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WORKING WITH FIRE AGENCIES AT

BUSHFIRES

Protocols for Volunteers Involved in Wildlife Rescue Operations

Version 4.1

October 2010

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Working with Fire Agencies at Bushfires

Protocols for Volunteers involved in Wildlife Rescue Operations

Working with Fire Agencies at Bushfires Protocols for Volunteers involved in Wildlife Rescue Operations

DSE developed this document to guide the working relationship between the Country Fire Authority (CFA), the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and independent wildlife shelters, foster carers, wildlife rehabilitation and rescue organisations, and other individuals and groups undertaking wildlife rescue activities during bushfire events. © The State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment, 2010 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced, copied, transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical or graphic) without the prior written permission of the State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment. Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information this publication.

Version Control

Version Date Prepared by Reviewed/Edited by

1.0 Nov 2007 Rinske Poulier

Mark Cairns

Louise Salter

Brett Donaldson

2.0 August 2009 Mark Cairns Cain Trist Scott Lawrence

Wayne Buckman Alicia Houston

Kirsty Greengrass Tim Wearne

Annelise Peyton Jacqui Papworth

3.0 September 2009 Scott Lawrence

Kirsty Greengrass

Annelise Peyton

Jacqui Papworth

Cain Trist

CFA Legal and OH&S

DSE Legal and Risk and Insurnace

4.0 November 2009 Cain Trist Cain Trist

4.1 October 2010 Jacqui Papworth Cain Trist Scott Lawrence

Kirsty Greengrass Jacqui Papworth

Caitlin Barry Stewart McGlashan

DSE Risk and Insurance

Acknowledgments These guidelines have been developed with the assistance of Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Country Fire Authority (CFA), Parks Victoria (PV), Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Australian Vets Association (AVA), Wildlife Victoria (WV), Help for Wildlife (HFW), Ballarat and District Greendale Animal Rescue (BADGAR), Wildlife Rescue Information Network (WRIN), Royal Society for Protection and Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), Wildlife Rescue and Protection (WRAP), Wildlife Help On the Mornington Peninsula (WHOMP) International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), State-wide Wildlife Rescue Emergency Service (SWRES), Zoo’s Victoria (ZV), and the Snowy Mountains Engineering Company Pty. Ltd. (SMEC)

Cover Page Photography Credits Images courtesy of Mark Cairns ©2007 - Controlled Burn 2007 (Main image) and Insets: Koala Phascolarctos cinereus (centre right) and Bushfire Aftermath 2009 (far right); and the Department of Sustainability and Environment ©DSE 2008 - Insets: Vet Triage February 2009 (centre left), and Mountain Pygmy Possum Burramys parvus (far left).

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Executive Summary

• Under the Emergency Management Act 1986 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, the fire agencies, through the Incident Controller, are at all times legally responsible for the safety, health and welfare of all incident personnel, including volunteers involved in wildlife rescue. The safety of all personnel is paramount during emergency activities.

• The Emergency Management Manual Victoria (EMMV) nominates DSE as the responsible agency for wildlife rehabilitation. Incident Controllers MUST consider wildlife issues, and identify and request appropriate support when wildlife rescue operations are required.

• All wildlife rescue volunteers and incident personnel involved in wildlife rescue operations must operate under a chain of command and reporting arrangements established by the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS) structure.

• If required on the fireground, wildlife volunteers will be formally requested by the Incident Controller. It is prohibited for any persons, including volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations, to access the fireground without the prior approval of the Incident Controller.

• In order to work with fire agencies at bushfire, all volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations must:

• Hold current accreditation in either DSE’s ‘Basic Wildfire Awareness’ or CFA’s ‘Maintain Safety at an Incident Scene’.

• If driving a 4x4 vehicle off road, all staff or volunteers must have 4WD Accreditation.

• Wear approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Participate in only one incident role at any given time, for example, a wildlife volunteer deployed to the fireground cannot in addition perform the role of a fire-fighter during that deployment;

• Be briefed and debriefed prior to the commencement and completion of their tasks / shift following the Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration, Command, Safety, Questions (SMEACSQ) format, and

• Read and understand these protocols, register their attendance at the beginning and end of each shift, and sign the Self Declared Health Checklist.

• Abide by the restrictions and legal requirements for the use of firearms, tranquilising equipment and scheduled drugs on the fireground.

• These protocols provide a framework to ensure that fire agencies and wildlife organisations operate together in a safe and respectful manner. Observance of the protocols will help to achieve a safer working environment for volunteers and result in better wildlife welfare outcomes.

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Table of Contents 1 Purpose and Intent ......................................................................................................................... 7

2 Application...................................................................................................................................... 7

3 Document structure ........................................................................................................................ 8

4 Review ........................................................................................................................................... 8

5 Activation Triggers for Wildlife Rescue Operations ......................................................................... 9

6 Animal and Wildlife Rescue Organisations and Resources .......................................................... 11

6.1 Wildlife .................................................................................................................................. 11

6.2 Companion Animals/Pets ...................................................................................................... 11

6.3 Agricultural Stock .................................................................................................................. 11

6.4 Veterinarian and Triage Resources ....................................................................................... 11

6.5 Hunting Organisations........................................................................................................... 12

6.6 Requesting Resources .......................................................................................................... 12

PART ONE.......................................................................................................................................... 13

7 Protocols for staff and volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations ....................................... 13

All staff and Volunteers .................................................................................................................... 13

Wildlife Welfare Officer .................................................................................................................... 13

Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator............................................................................................... 13

Wildlife Rescue Team Leader .......................................................................................................... 13

Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers ............................................................................................................. 14

Triage Veterinarians......................................................................................................................... 14

Volunteer Vet Nurses, Triage Assistants and Record Keepers......................................................... 14

8. Registration requirements ............................................................................................................ 15

9. Tasking volunteers to roles........................................................................................................... 15

10. Reporting arrangements ........................................................................................................... 15

11. Briefings.................................................................................................................................... 16

12. Access to the fireground ........................................................................................................... 17

13. Traffic Management Points ....................................................................................................... 18

14. Working Arrangements ............................................................................................................. 19

General Requirements..................................................................................................................... 19

Communications .............................................................................................................................. 19

Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers involved in wildlife rescue operations................................................... 19

Fatigue management ....................................................................................................................... 20

Working at night............................................................................................................................... 20

Establishment of Triage Areas ......................................................................................................... 20

Assessment of Animals.................................................................................................................... 20

Working with DPI Incident Management Team ................................................................................ 20

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Wildlife Release Strategy ................................................................................................................. 21

Movement of animals to shelters...................................................................................................... 21

Record keeping................................................................................................................................ 22

15. Restrictions............................................................................................................................... 23

Requirements for the use of firearms on a fireground ...................................................................... 23

Requirements for the use of tranquilising equipment on a fireground............................................... 23

Use of vehicles ................................................................................................................................ 24

The use of chainsaws ...................................................................................................................... 24

Tree climbing ................................................................................................................................... 24

Media............................................................................................................................................... 25

16. Financial Arrangements ............................................................................................................ 26

17. Deactivation Arrangements....................................................................................................... 26

18. Non Compliance ....................................................................................................................... 26

19. Issues and Dispute Resolution.................................................................................................. 27

PART TWO ......................................................................................................................................... 28

20. Role Statements and Responsibilities....................................................................................... 28

20.1 Wildlife Welfare Officer ...................................................................................................... 28

20.2 Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator................................................................................. 28

20.3 Wildlife Rescue Team Leader ............................................................................................ 29

20.4 Volunteer Wildlife Rescuer................................................................................................. 29

20.5 Triage Veterinarian ............................................................................................................ 29

20.6 Volunteer Vet Nurse and Triage Assistant ......................................................................... 30

20.7 Volunteer Triage Record Keeper ....................................................................................... 30

Appendix 1 List of Key Contacts for Wildlife Groups and Organisations ........................................ 31

Appendix 2 Minimum requirements for Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment for Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers................................................................................................................................. 34

Appendix 3 Self-Declared Health Checklist ................................................................................... 37

Appendix 4 Attendance, Contact Details, and Sign In/Out Sheet................................................... 38

Appendix 5 Volunteer Requirements: Wildlife Rescue Operations during Bushfire Incidents - Checklist 39

Appendix 6 Operational Structure for Level 1 Incidents ................................................................. 40

Appendix 7 Operational Structure for Level 2 and 3 Incident ......................................................... 41

Appendix 8 Wildlife Welfare Officer ............................................................................................... 41

Appendix 8 Wildlife Welfare Officer ............................................................................................... 42

Role Statement.................................................................................................................................... 42

Appendix 9 Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.......................................................................... 44

Role Statement.................................................................................................................................... 44

Appendix 10 Wildlife Rescue Team Leader ..................................................................................... 48

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Role Statement.................................................................................................................................... 48

Appendix 11 Volunteer Wildlife Rescuer.......................................................................................... 50

