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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Undertake an aquatic rescue from a helicopter 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
255827  Undertake an aquatic rescue from a helicopter 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Sport, Recreation & Fitness 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 02 - Culture and Arts Sport 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The learner achieving this unit standard will be able to undertake a variety of rescues acting as rescue crewman in a helicopter. The benefit to the individual is that he/she will understand the context and complexities of such rescues, be able to perform the rescues, and undertake an appraisal of their own performance. The training of lifeguards to perform the function of undertaking rescues from a helicopter in the aquatic environment is a crucial addition to the range of life guarding skills. The mastery of these skills will benefit the sub-field greatly as the public enjoys the benefits of this extended service.

On achievement of this unit standard the learner will understand and be able to:
  • Ensure safety when operating in and around a helicopter.
  • Identify and describe the equipment used in helicopter rescues.
  • Explain the contexts within which helicopter rescues take place.
  • Perform a helicopter-based aquatic rescue.
  • Evaluate own performance in executing the rescue from a helicopter.

    On completion of the unit standard the learner should be ready to develop learning in further, more complex processes related to life guarding, aerial transport and/or helicopter operations. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Personal water competence sufficient to swim 400 metres in the aquatic environment.
  • Communication skills in a first language equivalent to NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical literacy equivalent to NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Where applicable, range statements have been included under individual specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Ensure safety when operating in and around a helicopter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pre-flight safety checks are undertaken in accordance with approved checklist, workplace procedures and regulatory requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    In-flight safety checks are undertaken according to standard practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety procedures are followed in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Landing safety procedures are followed in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    All helicopter signals are understood and ably demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify and describe the equipment used in helicopter rescues. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types and capabilities of helicopters usually used in aquatic rescues are explained in terms of lifeguarding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All life guarding rescue equipment to be used is identified and named correctly and their use detailed as part of a rescue operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The parts of each item of equipment are identified and their functions are explained in relation to the complete piece of equipment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the contexts within which helicopter rescues take place. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The phases of a typical rescue are identified and described with reference to the role of a helicopter. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Initial communication and awareness, assembly of crew and equipment, identification of location, outbound, location and rescue, inbound, aftercare.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A range of scenarios is described, and problems pertinent to each are outlined with reference to the use of a helicopter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Methods of rescue related to each scenario are explained in terms of best practice. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform a helicopter-based aquatic rescue. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Preparation for the rescue is done speedily and efficiently according to standard procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The pilot is assisted in determining the location using appropriate equipment and/or methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Actions of the lifeguard are synchronised with the helicopter manoeuvres to enable safe and successful rescue attempts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The jump is executed safely in acceptable conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Contact with the patient is made efficiently in order to proceed with the rescue. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Support and recovery are completed with proper patient care. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Evaluate own performance in executing the rescue from a helicopter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The learner's own performance is subjected to self-appraisal based on the rescue attempt completed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal training needs are analysed against weaknesses identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A suitable personal training programme is outlined in order to meet skills gaps identified. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed against this unit standard (including through RPL) may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), or one with an appropriate memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard, or assessing this unit standard, must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The knowledge underpinning and integral to the above specific outcomes comprises the content below:
  • Items of equipment used in helicopter rescues, and their use.
  • Contexts within which the rescues take place.
  • Methods of handling each context so as to achieve best practice.
  • Techniques to perform a rescue simulation at a good standard.
  • The means by which to evaluate own performance in executing the rescue from a helicopter. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation:
  • A great deal of self organisation and discipline is required to ensure optimum performance in undertaking helicopter rescues. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information-review:
  • Information evaluation is embodied in the research of information related to the 'helicopter rescue techniques used. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication:
  • Communication is essential with any support resources, and with a conscious patient during helicopter rescues. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Appropriate use of science and technology:
  • The learner can be expected to develop competence in the use of rescue equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems:
  • This is achieved by analysing the way in which many different tasks are brought together with the common purpose of ensuring effective helicopter rescues. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Personal development through responsible citizenship:
  • Ensuring effective helicopter rescues reaffirms a commitment to responsible citizenship. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  61509   Further Education and Training Certificate: Lifeguarding  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.