Emergency Services Skills Assessments

• Assessment Scope: The ESSA assesses practical capability across five emergency response disciplines through performance-based activities observed by a qualified ERGT assessor.
• Breathing Apparatus:
• Inspection, assembly and operational checking of breathing apparatus equipment.
• Correct donning, operational readiness checks and doffing of breathing apparatus and associated personal protective equipment.
• Fire Team Operations:
• Operation of firefighting equipment including pumps, hose reels, attack lines and foam systems.
• Application of fireground communications, basic firefighting principles and incident approach considerations.
• Vertical Rescue:
• Selection, inspection and fitting of harnesses and associated rescue equipment.
• Construction and checking of basic rope rescue systems, including anchors, lowering systems and haul systems.
• Medical:
• Assessment and management of medical emergencies using recognised first aid principles.
• Demonstration of CPR, AED operation and casualty assessment skills within a practical assessment scenario..
• Road Crash Rescue:
• Identification and safe handling of road crash rescue equipment.
• Demonstration of scene assessment, incident communication, rescue planning, and application of road crash rescue principles.

As the ESSA is an assessment-only process, no formal training or instruction is provided during the session.

The ESSA is conducted in a 3-hour assessment session. Candidates complete a series of practical assessment activities across five emergency response disciplines, with performance observed and evaluated by a qualified ERGT assessor.
Assessment activities may include:

• Practical demonstration of emergency response skills and equipment operation.
• Equipment inspection, assembly, operational checks and safe handling activities.
• Verbal explanation of emergency response principles, decision-making processes and operational considerations where required to support assessment evidence.
• Performance-based assessment activities designed to validate capability against defined industry benchmarks.
• Structured feedback and debriefing at the conclusion of the assessment.

The ESSA is designed for experienced emergency response personnel who hold current competency in the assessed disciplines and are seeking to validate their skills as part of the AIHS Emergency Response certification process, or to demonstrate operational readiness to their employer or industry peers.
It is particularly suited to Emergency Response Team (ERT) members, emergency response officers, and rescue team personnel working in the mining and resources sector who need to confirm currency and capability across the five assessed disciplines.

The ESSA is not suitable for personnel who are new to emergency response or who do not yet hold established competence across the assessed areas. Candidates who arrive without current practical capability in the assessed disciplines are unlikely to achieve a Satisfactory or Seasoned outcome and will receive a Developing outcome for those areas.

Candidates should review the ESSA Guide for Candidates and complete the ESSA Self-Assessment Tool before attending, to confirm their readiness for assessment across all five disciplines.

Physical Requirements

The ESSA involves sustained physically demanding activity across all five disciplines in a 3-hour assessment session. Candidates must have the physical capacity to safely and independently perform all of the following:

• Wear and operate breathing apparatus and associated personal protective equipment.Operate and handle emergency response equipment safely and effectively.
• Lift, carry, move and position equipment used during practical assessment activities.
• Wear PPE and breathing apparatus for extended periods.
• Stand, walk, kneel, bend, reach and work in confined or restricted positions as required during practical tasks.
• Perform manual handling activities associated with emergency response equipment and casualty management techniques.
• Maintain balance, coordination and dexterity while completing practical assessment activities.
• Maintain situational awareness and work safely throughout the assessment session.

A medical certificate is not required; however, a health questionnaire and declaration of fitness will be required at registration. If you have any concerns about your capacity to meet these requirements, contact ERGT Australia before enrolling.
Under the respiratory protection standard AS/NZS 1715, candidates must be clean-shaven to achieve an effective facial seal when wearing breathing apparatus. If you are unsure whether this requirement applies to you, contact ERGT Australia prior to your assessment date.

Psychological and Emotional Demands

The ESSA is conducted under assessment conditions and may create performance pressure for some candidates. Candidates should be comfortable demonstrating their skills under observation and receiving feedback on their performance. Candidates who have concerns about participating in an assessment environment are encouraged to contact ERGT Australia before enrolling.

Candidates who are concerned about the assessment format or who anticipate difficulty performing under observation are encouraged to contact ERGT Australia before enrolling to discuss their readiness.

Behavioural and Safety Demands

All candidates are required to:

• Follow assessor instructions and all safety procedures precisely at all times during practical assessment tasks.

• Communicate clearly and effectively with team members throughout all practical activities and assessment scenarios.

• Adhere to ERGT Australia's site safety rules and all applicable safety protocols throughout the assessment.

• Report any health, fitness, or equipment concerns to the assessor before or immediately during the session.

• Behave professionally and respectfully toward all participants and the assessor throughout the assessment.
   

Learners must have basic Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) skills sufficient to understand safety procedures. Support is available on request contact ERGT Australia to discuss your needs.