Role Statement.................................................................................................................................... 50

Appendix 12 Triage Veterinarian ..................................................................................................... 51

Role Statement.................................................................................................................................... 51

Appendix 13 Volunteer Vet Nurse and Triage Assistant .................................................................. 52

Role Statement.................................................................................................................................... 52

Appendix 14 Volunteer Triage Record Keeper ................................................................................ 53

Role Statement.................................................................................................................................... 53

Appendix 15 Animal Rescue Record ............................................................................................... 54

Appendix 16 ........................................................................................................................................ 55

Appendix 17 Animal Record Collation: Bushfire Incident (remember to staple all Animal Rescue Records and Animal Triage Records to this Animal Record Collation sheet) ....................................... 56

Appendix 18 Guidelines: Working Hours and Fatigue Related Risk Fire Management .................... 57

Appendix 19 Requirements for the use of firearms on a fireground ................................................. 59

Appendix 20 Requirements and conditions for the use of tranquilising equipment on a fireground and; Conditions around scheduled veterinarian drugs and controlled substances ............................... 65

Appendix 21 Firearms Flow Diagram................................................................................................... 72

Appendix 22 Glossary ....................................................................................................................... 73

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1 Purpose and Intent

These protocols guide the working relationship between the Country Fire Authority (CFA), the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and independent wildlife shelters, foster carers, wildlife rehabilitation and rescue organisations, and other groups and individuals undertaking wildlife rescue activities during bushfire events.

It is the intent of DSE and the CFA (the fire agencies) to work in partnership with individuals and organisations during fire events for the purpose of identifying, retrieving, transporting, treating and rehabilitating injured wildlife. The fire agencies, individuals, and organisations undertaking wildlife rescue will have a partnership characterised by understanding, safety, cooperation and goodwill.

It is the intent of these protocols to clarify when, and under what conditions, wildlife rescue personnel are authorised access to the fireground. Acknowledging that the success of wildlife rescue is contingent on early access, fireground access will only be permitted when declared safe to do so by the Incident Controller. Access timing to the fireground by Wildlife Rescuers is different to those of firefighters. Volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations are not permitted to be engaged in fire suppression activities, or operate in proximity to active fire at any stage.

Under the Emergency Management Act 1986 and the OH&S Act 2004, the fire agencies, through the Incident Controller, are at all times legally responsible for the safety, health and welfare of all incident personnel, including firefighters, volunteers involved in wildlife rescue, media representatives and other emergency workers operating on the fireground. DSE also has responsibilities under the Wildlife Act 1975 for wildlife.

The safety, health and welfare of incident personnel including wildlife rescue volunteers, is the overarching priority at all times for the fire agencies and will be the overarching priority for anyone entering the fireground during and following bushfire events.

All fire agency operations are conducted in accordance with the DSE and CFA’s State Fire Control Priorities, which are described in descending order:

1. Safety of personnel tasked to the incident;

2. Protection of members of the community;

3. Protection of critical infrastructure and community assets;

4. Aggressive first attack on new outbreaks; and

5. Protection of conservation and environmental values.

2 Application

These protocols apply to all Level 1, 2 and 3 bushfire incidents (see Section 5 for further information on incident levels) on public and/or private land. Application of these protocols to planned burns is at the discretion of the burn controller.

These protocols apply primarily to native wildlife rescue operations during a fire incident, however it is recognised that rescue teams may come across domestic animals (livestock or companion animals) that are injured by bushfire and in need of assistance. DPI is responsible for agricultural and companion animals (pets). These protocols provide guidance to the working relationship between the government agencies responsible for wildlife and domestic animal rescue activities during bushfires.

These protocols are specifically designed for bushfire emergencies; however, they may be used for planned burning operations where appropriate.

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3 Document structure

The following document is written in two parts:

Part One - Outlines the operation and minimum standards for Volunteers wishing to participate in wildlife rescue operations during bushfire events.

Part Two - Details the role statements and reporting relationships for roles associated with wildlife rescue operations within a DSE and/or CFA incident management structure.

4 Review

The implementation of this Protocol will be subject to review by the fire agencies and relevant volunteer organisations involved in wildlife rescue operations at the conclusion of the 2011/2012 fire season (approximately May - June 2012).

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5 Activation Triggers for Wildlife Rescue Operations

The Incident Controller of a bushfire emergency classify fire incidents as follows:

• Level 1 Incident - This is a small, simple fire (or group of fires) which is controlled with local resources. The incident may include other agencies. A second shift to manage the fire is unlikely to be required.

• Level 2 Incident - This is a developing, or developed fire of medium size or complexity. It is expected that the incident will be controlled within 24 hours. Resources from other locations are involved. The fire size is typically between 5 to 20 hectares (or much larger if there is little complexity).

• Level 3 Incident - This is a large or complex fire where resources from a range of locations are involved. In most circumstances a Level 3 fire will involve several agencies. The fire would normally be expected to exceed 24 hours.

Depending on the level of the incident, the Incident Controller via his/her Incident Management Team (IMT) will activate a request for wildlife rescue teams and associated resources (e.g. Triage, vets, etc) at different times during the incident.

Volunteers wishing to be involved in bushfire wildlife rescue operations MUST NOT self deploy. They must be formally requested by the Incident Management Team.

For volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations their first point of contact is with the Wildlife Welfare Officer or the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator within the Planning team within the IMT.

The Incident Controller is responsible for managing and controlling the incident, including developing and implementing strategies, and ordering the deployment and release of resources.

Wildlife Rescue Teams wishing to enter a fire ground must have received authorisation from the Incident Controller via his/her delegate (e.g. the Wildlife Welfare Officer or Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator) before doing so.

Failure to receive authorisation may result in the suspension of all wildlife rescue operations on the fire ground. The Incident Controller must have confidence that he/she, for safety reasons, knows where every individual has been tasked to.

Incident Controllers and their Incident Management Teams may be guided by the activation triggers listed below in Table 1 for the activation of wildlife rescue operations.

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Table 1 – Activation triggers for Incident Management Teams to request wildlife rescue resources.

Level 1 Incident# Level 2 Incident

# Level 3 Incident

#

Considerations • These fires will not normally require a Wildlife Welfare Officer to be present.

• Typically only a small numbers of wildlife are expected to be injured and require treatment.

• It would be anticipated that a reasonable number of wildlife are injured and require treatment.

• It would be anticipated that a significant number of wildlife would be injured and require treatment.

Triggers • DSE’s local knowledge of a particular area indicates that the rescue of wildlife will need to be considered as one of the priorities throughout the management of the bushfire.

• Firefighting crews have seen an injured animal (or several) on the fireground that requires treatment.

• Weather forecasts indicate that Volunteers may be required on standby, as per local arrangements.

• DSE’s local knowledge of a particular area indicates that the rescue of wildlife will need to be considered as one of the priorities throughout the management of the bushfire.

• Firefighting crews have seen an injured animal (or several) on the fire ground that requires treatment.

• A Level 1 fire is upgraded to a Level 2 fire.


• DSE’s local knowledge of a particular area indicates that the rescue of wildlife will need to be considered as one of the priorities throughout the management of the bushfire.

• Firefighting crews have seen an injured animal (or several) on the fire ground that requires treatment.

• A Level 2 fire is upgraded to a Level 3 fire.


Activation • For DSE, these triggers result in the Planning Officer requesting approval from the Incident Controller to fill the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator role. Upon the Incident Controllers’ approval, the appropriate persons will be contacted to attend the incident.

• For CFA, these triggers result in the Planning Officer requesting approval from the Incident Controller to ask an appropriate agency to provide an appropriately skilled person to fill the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator. Upon the Incident Controllers’ approval, the appropriate persons will be contacted to attend the incident.

• For DSE, these triggers result in the Planning Officer requesting the Incident Controller approval to fill the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator role and/or the Wildlife Welfare Officer role. Upon the Incident Controllers’ approval, the appropriate persons will be contacted to attend the incident.

• For the CFA, these triggers result in the Planning Officer requesting approval from the Incident Controller to ask an appropriate agency to provide an appropriately skilled person to fill the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator role and/or the Wildlife Welfare Officer role. Upon the Incident Controllers’ approval, the appropriate persons will be contacted to attend the incident.

• For DSE, these triggers result in the Planning Officer requesting the Incident Controller to fill the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator and/or the Wildlife Welfare Officer role. Upon the Incident Controllers’ approval, the appropriate persons will be contacted to attend the incident.

• For the CFA, these triggers result in the Planning Officer requesting approval from the Incident Controller to ask an appropriate agency to provide an appropriately skilled person to fill the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator role and/or the Wildlife Welfare Officer role. Upon the Incident Controllers’ approval, the appropriate persons will be contacted to attend the incident.

#Definitions for Level 1, 2 and 3 Incidents can be found in Appendix 22 – Glossary.

