Target learner group
The learners are individuals working in high-risk, aerial, or outdoor operations, including arborists, tree care professionals, high-angle or rope access workers, and emergency responders in forestry or outdoor industries. They range from entry to mid-level in arboriculture, tree maintenance, or forestry, and require practical skills in tree climbing, rigging, safe work positioning, and the use of climbing equipment.
They also need to understand and apply workplace safety procedures, conduct job safety analyses, use PPE, plan and manage rescues, and operate safely in variable outdoor environments with hazards such as power lines and team-based tasks.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Plan and prepare for aerial rescues, including emergency communication, first aid, PPE, and team coordination
- Assess and respond to aerial emergencies safely, activating rescue plans and managing hazards
- Access trees using low-risk methods while maintaining communication and ensuring safety
- Inspect trees and climbing equipment, configure climbing systems, and prepare knots, spurs, and gaffs for safe access
- Select, install, and test anchor points; ascend and position safely in trees for work tasks
- Assess casualty condition and system integrity, providing first aid above ground when required
- Lower casualties safely to the ground using appropriate rescue techniques with team support
- Communicate effectively with the work team and maintain awareness of hazards, including electrical lines
- Descend from trees safely, remove equipment in a controlled manner, and inspect, clean, maintain, and store climbing and safety gear
- Complete rescue operations, including on-ground first aid, handover to emergency services, equipment isolation, and incident reporting
Prerequisites
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
AHCARB319 Use arborist climbing techniques.