Course Overview
The Vertical Rescue (VERT) course gives learners the practical skills to participate in rescue operations and undertake vertical rescues using ropes and specialised equipment in industrial environments. It covers how to prepare and respond to rescue operations, contribute to risk assessments at the rescue scene, perform and conclude rescues, alongside how to assess vertical rescue scenes, establish vertical rescue systems, perform vertical rescues, and terminate vertical rescue operations in accordance with workplace procedures.
Undertaking vertical rescue is a specialist rescue capability required across high-risk industrial workplaces, where workers may need to access, recover and remove casualties from heights, depths or vertically restricted environments using ropes, anchors and rescue systems. The 4-day Vertical Rescue course delivered at ERGT Australia provides learners with the practical knowledge and hands-on experience required to participate in rescue operations and undertake vertical rescues as part of an industrial emergency response team. Designed for Emergency Response Team (ERT) members and operational personnel working in industrial environments where rope-based rescue capability is required, this course focuses on rescue operation preparation, rescue scene assessment and risk management, vertical rescue equipment and system selection, anchor establishment and monitoring, casualty access, packaging and extrication, and post-rescue debriefing in accordance with workplace procedures and legislative requirements.
Through a combination of facilitator-led learning, demonstrations and practical activities in a simulated work environment, learners will build the confidence and capability to participate in rescue operations, establish and operate vertical rescue systems, access and extract casualties safely from vertical environments, and apply post-rescue procedures in line with industry best practice. Upon successful completion, learners will be job-ready to participate in rescue operations and undertake vertical rescues as part of a workplace emergency response team.
Key details
Learning Objectives
- By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Prepare and respond to rescue
- Contribute to a risk assessment at the scene
- Perform rescue
- Conclude rescue operations
- Prepare and respond to vertical rescue
- Assess scene
- Establish vertical rescue system
- Perform vertical rescue
- Terminate vertical rescue operations
Prior Skills & Knowledge
Training Standard Pre-requisites:
Evidence of the following pre-requisite/s must be provided to ERGT for verification prior to course commencement:
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
If you are unsure of your suitability please contact ERGT before enrolling.
What to expect
Learner Support:
- Learner wellbeing for this course is supported through measures that recognise the physical, cognitive, and psychological demands of vertical rescue training across a 4-day intensive program. As the course involves working at height, operating in suspension, managing simulated casualties, and applying rescue techniques in physically and cognitively demanding scenarios, ERGT implements support strategies that prioritise learner safety, confidence and readiness. This ensures learners can safely participate in all practical components without compromising their wellbeing or safety.
Physical Wellbeing Support:
- Trainers continuously monitor learners during practical activities for signs of fatigue, suspension discomfort, restricted movement or physical strain across all four training days.
- Practical activities are introduced progressively, with scheduled rest, hydration and recovery periods incorporated between vertical rescue exercises to support fatigue management.
- Equipment fit and adjustment, including harnesses and personal protective equipment, are checked before and throughout practical sessions, with trainer support for adjustment where required.
- Learners are encouraged to disclose any physical concerns (e.g. fatigue, minor injury, restricted movement, suspension discomfort) so adjustments can be made to participation across the 4-day program.
Psychological & Emotional Wellbeing Support:
- Trainers provide clear pre-activity briefings to prepare learners for working at height and in suspension, including what to expect during vertical rescue activities and safety controls in place.
- Learners experiencing discomfort or anxiety when working at height, in suspension or during simulated rescue scenarios are supported through gradual exposure, additional guidance or alternative sequencing of activities where appropriate.
- Post-activity debriefs are conducted to reinforce learning, address concerns and build confidence in safe vertical rescue practices.
Cognitive Support for Safety-Critical Tasks:
- Structured delivery of rescue principles, vertical rescue theory, equipment selection, anchor systems and casualty management procedures prior to practical application.
- Step-by-step demonstrations of rope techniques, anchor establishment, descender and ascender use, casualty packaging and rescue system operation.
- Use of visual aids, demonstrations and real equipment to reinforce understanding of safe vertical rescue practices throughout the 4-day program.
Related courses
CPR
- Perth Safety Training Centre
BAIR
- Perth Safety Training Centre
BAWORK
ASW_SM
Contain It
- Perth Safety Training Centre
FOETCA_EBS
- Melbourne Safety Training Centre
- Perth Safety Training Centre