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6 Animal and Wildlife Rescue Organisations and Resources

A list of key contacts and available resources for wildlife groups and organisations can be found in Appendix 1.

6.1 Wildlife

There are a number of individuals and volunteer wildlife rescue organisations operating in Victoria that can provide assistance with the rescue, treatment, shelter, and rehabilitation of wildlife (this includes non-indigenous species that are listed under the Wildlife Act 1975). In addition, a number of these organisations have access to facilities for triage and transport of injured wildlife. They may also have access to vets experienced in native wildlife treatment.

6.2 Companion Animals/Pets

The RSPCA is a non-government community based animal welfare charity. During bushfire emergencies RSPCA inspectors may be requested by the fire agencies to assist with the rescue of companion animals under direction from DPI. Although much of their activities are primarily associated with domestic pets and agricultural stock, they may also be called upon to assist with the coordination and/or supervision of wildlife rescue operations. Local veterinarians can also be called on to provide emergency housing and treatment, in clinic and on property, to companion animals, whether these animals are owned or not.

6.3 Agricultural Stock

Under the arrangements in the Emergency Management Manual of Victoria, DPI is responsible for the assessment and treatment of domestic animals (agricultural livestock and companion animals/pets) affected by fire. In most fire situations, DPI will establish its own IMT to coordinate operations relating to fire affected agricultural properties and domestic animals. During a bushfire emergency, DPI personnel only enter the fireground after authorisation from the fire control agency’s Incident Controller.

Local veterinarians may be called on to assist DPI with assessment and treatment of domestic animals. Treatment may occur on the property or in the veterinarian’s hospital facility. Domestic animals should be handed over promptly to a veterinary hospital, or where not practicable their location notified to DPI or the nominated assisting agencies (RSPCA, or local veterinarian).

6.4 Veterinarian and Triage Resources

Australian Veterinarian Association (AVA) is able to provide support to fire agencies in the supply of veterinarians and vet nurses for the triage, assessment and treatment of injured animals and wildlife in temporary rehabilitation facilities. In addition AVA is able to provide assistance with the set up of Triage Areas and the distribution of medical supplies and drugs for injured animals and wildlife.

Zoo’s Victoria (ZV) is able to provide support to fire agencies in the supply of specialist veterinarians and vet nurses and may also at times provide support to those caring for fire affected native wildlife. Mobile veterinary teams from the Australian Wildlife Health Centre (AWHC) can be requested to be sent to Triage Areas. After the fires they may also provide specialist support, technical advice on drug protocols, burns treatment, dietary advice, housing and other animal husbandry issues.

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Local Veterinarians may also be able to fill the Triage Veterinarian role, supply vet services and equipment, or allow their surgery/clinic to be used as a triage facility.

6.5 Hunting Organisations

Some hunting organisations such as the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia and the Australian Deer Association have accredited shooters that can assist with the humane and safe euthanasia of animals and wildlife that cannot be rehabilitated. However, note that the use of firearms on the fire ground is subject to restrictions (see Section 15 – Restrictions and Appendices 19 and 20).

6.6 Requesting Resources

Incident Controllers and IMTs should keep in mind that timing of activation of wildlife rescue operations is important so as to ensure effectiveness of the volunteers and their time. In addition to this the IMT must be ready and prepared to accept these resources once activated. Wildlife Rescue Teams for a Level 3 incident may not be activated within the initial stages of the event given that access to the fireground will be severely restricted. However, the Incident Controller may wish to commence initial response arrangements, such as appointing a Wildlife Welfare Officer and Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator, or establishing a Triage Area to manage injured wildlife dropped off by firefighters or the general public.

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PART ONE

7 Protocols for staff and volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations

7.1 A checklist for volunteers wishing to attend a bushfire incident can be seen at Appendix 5.

All staff and Volunteers

7.2 In order to work with fire agencies at a bushfire incident, all staff and volunteers involved in any wildlife rescue operations must:

• Hold current accreditation in either DSE’s ‘Basic Wildfire Awareness’ (available from DSE) or CFA’s ‘Maintain Safety at an Incident Scene’ (available from CFA);

• It is recommended that all staff and volunteers attend a pre-season fire brief where possible or be briefed by the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator or Wildlife Rescue Team leader prior to participating in wildlife rescue operations to ensure they are familiar with the protocols;

• If driving a 4x4 vehicle off road, all staff or volunteers must have 4WD Accreditation.

• Wear approved PPE (refer Appendix 2) and an approved tabard or labelled overalls clearly denoting the persons role during the incident;

• Participate in only one incident role at any given time; and

• Read and understand these protocols, register their attendance at the beginning and end of each shift, and sign the Self Declared Health Checklist.

7.3 Volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations must meet these minimum requirements at all times for the duration of the incident in order to participate in a wildlife rescue operation.

7.4 Volunteers involved in any wildlife rescue operations must understand, respect and operate within the arrangement, processes and systems of work of the Fire Agencies.

Wildlife Welfare Officer

7.5 In addition to points 7.2 - 7.4 above, the Wildlife Welfare Officer must:

• If attending the Triage Area must wear and use fire agency approved personal protective equipment (PPE) (refer to Appendix 2 for a detailed list of PPE requirements).

Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator

7.6 In addition to points 7.2 - 7.4 above, the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator must:

• Wear and use fire agency approved personal protective equipment (PPE) for all wildlife rescue activities (refer to Appendix 2 for a detailed list of PPE requirements).

Wildlife Rescue Team Leader

7.7 In addition to points 7.2 - 7.4 above, a Wildlife Rescue Team Leader must:

• Have a current Wildlife Shelter Permit, Foster Carer authorisation or Veterinary qualification or be accompanied by someone who holds a current Wildlife Shelter Permit, Foster Carer authorisation or Veterinary qualification; and

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• Wear and use fire agency approved personal protective equipment (PPE) for all wildlife rescue activities (refer to Appendix 2 for a detailed list of PPE requirements for Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers).

Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers

7.8 In addition to points 7.2 - 7.4 above, Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers must:

• Have a current Wildlife Shelter Permit, Foster Carer authorisation, or Veterinary qualifications, Animal Caring Qualification (e.g. Veterinary nurse, Zookeeper), or be accompanied by someone who holds a current Wildlife Shelter Permit, Foster Carer authorisation, Veterinary qualifications, or Animal Caring Qualification (e.g. Veterinary nurse, Zookeeper); and

• Wear and use Fire Agency approved personal protective equipment (PPE) for all wildlife rescue activities (refer to Appendix 2 for a detailed list of PPE requirements for Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers).

Triage Veterinarians

7.9 Triage Veterinarians must:

• Have recognised Australian Veterinary qualifications, be registered to practice in Victoria, and have appropriate skills and experience with the handling and treatment of wildlife affected by bushfires;

• Wear and use the appropriate protective clothing and equipment for animal handling and the tasks being undertaken; and

• When operating outside the designated Triage Area, comply with the same requirements as a Volunteer Wildlife Rescuer (section 7.8 above).

Volunteer Vet Nurses, Triage Assistants and Record Keepers

7.10 Volunteer Triage Assistants and Record Keepers must:

• Wear and use the appropriate protective clothing and equipment for animal handling and the tasks being undertaken; and

• When operating outside the designated Triage Area, comply with the same requirements as a Volunteer Wildlife Rescuer (section 7.8 above).

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8. Registration requirements

8.1 Volunteers wishing to attend an incident, particularly the fireground, must have been in contact with the fire control agency or the controlling agency (DSE or CFA) prior to attending.

8.2 Upon initial arrival at a pre-arranged/nominated meeting point, all volunteers wishing to participate in wildlife rescue operations must register with the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator (or delegate) by completing the ‘Attendance, Contact Details, and Sign In/Out Sheet’ (Appendix 4). All volunteers must also read and sign the ‘Self-Declared Health Checklist’ (Appendix 3).

9. Tasking volunteers to roles

9.1 The Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator will be responsible for assigning personnel to operational roles associated with wildlife rescue operations. This includes determining who will act as Wildlife Rescue Team Leaders, Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers, Triage Veterinarians, Triage Vet Nurses, Volunteer Triage Assistants and Volunteer Triage Record Keepers.

9.2 In assigning roles, the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator will consider whether the volunteer is appropriately qualified, accredited and experienced for the role and has relevant personal protective clothing and equipment. The Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator may also consider the volunteer’s preference for a position and/or the volunteer’s preferred operational colleague(s).

9.3 Volunteers shall only participate in one role at any given time, as assigned upon registering at the nominated point.

9.4 Anyone who is qualified as a CFA/SES volunteer and a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator shall only participate in one role at any given time as assigned upon registering at the nominated point.

9.5 Full reporting structures and arrangements for the wildlife rescue operations can be found in Appendix 6 for Level 1 Incidents and Appendix 7 for Level 2 and 3 Incidents.

