresh students’ on the 4 situational hazards and 2 environmental hazards
associated with USAR operations, and have them provide an example.
Duration (mins) 20 Location Classroom
Resources References
Situational:
• Structural instability.
• Below debris hazards.
• Surface hazards.
1 • Overhead hazards.
Environmental:
• Hazardous materials (HAZ-MAT)
• Utilities
Skill Check
1. Provide an example of a USAR hazard and identify what hazard type it belongs to.
Lesson Prompt
2.2 State of Equilibrium
Objective
Refresh students on the term state of equilibrium and ensure they understand its
importance in USAR operations.
Duration (mins) 5 Location Classroom
Resources References
Skill Check
1. Why is it important to understand how the state of equilibrium affects USAR operations?
Lesson Prompt
2.3 Safe Working Practices
Objective
Refresh students understanding of the three safe working groups and ensure they
understand at least four practices from each group.
Duration (mins) 10 Location Classroom
Resources References
• Personal.
• Planning.
1 • General.
Skill Check
1. What are the three safe working practice groups?
Lesson Prompt
2.4 Confined Space Operations
Objective
Refresh students on the definition of a confined space, the associated standard for
working in confined spaces and the protocol for USAR Responders exposed to such
operations.
Duration (mins) 5 Location Classroom
Resources References
AS 2865 Working in Confined Spaces (Australian AS 2865 Working in Confined Spaces (Australian
Standard). Standard).
Examples:
Skill Check
1. What is the standard for confined space operation in New Zealand?
Lesson Prompt
2.5 Occupancy Interviews
Objective
Refresh students on the key questions that need to be answered during the initial
occupancy interview.
Duration (mins) 10 Location Classroom
Resources References
CIMS Situation Report (SITREP) form
Skill Check
1. Why is it important to document your interview and search results?
Lesson Prompt
3.1 Construction Methods & Hazards
Objective
Refresh students on typical New Zealand building construction methods and
associated hazards when collapsed.
Duration (mins) 20 Location Classroom
Resources References
• Timber Frame.
1 • Reinforced masonry.
• Un-reinforced masonry.
• Concrete tilt up.
• Reinforced concrete/steel frame.
Skill Check
1. Name a NZ method of building construction and an associated collapse hazard.
Lesson Prompt
3.2 Collapse Patterns
Objective
Refresh students’ understanding on the common collapse patterns and their
associated voids that may contain victims.
Duration (mins) 15 Location Classroom
Resources References
• Include:
o V collapse pattern.
o Lean to floor.
o Curtain wall fall.
o Inwards/outwards.
o Angle wall.
o Lean over.
o Pancake.
1 • There are others such as cantilever,
progressive, A (or Tent) collapse patterns.
Skill Check
1. Name a collapse pattern.
Lesson Prompt
3.3 Secondary Collapse Indicators
Objective
Refresh students’ understanding on secondary collapse indicators, and ensure they
are able to identify specific examples for each indicator.
Duration (mins) 15 Location Classroom
Resources References
• Movement in structure.
• Visual indicators.
• Audible indicators.
1
• Safety Officer must be vigilant and
continually monitor scene for secondary
collapse indicators.
Skill Check
1. Give an example from each secondary collapse indicator.
Lesson Prompt
4.1 Structural Identification Systems
Objective
Refresh students on marking systems used to identify locations for single and multiple
structures.
Duration (mins) 10 Location Classroom
Resources References
Barrier tape and spray paint.
• INSARAG Standard.
• INSARAG Standard.
• A B C D E F G H I etc
Skill Check
1. What would be the identification code for first floor (above ground floor) at the far left corner?
Lesson Prompt
4.2 FEMA Structure Hazard Evaluation
Objective
Introduce students to the FEMA Structure Hazard Evaluation Marking System.
Duration (mins) 5 Location Classroom
Resources References
1 • Phases of marking:
Skill Check
1. Should NZ Responders be using the FEMA marking system?
Lesson Prompt
4.3 Collapse Plan Phases - REPEAT
Objective
Refresh students on the collapse plan phases.
Duration (mins) 15 Location Classroom
Resources References
USAR Responder Field Operations Guide
• Reconnaissance:
Survey the area, size up the incident, conduct
hazard assessment, gather initial intelligence.
• Elimination of utilities:
Turn off gas, water, electricity.
• Exploration of voids:
Use specialists to explore voids using physical,
animal, and electronic search techniques.
Skill Check
1. What is the pneumonic for the collapse plan phases?
Lesson Prompt
4.4 Warning Signals
Objective
To refresh students on the INSARAG warning signals used at USAR incidents.
Duration (mins) 5 Location Classroom
Resources References
Evacuate
Three short blasts (repeatedly).
Cease Operations – All Quiet
1 Long blast.
Resume Operations
Long blast followed by short blast.
Other Considerations
Skill Check
1. Can other whistle signalling systems like the rope rescue SUDRH system be used?
Lesson Prompt
4.5 Search & Victim Marking Systems
Objective
Refresh students’ understanding of the INSARAG search/structure assessment and
victim location markings.
Duration (mins) 25 Location Classroom
Resources References
Skill Check
1. If you immediately removed 6 victims (alive), but confirmed visually there were 2 alive victims left
down a void… how would you indicate this using a victim marking?
Lesson Prompt
5.1 Practical Video Demonstration
Objective
To provide an audio visual demonstration (by video) of practical surface search and
rescue techniques (including rubble crawl, line and hail search and stretcher walk)
prior to practical training.
