Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit covers the role of the aeromedical team and the use of fixed and rotary wing
aircraft in search and rescue. The content related to air search techniques includes search patterns, homing techniques and observer procedures. Rescue techniques focus on the rotary wing aircraft aeromedical rescue team and the specific skill of stabilising and packaging the patient for winching to safety. The safety requirements of search and rescue are emphasised and post impact land survival techniques, water safety and sea survival are discussed.

This unit is only open to ambulance and MICA paramedics, registered nurses and
doctors who are employees of public or private aeromedical retrieval providers and
operational Australian military flight paramedics. Physical capacity testing is an automatic requirement of ambulance participants and conducted by their respective employers. Nurses and doctors interested in enrolling in this unit should refer to their employers for specific physical capacity testing to ensure their ability to safely undertake the underwater escape training component of this unit.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit, the student should be able to:

1. describe the role of fixed and rotary wing aircraft and the aeromedical team in

2. describe and explain air search techniques including the role of the observer;
3. describe and explain the requirements for packaging patients for rescue;
4. discuss survival techniques on land and in sea;
5. participate in helicopter winching techniques; and
6. identify the required elements of aeromedical retrieval rescue pertaining to their

Assessment

Examination (50%)
Worksheets (50%)
Practical assessment (Pass/Fail)

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Ingrid Brooks

Contact hours

In order to pass this unit, both on and off campus students must complete the
attendance hurdle requirement to participate in the helicopter winching and water
safety and sea survival practicum. Depending on availability, suitablity and cost of local resources, off campus students may arrange for their hurdle requirement to be conducted locally. This would require prior consultation with and approval by the unit coordinator.

Prerequisites

PAR4201, PAR4202