9.6 Further details on the responsibilities for each role assigned to volunteers can be found in Appendices 10-14.

10. Reporting arrangements

10.1 All Volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations must operate under the chain of command and reporting arrangements established by the AIIMS structure. Any person operating outside of these structures will be asked to leave the fireground immediately.

10.2 All operational volunteers (i.e. Wildlife Rescue Team Leaders, Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers, Triage Veterinarians, Vet Nurses, Volunteer Triage Assistants and Volunteer Triage Record Keepers) will be overseen by the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

10.3 All volunteer communication queries will be through the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator or the Sector Commander in the field (except in an emergency where human safety is at risk).

10.4 Wildlife Rescue Team Leaders will have no more than five (5) Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers reporting to him/her at any one time, as per AIIMS requirements. It is a requirement that at least one of these Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers, if not the Wildlife Rescue Team Leader themselves, has either a Veterinary qualification, animal caring qualification (e.g. Vet

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nursing, Zoo keeping), Wildlife Shelter permit or Foster Carer Authorisation to ensure appropriate first aid can be administered upon finding an injured animal.

10.5 All injured domestic animals (companion animals and livestock) that are detected during wildlife search and rescue operations must be reported to the DPI Incident Management Team, via the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

11. Briefings

11.1 All personnel, including volunteers, involved in wildlife rescue operations shall be briefed and debriefed prior to the commencement and completion of their tasks / shift following the SMEACSQ format. Particular attention should be placed on safety, including dangerous trees, hydration, PPE and fatigue. These briefs will include notification of the wildlife rescue priorities and deployment orders in the current Incident Action Plan (IAP) for that incident and shift. Any volunteer who does not attend these briefings will not be permitted to participate in wildlife rescue operations.

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12. Access to the fireground

12.1 It is prohibited for any persons, including volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations, to access the fire ground without the prior approval of the Incident Controller. The Incident Controller may grant permission to attend the incident, particularly the fireground, only:

• Where the state control priorities can be achieved, and it has been deemed safe to do so;

• If the volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations have satisfied all the minimum requirements for working with fire agencies at bushfires, as stated in Section 7;

• Where appropriate fire agency resources are available to be provided to support wildlife rescue operations; and

• Upon deeming the bushfire, or a section of the fire, ‘Under Control-2’ or ‘Safe’, and appropriate for volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations to attend the incident, or at the discretion of the Incident Controller, the control agency will articulate any additional specific conditions for attendance on each occasion.

12.2 Under certain circumstances, only the Incident Controller can grant access to the fireground before a fire is declared ‘Under Control-2’.

12.3 Volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations are not permitted to be engaged in fire suppression activities, or operate in proximity to active fire at any stage.

12.4 The Planning Officer will appoint a Wildlife Welfare Officer who will oversee and plan the deployment of all wildlife rescue personnel. The Wildlife Welfare Officer will also ensure that wildlife rescue operations are included in the Incident Action Plan and develop a Wildlife Release Strategy as required (See Section 14.28).

12.5 The Wildlife Welfare Officer will determine designated safe areas in consultation with the Incident Controller, and will plan a strategic approach to the search and rescue of safe areas based on the wildlife rescue personnel available.

12.6 Wildlife Rescue Teams will be designated specific sectors of safe areas for rescue efforts, as determined by the Wildlife Welfare Officer. This will be communicated to the Wildlife Field Operation Coordinator who will direct and coordinate volunteers into these areas. Any person or team that operates outside these designated areas will be asked to leave the fireground immediately.

12.7 Where the Incident Controller has deemed it appropriate and necessary, the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator or Wildlife Welfare Officer will work with volunteers involved in rescue operations to provide safe passage to the Triage Area.

12.8 Access to private and public land requires permission from the landholder or land management agency. If the landholder or land manager cannot be contacted, access will not be granted.

12.9 Where an Incident Management Team for a bushfire emergency is no longer in operation, and control of the incident has returned to the land manager, the volunteer must seek the permission of the land manager (eg DSE District Manager, or Parks Victoria Chief Ranger or Ranger In Charge) to carry out wildlife rescue operations.

12.10 Volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations who access risk areas without approval or who endanger themselves or others may be referred to WorkSafe as a ‘notifiable incident’.

12.11 Victoria Police officers may remove volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations who are endangering their own lives and the lives of others from the fireground.

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13. Traffic Management Points

13.1 Victoria Police are permitted under legislation to implement a full or partial road closure at a traffic management point where it is deemed necessary. This is usually requested by the Incident Controller.

13.2 Under certain circumstances the Incident Controller may grant permission to allow volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations to pass traffic management points set up by the Victorian Police or control agency.

13.3 Only volunteer Wildlife Rescuers involved in wildlife rescue operations that satisfy all the minimum requirements, as stated in Section 7 above, and who are accompanied by a Wildlife Rescue Team Leader will be permitted to pass through traffic management points, where it is safe to do so.

13.4 Under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958, Victoria Police are obliged to act on the instructions of the Chief Officer or Incident Controller of a fire agency and enforce their instructions. Under agreed protocols, discretion is granted to police to stop people from entering a full road closure or partial road closure area.

13.5 All volunteer wildlife rescue operations must abide by the joint Victoria Police, Vic Roads, DSE and CFA Guideline: For the Operation of Traffic Management Points During Wildfires (Oct 2009).

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14. Working Arrangements

General Requirements

14.1 The treatment and care of wildlife shall be conducted in accordance with the Wildlife Act 1975 and the ‘Code of Practice for the Welfare of Wildlife during Rehabilitation’ incorporated under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

14.2 All volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations must remember that they are working as part of a larger team and as such, their actions may have consequences for another person. As a team member, volunteers should look to ensure one another’s welfare.

14.3 All volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations need to be mindful of their own health and wellbeing. In particular, volunteer wildlife rescuers must be mindful to remain hydrated to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke throughout each shift.

14.4 All Wildlife Rescue Team Leaders must ensure the appropriate animal record sheets are completed (which can then be collated in the Animal Record Collation Sheet) to be lodged with the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator and volunteer Triage Record Keeper. Copies of the animal record sheets and the Animal Record Collation Sheet can be seen at Appendix 15-17.

14.5 The Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator, Wildlife Welfare Officer and Triage Veterinarian in consultation with appropriate agency staff will determine the location of the Triage Area.

Communications

14.6 Where possible DSE and CFA will equip the Team Leaders with VHF trunk radios. The Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator will record who he/she allocates these radios to and will ensure this is reflected within the Communications Plan, located within the Incident Action Plan. When distributing the trunk radios, the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator will ensure that Team Leaders are briefed in the use of the trunk radio in both trunking and conventional mode, and safety aspects of using this equipment.

14.7 VHF incident channels are determined and allocated by the IMT and recorded in the Communications Plan located within the Incident Action Plan

14.8 Where trunk radios are not available, volunteers must use UHF radios in accordance with the instructions provided by the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator. The Communications Plan is located within the Incident Action Plan.

Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers involved in wildlife rescue operations

14.9 Volunteers are under the control of the Incident Controller and their delegates according to the chain of command at all times.

14.10 Volunteer wildlife rescuers involved in wildlife rescue operations shall always maintain contact with and abide by the instructions of the Wildlife Rescue Team Leader.

14.11 All operational volunteers shall have and maintain communications and reporting links within the incident structure according to the agreed Communications Plan and chain of command. Reporting arrangements during Level 1, 2 & 3 Incidents are outlined in Appendices 6 and 7.

14.12 Volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations (or their volunteer organisation) shall provide their own necessary equipment specific to the tasks of capturing injured wildlife for treatment, and any associated protective or specialist additional clothing or equipment required specifically for these tasks. It should be noted that firearms and drugs are NOT

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considered standard equipment for these tasks (See Section 15 and Appendices 19 and 20).

14.13 Any damage caused to personal equipment and other equipment specific to their tasks not provided by the fire agency occurs at their own expense.

14.14 Any wildlife that requires immediate release within the fireground must be released in accordance with a Wildlife Release Strategy prepared by the Wildlife Welfare Officer. The Wildlife Welfare Officer shall instruct volunteers via the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator as to suitable locations for immediate release of wildlife, in accordance with the Wildlife Release Strategy.

Fatigue management

14.15 Volunteers must follow the ‘DSE Guideline: Working Hours and Fatigue-related risks for Fire Management’. A summary of these guidelines can be found in Appendix 18.

14.16 The duration of shifts will be determined by the Wildlife Welfare Officer in accordance with the ‘DSE Guideline: Working Hours and Fatigue-related risks for Fire Management’. Any volunteers that operate outside of designated shift periods will be asked to leave the fireground immediately.

Working at night

14.17 Wildlife rescue operations will not be permitted at night unless approved by the Incident Controller and in accordance with designated shift periods. If approved, night wildlife rescue operations will only be permitted to be carried out along roads and tracks. Walking through the bush at night off-road is considered too dangerous due to hazardous trees and potential for mine shafts or cliff falls, and is not likely to be authorised.

Establishment of Triage Areas

14.18 The Wildlife Welfare Officer will be responsible for determining the location of suitable Triage Areas and facilities in consultation with the Triage Veterinarian, Triage Vet Nurse, Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator and relevant fire agency staff.

14.19 In some circumstances the Triage Area may be set up prior to any request for Wildlife Rescue Teams so as to enable fire crews to drop injured wildlife / animals off to a triage point. This may occur prior to the fire ground being determined safe for wildlife rescue operations to enter.

14.20 Equipment for the Triage Area will be supplied by volunteers (see Appendix 1.) and are provided at the volunteers own risk.

Assessment of Animals

14.21 It is the Triage Veterinarian's responsibility to decide whether to treat or euthanise an injured animal. The volunteer Triage Veterinarian decision on the fate of an injured animal is final.

14.22 In circumstances where an animal is unable to be transported to the Triage Area for assessment the fate of an animal shall be determined by the Wildlife Rescue Team Leader in consultation with the Triage Veterinarian or the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

Working with DPI Incident Management Team

14.23 The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986) requires that sick or injured domestic animals (i.e. companion animals/pets and agricultural livestock) must be treated or destroyed.

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14.24 Where there are significant domestic animal issues as a result of the bushfire, the Planning Officer should request, via the Incident Controller, that a DPI Liaison Officer sit in the Incident Management Team. This DPI Liaison Officer will be the primary contact for the Wildlife Welfare Officer and provide a link to the DPI Incident Management Team.

14.25 Where a DPI Liaison Officer is not available or the incident is a Level 1 Incident the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator will liaise directly with the Planning Officer of the DPI Incident Management Team.

14.26 All injured domestic animals are to be transported to the DPI Incident Management Team triage facilities or nearest local veterinarian for treatment where possible and safe to do so. To ensure any triage facility is not overloaded, the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator must be informed. In this circumstance, the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator will liaise with the Wildlife Welfare Officer and the DPI Liaison Officer to inform them of the situation.

14.27 If the Wildlife Rescue Team is not able to access the injured domestic animal, the Wildlife Rescue Team Leader is to report its location to the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator immediately so that the report can be passed on to the DPI Liaison Officer the DPI Incident Management Team or the RSPCA.

Wildlife Release Strategy

14.28 In the instance where the immediate release of an animal after triage is required (i.e. while the IMT is still operating), this must be conducted in accordance with a Wildlife Release Strategy developed by the Wildlife Welfare Officer. Volunteers will be instructed by the Wildlife Field Operation Coordinator as to the details of such a release.

14.29 In developing the Wildlife Release Strategy, the Wildlife Welfare Officer will have due consideration of:

• the location where the wildlife was found (animals must be released as close as possible to where they were found);

• whether the area can be safely accessed;

• whether all habitat requirements for the species are met (e.g. food, water and shelter); and

• whether the release will have an impact on vegetation recovery or other biodiversity values.

14.30 Where the fireground has been declared safe and the IMT has closed down, and when no Wildlife Release Strategy is in place, release of wildlife must be undertaken in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Wildlife during Rehabilitation and the conditions of all Wildlife Shelter Authorisations.

Movement of animals to shelters

14.31 Where the Triage Veterinarian decides that an animal can be moved to a shelter for further care, priority will be given to transferring animals to local shelters for welfare and logistical reasons.

14.32 Where local shelters are unavailable or unsuitable, alternative arrangements will be determined by the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator in consultation with relevant fire agency staff.

14.33 Every effort should be made to transport wildlife in accordance with appropriate ethical standards and relevant codes of practice.

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14.34 Should the animal need to be returned to the fireground for release, the volunteer must comply with these protocols and the Wildlife Release Strategy developed by the Wildlife Welfare Officer.

14.35 Once wildlife have been treated at a Triage Area and removed from the fireground (i.e. transported to an authorised shelter for rehabilitation), these protocols no longer apply.

Record keeping

14.34 DSE is currently trialling the use of new animal record sheets - Animal Rescue Record (Appendix 15) and Animal Triage Record (Appendix 16) sheets. Where printed, duplicate copies of the animal record sheets are not available, photocopies will be required.

14.35 Details of every animal handled by volunteer Wildlife Rescue Teams must be recorded on an Animal Rescue Record. The Wildlife Rescue Team Leader is responsible for ensuring the Animal Rescue Record is completed during rescue operations. One (1) Animal Rescue Record is to be completed for each animal rescued.

14.36 Upon returning from the fireground with injured animal(s), the Animal Rescue Record (duplicate where possible) is to be handed over, along with the injured animal(s), to the volunteer Triage Assistant Record Keeper at the Triage Area.

14.37 The Volunteer Triage Assistant Record Keeper is responsible for completing an Animal Triage Record for every animal that comes into the Triage Area.

14.38 Upon release or transport of the animal to a licensed shelter, the Volunteer Triage Record Keeper is responsible for submitting all animal record sheets (both the Animal Rescue Record and the Animal Triage Record) to the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

14.39 An Animal Record Collation Sheet (Appendix 17) can be used by the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator (if desired) to keep track of the movement of all rescued wildlife.

14.40 Records of the fate of any animals transported to an authorised wildlife shelter or foster carer must be submitted to DSE in accordance with the shelter or foster carer permit requirements (via shelter returns).

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15. Restrictions

Requirements for the use of firearms on a fireground

15.1 Appendix 19 details the requirements for the use of firearms on a fireground. The use of firearms will only be permitted on a fireground where these requirements have been met. Appendix 19 provides details on:

• Possession and use of firearms on a fireground;

• Firearm training and accreditation standards;

• Demonstration of capability;

• Provision of equipment and training, and maintenance of equipment;

• Conditions relating to firearm possession and use;

• Storage of firearm and ammunition;

• Minimum requirements for destroying wildlife with a rifle;

• Minimum requirements for destroying wildlife with a shotgun;

• Possession and use of captive-bolt guns on a fireground; and

• Firearm use post-incident.

Requirements for the use of tranquilising equipment on a fireground

15.2 Appendix 20 details the requirements for the use of tranquilising equipment on a fireground. The use of tranquilising equipment will only be permitted on a fireground where these requirements have been met. Appendix 20 provides details on:

• Requirements for the use of tranquilising equipment on a fireground;

• Possession and use of tranquiliser equipment on a fireground;

• Tranquiliser training and accreditation standards;

• Demonstration of capability;

• Provision of equipment and training, and maintenance of equipment;

• Conditions around scheduled veterinarian drugs and controlled substances:

o Possession of scheduled veterinarian drugs and controlled substances on a fireground;

o Dosage;

o Documentation, supply and labelling of scheduled drugs;

o Storage of controlled substances; and

• Conditions around the use of tranquilising equipment on a fireground:

o Safety;

o Discharging tranquilising equipment;

o After care;

o Storage of tranquilising equipment; and

o Tranquilising equipment use post-incident.

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Use of vehicles

15.3 Only accredited fire agency staff are permitted to drive fire agency vehicles.

15.4 Personal vehicles are not permitted on the fireground unless authorised by the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

15.5 If driving a 4WD vehicle off-road, and/or rough terrain, drivers must:

• Have a vehicle appropriately equipped with its own vehicle recovery equipment (such as a winch & snatch-strap);

• The driver of the vehicle must be experienced in driving in off-road situations and rough terrain, and can provide evidence of accredited 4x4 training (as an accepted standard an accredited 4x4 training is defined by that delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in line with a National Standard); and

• The vehicle is diesel powered only (gas and petrol powered vehicles will not be permitted on the fire ground until the fire has been declared safe by the Incident Controller).

15.6 Wherever possible, Wildlife Rescue Teams should operate in teams that comprise of at least two (2) suitable vehicles.

15.7 4WD vehicles must carry two (2) 100% wool fire blankets per vehicle .

15.8 It should be noted that most insurance policies are void should a claim occur within a designated incident area as declared under the Emergency Management Act 1958 or on a designated closed road as declared or sign posted by Vic Roads, municipalities, DSE, and Parks Victoria. Volunteers using personal or affiliated wildlife organisation vehicles do so at their own risk and expense.

The use of chainsaws

15.9 The use of chainsaws is not permitted unless volunteers have completed accredited chainsaw training (accepted standard accredited chainsaw training is defined by a minimum two day course and delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in line with a National Standard) and are authorised by the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator to carry out such activities.

Tree climbing

15.10 Volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations are not permitted to undertake any tree climbing activities in order to provide aid to an injured animal unless they have completed both accredited training and are authorised by the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator to carry out such activities. As an accepted standard, accredited training for tree climbing is defined by that delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in line with a National Standard.