Duration (mins) 15 Location Classroom
Resources References
Data Projector (with sound), lap top,
demonstration video CDROM.
Skill Check
1. What PPE should you be wearing prior to conducting any of the above practicals on a rubble pile?
Lesson Prompt
5.2 Rubble Crawl (Practical)
Objective
Provide a practical opportunity to practice and consolidate the rubble walk.
Duration (mins) 20 Location Rubble Pile
Resources References
Practical cache (as per Annex C)
Skill Check
1. Ensure students can safely and effectively carry out the rubble walk (includes correct use of PPE).
NOTE:
Next two lessons are run concurrently – Split student group into two now.
Lesson Prompt
5.3 Line & Hail Search (Practical)
Objective
Provide a practical opportunity to practice and consolidate the line and hail search
over a rubble pile, while incorporating the rubble walk.
Duration (mins) 25 Location Rubble Pile
Resources References
Practical cache (as per Annex C)
Skill Check
1. Ensure students can safely and effectively carry out line and hail search while incorporating the
rubble walk (includes correct use of PPE). Check off students workbooks.
Lesson Prompt
5.4 Stretcher Walk (Practical)
Objective
Provide a practical opportunity to practice and consolidate the stretcher walk, while
incorporating the rubble walk.
Duration (mins) 25 Location Rubble Pile
Resources References
Practical cache (as per Annex C)
Skill Check
1. Ensure students can safely and effectively conduct a stretcher walk while incorporating the rubble
crawl (includes correct use of PPE). Check off students workbooks.
NOTE: Combine both student teams back together for end of day informal
debrief.
Lesson Prompt
5.5 Marking Systems (Practical)
Objective
Refresh students knowledge of the search/structure assessment marking, in a
practical setting.
Duration (mins) 30 Location Rubble Pile or near by
Resources References
Portable whiteboard
Skill Check
1. Ensure students can correctly illustrate and interpret the INSARAG markings. Check off students
workbooks.
Lesson Prompt
6.1 Response Walk Through
Objective
To provide students a walk through and interactive demonstration on how to provide
initial response to a structural collapse.
Duration (mins) 60 Location Rubble Pile or approved site.
Resources References
Practical cache (as per Annex C)
1 minute to brief.
Discuss initial action strategies
35 minutes.
10 minutes.
Action hand over or SITREP
4 minutes.
Skill Check
1. Ensure all students understand the basics of providing an initial response.
Lesson Prompt
6.2 Exercise 1
Objective
Provide simulation for students to conduct support operations at a major structural
collapse incident.
Duration (mins) 60 Location Rubble Pile or Exercise Site 1
Resources References
Practical cache (as per Annex C)
Skill Check
1. Note feedback and ensure protocols adhered to.
Lesson Prompt
6.3 Exercise 2
Objective
To provide simulation for students to conduct first response operations at a structural
collapse incident.
Duration (mins) 120 Location Rubble Pile or Exercise Site 2
Skill Check
1. Note feedback and ensure protocols adhered to.
Lesson Prompt
7.1 Professional Role Development
Objective
To introduce students to available and proposed on going education and professional
role development options.
Duration (mins) 15 Location Classroom
Resources References
Information from course/certificate
providers.
Skill Check
1. Name a course or qualification you can do as part of your on going education as an USAR
Responder?
Event Prompt
7.2 End of Course Quiz
Objective
To provide students a summative theoretical assessment to conclude and measure
the learning to date.
Duration (mins) 30 Location Classroom
• Closed book.
• No talking.
• May clarify interpretation with trainer.
1 • Individual.
• Supervised.
• Oral assessment available if needed.
• Peer mark and hand in for assessment
evidence.
Skill Check
As per step 1 (quiz)
Event Prompt
7.3 Course Summary
Objective
To provide a summary of objectives achieved on course to consolidate learning.
Duration (mins) 15 Location Classroom
Resources References
Skill Check
1. Have we achieved all the enabling and terminal objectives?
Event Prompt
7.4 Course Debrief & Administration
Objective
To provide an effective course debrief to ensure all issues are identified and provide
closure to the learning event.
Duration (mins) 45 Location Classroom
Skill Check
N/A
Event Prompt
7.5 Course Farewell & Dispersal
Objective
Farewell students and disperse.
Duration (mins) 1 Location Classroom
Resources References
Skill Check
N/a
q Post completed Assessment Evidence Workbooks back to students, retain marking guide
for each workbook assessed and copy of course quiz used (for moderation purposes) –
applicable to unit standard assessment based courses.
q Contact students that were assessed NYC and arrange re-assessment (if applicable).
q Analyse and file returned course evaluation forms (as per Privacy requirements).
Acknowledgements
Developed by
Steve Glassey
On behalf of
Technical Editors
Ian Craig
USAR Technician (NZ TF-2) & National USAR Training Standards Committee
Environment Canterbury Civil Defence
Bernie Rush
National Rescue Manager
NZ-TF1 Manager
New Zealand Fire Service
David Brunsden
Acknowledgements
The project manager wishes to thank the following individuals and organisations that
have contributed to the development of this package.
Bernie Rush, Jim Dance, Lynda Angus, Ian Craig, David Brunsden, Des Bull, Trevor
Brown, Leonce Jones, David Guard, Chris Hurring, Graeme Mills, Shane Briggs,
Charles Ollivier, Daphne Sutton, Geoff Williams, Tom Roche, and the following
organisations: