Level 4 Specialist Rescue Operative Apprenticeship

Does efficiently and safely completing rescue operations from confined spaces at height or underground interest you? If so, read on to find out more about the level 4 specialist rescue operative apprenticeship.

Jobs and entry criteria for the level 4 specialist rescue operative apprenticeship

The specialist rescue operative apprenticeship provides opportunities for the apprentice to learn the skills required to provide a variety of rescue cover. They provide immediate rescue cover to those carrying out work or operating at height or in a confined space including platforms, wind turbines, chambers, tanks, vats, mines, sewers or any enclosed space. The main sectors who utilise specialist rescue operatives are utilities (water and power generation) and underground mines. Specialist rescue operatives will work in both small teams for search and rescue and large teams for casualty rescue. They will use environmental monitoring, respiratory protection (breathing apparatus including regenerative 4hr), specialist first aid, extraction and transport. Maintaining CPD throughout the career is vital.

Key responsibilities of a specialist rescue operative

The key responsibilities of a specialist rescue operative include providing rescue cover and completing safe rescue operations for people operating at height, in a confined space or exceptional hazards. Another responsibility will be to train others to operate and rescue competently with the aim of preventing accidents and incidents. In the event of an accident or incident, the main goal will be rescuing, saving and preserving lives while adhering to current legislation and company procedures. Routine inspections of equipment will also be carried out with expectations to report defects, conduct risk assessments. Rescue operatives will also demonstrate good knowledge and understanding of health, safety and the environment. Understanding what is and isn’t an acceptable risk to take through detailed hazard identification and risk assessment is vital.

Specialist rescue operations team working together to rescue workers from a mine
Specialist Rescue Operatives can be seen rescuing workers from a mine.

Level 4 Specialist Rescue Operative Core Competencies

Some examples of the core competencies covered by the specialist rescue operative job role are:

  • the significance of reporting and evaluating all potential work and site-specific hazards, including near misses and dangerous occurrences
  • when it’s necessary not to rescue an injured person
  • how fire spreads underground and in restricted spaces, and how to put out flames
  • strategies to identify the risks of activities using approved assessment processes
  • how to successfully communicate and build and maintain productive working relationships
  • individual learning styles and how to assess them
  • carry out rescue operations in a variety of locations and dangerous scenarios. (Including at heights, in oxygen-depleted, poisonous, and hot environments, and rescues requiring casualty entrapment)

The specialist rescue operative assessment plan and occupational standard can help to explain these in more detail providing further information if necessary.

Specialist rescue operative knowledge modules and vendor exams

As a specialist rescue operative you will gain experience and knowledge in the following:

  • using legal and regulatory compliance, as well as the reasons behind it
  • the significance of adhering to policies, procedures, and work instructions eg. health and safety, hazard identification and risk assessment
  • procedures for responding to and carrying out emergency rescue operations
  • working at heights, confined space entry, and specialist rescue operations in underground mines, heights, and confined spaces
  • adequate and effective anchor point for a safe starting place for work
  • working at heights, in restricted spaces, and in underground environments has its own set of dangers and risks, which must be managed to an appropriate degree
  • train others in health and safety requirements and adapt training to people’s different learning styles

Specialist rescue operatives need to complete three assessment methods; a knowledge test, a practical observation and a professional discussion.

Conclusion

The level 4 specialist rescue operative is a great start for those considering a future career in rescue. The core skills covered in the apprenticeship will provide a great foundation for a successful career in rescue operations. Get in touch with us today for further information on this amazing opportunity.