15.11 Accredited tree climbers must be engaged to carry out rescue of an animal from a tree (preferably someone with previous animal handling experience). If an accredited tree climber is not available, or the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator deems it inappropriate, no further action shall be taken. Any tree climbing services engaged by rescue teams must be paid for by the person, agency or organisation who engages the services.

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Media

15.12 While operating under these protocols, volunteers are not permitted to engage media, undertake media activities using cameras, or any other related media activity of any kind, other than that directed by fire agency media representatives. Permission to engage media should be sought from the Media or Information Officer in the Incident Management Team.

15.13 Any media representatives entering the fireground must abide by the joint CFA and DSE protocols: “Working with fire agencies at bushfire: Protocols for media agencies and media representatives”. Accreditation requirements for media and media representatives wishing to gain access to fireground are outlined in the protocol.

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16. Financial Arrangements

16.1 Volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations are to be financially responsible for providing their own:

• Medical supplies required for the treatment and care of injured wildlife;

• Personal protective clothing and equipment relevant to the role being undertaken (e.g. specific for handling animals likely to be encountered);

• Equipment required for the capture and transportation of injured wildlife; and

• Accommodation should the need arise.

16.2 The fire agency will provide meals as required.

17. Deactivation Arrangements

17.1 These protocols (the structure and roles as stated above) remain in place when a fire has initially been declared ‘safe’ by the Incident Controller. There will be a transition into the recovery activities, where a handover of information / knowledge from the IMT to the land management agency for recovery activities, occurs. The fire agency’s incident management arrangements remain in place until:

• The IMT closes down; and

• The area is open to the general public.

17.2 Once the IMT closes down and recovery activities have been handed over to the land management agency, wildlife rescue activities will continue to occur as necessary, under arrangements specified by the land manager. Wildlife rehabilitators are required to operate under the Wildlife Act 1975.

17.3 In some cases wildlife rescue operations particularly on public land may be continued to be run by the public land manager (e.g. Parks Victoria or DSE) after the closing down of an IMT. It is at the discretion of the DSE District Manager or Parks Victoria Chief Ranger as to whether these protocols continue to operate and for how long into the recovery period post fire.

18. Non Compliance

18.1 Volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations may be escorted from the fireground and not permitted to return in instances where the volunteer:

• Has endangered their own safety or the safety of others;

• Fails to comply with verbal instructions of the Incident Controller, Wildlife Rescue Team Leader, Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator, Wildlife Welfare Officer, Operations Officer or any representative from the fire agencies or Victoria Police whilst on the fireground;

• Fails to depart immediately from the fireground after instruction by any representative from the fire agencies or Victoria Police;

• Accesses any area beyond a Victoria Police Traffic Management Point without prior authorisation and / or is not escorted by a fire agency representative; and

• Has breached these protocols.

18.2 The fire agencies may formally advise WorkSafe of the incident, if appropriate.

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19. Issues and Dispute Resolution

19.1 The fire agencies, volunteer Wildlife Organisations and volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations will, in the first instance, make every effort to resolve issues at the officer/volunteer level in a safe and appropriate manner. To facilitate resolution, the Incident Controller or Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator can direct that this discussion take place at an alternative location at their discretion.

19.2 Where the issue or dispute cannot be resolved in the first instance, the Planning Officer (or delegate) will be notified. The Planning Officer will gather information from those involved and attempt to resolve the issue with those individuals at an appropriate time and location.

19.3 The Planning Officer may choose to notify the Incident Controller (or nominated delegate) and the Integrated Emergency Coordination Centre Planning Unit Leader.

19.4 Once referred, the Planning Officer will work to contact the relevant volunteer Wildlife Organisation representative or individual to resolve the issue. This may include discussions on the Occupational Health and Safety responsibilities and will take place once information is obtained from all parties, including the operational staff involved.

19.5 The Control Agency may issue a written warning to the individual volunteer or organisation involved in wildlife rescue operations or volunteer Wildlife Rescue Organisation. Access may be denied to the fireground for the remainder of the incident and/or subsequent incidents.

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PART TWO

20. Role Statements and Responsibilities

Provided below are summaries of the key roles, responsibilities and reporting arrangements (chain of command and communications) for wildlife rescue operations. All assigned roles will be required to meet the minimum protocol standards, register with the lead fire agency at the beginning and end of each shift, and attend briefing and debriefing sessions.

20.1 Wildlife Welfare Officer

The Wildlife Welfare Officer plays a pivotal role in communicating and planning actions to resolve wildlife issues during a bushfire incident. They are responsible for ensuring wildlife rescue operations are included in the Incident Action Plan, the development a Wildlife Release Strategy and informing the Planning Officer (IMT) and the Incident Controller of biodiversity and related animal and wildlife issues relevant to the bushfire incident.

The Wildlife Welfare Officer communicates with and informs the Planning Unit (IMT) and Incident Controller (IC). They are directly responsible for liaising with the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

This position may not be assigned given the size and intensity of any Level 1 Incident. This position is based in the Incident Control Centre and not on the fireground or any other operational area. This role may be filled by personnel from DSE, DPI, CFA, PV, or the RSPCA.

For specific details of this role statement refer to Appendix 8.

20.2 Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator

The Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator plays an important role in coordinating and communicating between the planning and operations units. This role may be filled by personnel from DSE, DPI, CFA, and/or PV,. They will report to the Fire Ground Operational Officer / Sector Commander and will liaise with the Wildlife Welfare Officer in the Planning Unit. The Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator may have no more than five (5) direct reports (e.g. four (4) Wildlife Rescue Team Leaders and one (1) Triage Veterinarian) at any one time.

In summary they are responsible for the following:

• Advising the Wildlife Welfare Officer of available resources;

• Following directions from the Wildlife Welfare Officer in relation to the search and rescue locations and times, and in accordance with the Incident Action Plan and Wildlife Release Strategy;

• Managing and coordinating the deployment of Wildlife Rescue Teams into designated search areas in search of injured or otherwise compromised animals and wildlife;

• Meet all incoming/outgoing personnel at the nominated meeting point and undertake registration procedures, which includes checking PPE, signing in and out and ensuring personnel have completed the Self Declared Health Checklist;

• Managing and monitoring search times and shift lengths for volunteers Wildlife Rescue Teams in accordance with the task at hand and the ‘DSE Working Hours and Fatigue-related Risk Guidelines’ (Appendix 18);

• Coordinating the reporting and/or transport of injured domestic animals (i.e. companion animals/pets and agricultural livestock), or their whereabouts, to the DPI Incident Management Team triage facilities.

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• Responsible for issues and dispute resolution should these not be resolved in the first instance with reasonable efforts in discussion and diligence between parties;

• Responsible for initially contacting and seeking assistance in order to fill and assign the necessary roles for Level 2 and 3 incidents.

• Responsible for collating animal records from Wildlife Rescue Team Leaders and volunteer Triage Record Keepers.


20.3 Wildlife Rescue Team Leader

The Wildlife Rescue Team Leader is responsible for leading a team of volunteer Wildlife Rescuers which includes a maximum of five (5) personnel at any one time. This position may be filled by any agency or organisation member with appropriate training and a minimum of three (3) years experience on the fire ground.

The Wildlife Rescue Team Leader reports to the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator and leads Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers to locate, capture, and transport animals to the appropriate nominated Triage Area.

Should the Wildlife Rescue Team come across injured domestic animals, they are to collect the animal and transport it to the DPI Incident Management Team triage facilities in consultation with the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator. If the Wildlife Rescue Team is unable to get access to the injured animal, the Wildlife Rescue Team Leader is to report its whereabouts to the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

They are responsible for collecting data on all rescued animals and wildlife on the Animal Record Sheet, and lodging this sheet with the Volunteer Triage Record Keeper.


20.4 Volunteer Wildlife Rescuer

Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers are involved in rescue operations on the fireground under the direct supervision of the Wildlife Rescue Team leader, and under their instruction, assist with locating, capturing and transporting animals and wildlife to the nominated Triage Area.


20.5 Triage Veterinarian

The Triage Veterinarian will be responsible for the treatment of injured or otherwise compromised wildlife collected by rescue teams and the management of the Triage Area. The Triage Veterinarian reports directly to the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator. They will be responsible for a maximum of five (5) personnel including one Volunteer Triage Record Keeper.

The Triage Veterinarian is responsible for assessing the need for euthanasia and oversees the disposal of carcasses. The Triage Veterinarian in most cases will not be required for Level 1 Incidents as injured wildlife will be taken off-site to authorised wildlife shelters or veterinary clinics for treatment.


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20.6 Volunteer Vet Nurse and Triage Assistant

The Volunteer Vet Nurses and Triage Assistants are based at the Triage Area and are under the direct supervision of the Triage Veterinarian. Their primary role will be to assist the Veterinarian in treatment and extended care of wildlife based at the Triage Area. This role may be filled by any volunteer. For specific details of this role statement refer to Appendix 13.

