Primary Skills
There are six primary skills training modules that have been designed to give selected personnel the underpinning practical and technical knowledge required to safely operate equipment carried on USAR modules.
Completion of all modules at approved training providers, will allow personnel to be accredited with the "USAR Technician" status.
1. USAR Technician 1 (USART1) Module
Focuses solely on the equipment carried on USAR Units 1, 3 and 4 and is designed to teach basic tool skills. This will initially be delivered at the Fire Service College (FSC).
2. USAR Technician 2 (USART2) Module
Allows individuals to build on the skills learnt within USART1, and to apply these skills within a range of training facilities specifically designed for the purpose. The USART2 module has been developed to allow compliance with international standards for medium/heavy search and rescue operations, and will be delivered at the FSC.
3. Safe Working at Height Module
Following an accreditation of prior learning (APL) audit process, each individual will be carryout a two day Safe Working at Height Module.
4. Hook Lift/Prime Mover Operator Module
An RTITB accredited course designed to give USAR operators the ability to load unload and operate prime movers and associated modules.
5. Multi Purpose Vehicle Operator Module
An RTITB accredited course designed to give an introduction to basic operations and maintenance.
6. Specialist Skills Training
The secondary skills training modules are designed to provide individuals within Fire and Rescue Services USAR teams with the full range of specialist skills and knowledge required at structural collapse incidents. These training modules will be delivered by a number of approved training providers, but primarily at the FSC.
Due to the specialist nature of the training modules and maintenance of competency (MOC) issues, Fire and Rescue Services will need to be cognisant of the fact that it is considered unlikely that any one individual will receive all of the training modules being developed.
Skills include
Multi Purpose, Vehicle Chainsaw Operations, Confined Space Operations, Canine Search Operations ,Rigging and Lifting, USAR CBRN Operations, Urban Search and Rescue Instructor, PM/HL Instructor, Rope Access and Rescue, Major Transport and Logistics Specialist.