20.7 Volunteer Triage Record Keeper

The Volunteer Triage Record Keeper’s sole role is to keep detailed records of all treated animals and wildlife and lodging completed records with the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator. This person will be based at the Triage Area. The Volunteer Triage Record Keeper in most cases will not be required for Level 1 Incidents; the responsibility for record keeping will fall with the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator in this case. For specific details of this role statement refer to Appendix 14.

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Appendix 1 List of Key Contacts for Wildlife Groups and Organisations

Wildlife rehabilitation organisations

CENTRAL Australian Animal Rescue 0430 883 083

www.australiananimalrescue.org.au

AWARE Australian Wildlife Assistance Rescue and Education 24 Hr Rescue Hotline and General Inquiries 0412 433 727 www.awarewildlife.org.au RSPCA (Royal Society for the Protection from Cruelty to Animals) General enquiries (03) 9224 2222, or contact the local shelter www.rspcavic.org South Oakleigh Wildlife Group for all south eastern suburbs of Melbourne (statewide) 0411 600 591 WHOMP – Wildlife help on Mornington peninsula 0417 380 687 or 03) 5998 7705 Whomp.org.au Wildlife Victoria (statewide) 24hr Hotline 13 000 94535 or 13000Wildlife www.wildlifevictoria.org.au Help for Wildlife (statewide and interstate) 24 hr emergency service 0417 380 687 www.helpforwildlife.com SOUTH WEST BADGAR Emergency Wildlife and Rescue 1300 223427 or 1300BADGAR www.wildlifeshelter.org.au NORTH WEST WRES Wildlife Rescue Emergency Service 0427 301 401 www.wres.org.au WRIN Wildlife Rescue and Information Network 0429 965 398 03) 5461 2970 www.wrin.asn.au

EAST GIPPSLAND East Gippsland Sheltering Group (03) 5154 8581 www.egwildlifesheltergroups.org.au WRAP Wildlife Rescue and Protection (03) 5165 3583 or 0429 653 583 www.wrap.org.au

Hunting organisations

Australian Deer Association (03) 5762 1911 www.austdeer.com.au Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (03) 8892 2777 www.ssaavic.com.au

Veterinary organisations

AVA Australian Veterinary Association Office: (03) 9600 2930 After Hours: 0409 072 540 or 0419 885 484 www.ava.com.au AWHC Australian Wildlife Health Centre (03) 5957 2800 www.awhc.zoo.org.au Zoos Victoria Melbourne Zoo (03) 9285 9300 www.zoo.org.au

Emergency Contact Number

RSPCA Wildlife Connect (statewide) 03) 9224 2222 www.rspcavic.org Continued Next page

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Wildlife Rehabilitators Information and Resources Wildlife Rehabilitators

Key Contact Hours of service

Base location & geo range

# shelters

# rescue personnel

Triage facilities and other resources

Qualified darters and shooters

Australian Animal rescue

Sharon Williamson

0430883083

24/7 Base: Devon meadow

Range: works closely with WHOMP. Cranbourne region

1 15 0 0

AWARE Cinzia Gianelli

0412 433 727

24/7 Base: Frankston

Range: Brighton to Mt Eliza including Cranbourne/ Dandenong

6 21 No triage

2 x 4WD and emergency equipped trailer

2 x shooters

1 x darter

BADGAR Donna Zabinskas

0427 681 501

24/7 Base: Greendale/Ballarat

Range

Midlands Vic, through to Melb

10+ crossover shelters with Wildlife Vic

100 trained in rescue, 50 active in fire ground rescue

Including: 12 x 1

st aid, 4 x snake

handlers, 9 x fireground leaders, 4 x tree climbers, 4 x experienced fireground wildlife assessors.

Five burns trained shelters,

2 x 4WD,

2 x transporter vehicles,

6 x shooters (2 with section 37)

1 x darter (with access to 3 others)

East Gippsland sheltering group

Val Hickey

(03) 51548581

Haven’t been provided

East Gippsland Haven’t been provided




Help for Wildlife Denise Garratt

0417380687

24/7 Base: Yarra valley

Range: statewide and interstate

Use majority of licensed shelters statewide

50+

Including climbers, vet nurse, wildlife vets

Mobile response unit/caravan (air con), Generator, 4 x tents, 2 x marquee, Field shower/toilet, Holding cages, various sizes, Field ambulance with portable anaesthetic machine, 4WD vehicles and off road trail bikes, Access to helicopter, water craft, equipment trailers, assortment of rescue equipment

8 x shooters

1 x darter

RSPCA Duncan Mackellar or Greg Boland, 03)92242222

Anytime during an emergency

Base: Burwood East

Range: statewide

7 17 inspectors + ability to utilise resource from interstate if needed

2 veterinarians and several vet nurses plus animal support staff

20 x 4WD, 2 x horse floats, 2 x 100L water tanks with pumps, firearms, various animal handling equipment

17 x inspectors with category A and B firearm licence

2 x inspectors with category C firearm licence

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Wildlife Rehabilitators

Key Contact Hours of service

Base location & geo range

# shelters

# rescue personnel

Triage facilities and other resources

Qualified darters and shooters

South Oakleigh Wildlife group

Michelle Phillips

0411 600 591

24/7 All regions 8 23 rescuers

2 vets

5 vet nurses

3 burns specialists

WHOMP John Merrick

0417 380 687

24/7 Base: Bling Bite/Warneet

Range: Mornington peninsula

7 10+ vets, vet nurse and trained carers

Medical supplies, 2 x tents

Equipment trailer, 4WD vehicles, housing facilities, support from Help for Wildlife

1 x shooter A and B firearm licence

1 x darter category C firearm licence

Wildlife Victoria 24hr Hotline 13 000 94535

24/7 Base: Fitzroy

Range: Statewide

302 915 including 22 team leaders

Mobile triage trailer suitable for vets, 15+ medical triage kits for mobile animal triage, 5 x metro based triage facilities and carers for heat stress events

6 x 4WD, 5 x mobile rescue trailers

1 x shooter (with section 37)

122 x volunteers registered with gun licences.

10 x darters category C firearm licence

WRAP Colleen Wood

0429653583

24/7 Base: Gippsland

Range: central, south Gippsland, gembrook, heyfield, coastline including islands

30+ 50 including tree climbers, snake handlers

Animal clinic morwell, portable room, southern ash wildlife shelter, vet staff.

4WD vehicles, trailer, assortment of rescue equipment, tents

10 x shooters


WRIN Garry Cheers

0429965398

24/7 Base: Bendigo

Range:

Not provided

8 6 No triage facilities,

Trailer for carrying gear

6 x shooters (inc 4 accredited pest control officers)


WRES Neil Morgan

0427 301 401

Not provided Base: Golden Square

Range:

Not provided

Not provided

Not provided Not provided Not provided



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Appendix 2 Minimum requirements for Personal Protective Clothing and

Equipment for Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers Applies for activities undertaken prior to the fire being declared ‘Safe’ and open

to the public by lead agency

Item Specifications

Headwear

Firefighter Protective helmet - to Australian Standard – AS/NZS 1801 (1997) – type 2/3. Mandatory

Protective helmets (poly carbonate shell) for fire fighting, with reflective tape and chin strap

Only three models are compliant

• Protector Safety/Scott model HC 49/HH49//HF49 – poly carbonate shell, prominent peak and rain rim

• Protector Safety/Scott model HC75 – poly carbonate shell, less prominent peak, no rim, slightly heavier, reflective tape

• Protector Safety/Scott model HC44/HH44/HF44 – poly carbonate shell, safari type rim (more shade), heavier, reflective tape

Superseded - all other models of protective helmets, including all helmets with vents or type 1 helmets are non-compliant.

Firefighter Neck flap - helmet accessory to be carried and used as necessary.

This is a Proban cotton or 100% Wool item that attaches to the helmet using either fire rated hook and pile fasteners or loops onto the harness - made to an Emergency Management specification.

Superseded - any without the label showing Proban cotton or wool are non-compliant.

Eyes

Sunglasses - to be carried and used as necessary.

Impact resistant to AS/NZS 1337 with a UV filter lens.

Superseded - all sunglasses that meet AS/NZS 1067 are now superseded for fire work and therefore non-compliant because they offer no impact resistance. The impact resistant glasses described above provide all of the benefits of sun protection and importantly also provide superior protection to the eyes from impact injury.

Firefighter goggles - to be carried and used as necessary.

Wide visor anti-fog type suitable for smoke and dust, high temp lens to AS/NZS 1337 to fire management specification

5 models are compliant –

• Bolle Nitro 1641103 firefighter - orange body, light weight, widest vision, soft fit replaceable lens, low profile - not suitable for wearing with glasses

• Protector Safety - firefighter - has a distinctive red body, larger style suitable for wearing over glasses

• Uvex - firefighter - has a distinctive red body, larger style, suitable for wearing over glasses

• Uvex - Ultrasonic 9302 firefighter - distinctive red body, light weight, widest vision, soft fit, replaceable lens, low profile - not suitable for wearing with glasses

• MSA Flexifold - twin lens welders style, adjustable vents, compact



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Superseded - all other goggles are non-compliant

Respiratory

Dust mask - to be carried and used as necessary.

½ face disposable type to AS 1716 – P2 level filtration, exhalation valve and has a low flammability rating – rated for welding

Superseded – all P1 and P2 disposable filters without a low flammability (or welding) rating are non-compliant. Cartridge type filters/face masks are not to be used in firefighting.

Hearing

Earmuffs or earplugs - to be carried and used as necessary.

Used for specific applications to AS1270. A wide range of products meet exposure levels, including headband types that can be worn with any helmet and other that come as cap attachment accessories to the Protective Helmets. Earmuffs for aviation applications are also available. Noise levels of equipment needs to be referenced to determine the correct application and in some instances the compulsory use of hearing protection and hearing testing.

Hands

Firefighter gloves - Mandatory

Light rigger type, soft leather with 50 mm wrist cuff - to be phased out by Dec 2009.

Phasing in firefighter gloves to Wild land level 1 AS/NZS 2161.6 or ISO/DIS 15383 or equivalent

Superseded – rigger type leather gloves without a 50 mm wrist cuff or all other types of gloves are non-compliant.

Feet

Firefighter boots - Mandatory

Leather high ankle upper, safety toe cap, lace up, heat resistant sole (300°C) to AS/NZS 4821 – Wild land – level 1.

Boots that comply as of August 2007:

• Highmark models 5072S changing to model code 5071 steel cap.

• 5073S changing to model code 5073 steel cap.

• Oliver model 20/291 (not 20/292 which has a steel insole).

• Optional zip kits are available for some styles

Superseded - Footwear that does not conform to AS 4821 – i.e. any footwear other than compliant models – note all low ankle styles are non-compliant.

Socks - Mandatory

Woollen socks must be at least 75% wool.

Body

Firefighter coveralls, Firefighter jacket and trousers - Mandatory

High visibility (Red in colour) full body Proban (AS/NZS 4824) treated cotton garments conforming to, with reflective tape. Overalls of a higher standard may be used but are not required for associated wildlife rescue activities.

Either coveralls or Jacket and trousers which are issued together and must be worn as a combination – removing either garment makes the person non-compliant.

Where there is a lack reflective tape high visible vest may be worn instead.

Standard colour to be adopted by all Animal and Wildlife Rescue volunteer personnel is red. Currently other colours will be accepted however they will be phased out either as they expire and preferably



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within 3 years by 2013.

Equipment

• Day back-pack;

• Water bottle(s) – need to carry at least four litres of water;

• Sunscreen – SPF 30+;

• Personal First aid kit;

• Any equipment required to undertake safe wildlife rescue activity.

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Appendix 3 Self-Declared Health Checklist It is important for people working in the bush or remote locations who have been diagnosed with certain medical conditions to advise their supervisors of their condition. Some conditions may need special arrangements to be made or certain precautions to be taken to ensure safe working conditions are implemented and that the best medical history be provided to first-aid or ambulance officers, in the event of an incident.

Volunteers who require additional confidential advice regarding an existing medical condition may be referred to their treating doctor or to the Fire Agency medical advisors for further assessment.

The following list of medical conditions may impact on your safety in the bush and you should seek further clarification regarding your involvement and safe management.

Please tick where relevant:

� Severe allergies, for example bees, wasps, plants, pollens, foods etc.

� Any heart condition including angina, valvular heart disease, high blood pressure, palpitations or arrhythmias.

� Respiratory problems including asthma requiring regular treatment or any other chronic lung disease.

� Any history of fits, faints or blackouts.

� Any chronic neurological disease.

� Joint or muscle problems that may affect your mobility or balance.

� Diabetes, especially if there is a history of hypoglycaemia or insulin reactions.

� Acute infections including respiratory, soft tissue and urinary tract infections.

� Any other medical condition for which you are receiving on-going medical treatment or medication.

If you have ticked any of the above, please describe your condition:

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Please note that the above list is indicative of conditions that may affect a person’s safe working practice in certain locations. It is not exclusive. If you have concerns about your medical history, please seek further advice before commencing your involvement in volunteer wildlife activities.

I declare that the information I have provided it true and correct, and consent for it to be utilised, under the circumstance where it may assist in my treatment in the event of an incident.

Signed:

First Name: __________________________________ Surname: __________________________

Date: __________________________________

DSE commits that the information provided will be managed in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2000, Health Records Act 2001 or the (Cth.) Privacy Act 1988 and where relevant, the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the OH&S Act 2004

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Appendix 4 Attendance, Contact Details, and Sign In/Out Sheet

Date: Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator on duty:

IC Name: _______________________________ Trunk Radio FFF-DSE-200

Please fill in the details below. Ensure that contact details for the day are clearly written. Please fill in time finished when leaving the staging area. This form will be held by the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator (phone number), and can be phoned to notify finishing of a shift.

Name

Organisation

affiliated with

Licensed Shelter or

Foster Carer?

Time in

(24hr)

Time out

(24hr)

Contact details for

today (mobile)

Contact details: home /

emergency

Car registrati

on number

Trunk radio.

number,

Or UHF Channel

Is the radio hand

held or in a

vehicle?

PPE Checked? (Yes/No)

and Initial

Self Declared

Health Checklist completed

(Yes/No) and Initial

Accreditations (Basic

Wildfire Awareness

, 4x4 drivers,

etc)

Briefed (Yes / No)

Location posted and Role Assigned

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Appendix 5 Volunteer Requirements: Wildlife Rescue Operations during Bushfire Incidents - Checklist

Before attending

Make sure you have completed either DSE’s ‘Basic Wildfire Awareness’ (available from DSE) or CFA’s ‘Maintain Safety at an Incident Scene’ (available from CFA).

Where possible, attend a pre-season fire brief or be briefed by a fire agency prior to participating in wildlife rescue operations to ensure that you are familiar with the protocols, any specific changes, and to develop a working relationship with fire agencies at a local, regional and state level.

Pack your approved PPE, tabard and other suitable clothing.

Pack any approved rescue equipment (firearms will not be permitted without verbal approval from the IC and WFOC, and for Level 2 and 3 incidents, verbal approval from the WWO). Ensure you meet the requirements specified in Appendix 19 and/or 20.

Read and understand the fire protocols.

Have you been contacted by the fire agency or have you contacted the fire agency?

Tell a relative or a friend you are going to attend the fires.

Upon arrival at the nominated meeting point

Report immediately to the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

Complete and sign the Attendance, Contact Details and Sign In/Out Sheet.

Complete the Self Declared Health Checklist and submit it to the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

Before commencing a shift

Report to the nominated meeting point

Obtain your assigned task from the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

Read the role statement in these protocols for your assigned role.

Ensure you have the appropriate PPE for your role.

Has the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator checked your PPE?

Obtain your shift times and location from the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

Attend a briefing session on the roles and reporting arrangements, chain of command and other responsibilities relevant to your shift.

Sign in on the Attendance, Contact Details and Sign In/Out Sheet.

Do you understand your communication requirements?

Do you know who you are reporting to and where you are going?

During your shift

Ensure you maintain appropriate communications at all times.

Watch out for your own safety and the safety of others at all times.

Follow instructions from your immediate reporting supervisor/team leader.

Maintain your role at all times – never deviate from your assigned role.

At the end of your shift

Return to the nominated meeting point

Attend the debriefing session and sign off on the Attendance, Contact Details and Sign In/Out Sheet.

At the end of the incident or when standing down

Advise the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

Sign out on the Attendance, Contact Details and Sign In/Out Sheet.

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Appendix 6 Operational Structure for Level 1 Incidents

Incident Controller (CFA/DSE)

Operations Officer (IMT)

DPI IMT (DPI liaison with Fire IMT)


(CFA, DSE, DPI, Parks Vic,)

Wildlife Rescue Team Leader (any agency)

Wildlife Shelters (Independent of AIIMS)

Local Wildlife Groups Liaison

Communicates to track and monitor rescued and treated

animals with register of lodgement

Fire ground Operational officer

(Sector Commander)

Maximum 5 personnel

Key

Operations Unit

Chain of Command

Communication Links

Wildlife Rescue Team Leader (any agency)


Maximum 5 personnel

Communicates potential operational issues, and coordinates

the reporting and transport, of injured domestic animals

(companion animals and livestock)

Planning Logisitcs Information

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Incident Controller

(CFA/DSE)

Planning

Situation Unit Leader

Operations Officer


(DSE or PV)

DPI IMT

(DPI liaison to Fire IMT)


(CFA, DSE, DPI, Parks Vic,)


(any agency)

Wildlife Shelters

(Independent of AIIMS)


Communicates approved wildlife rescue plan

Triage Veterinarian

(eg AVA)

Volunteer Triage Record Keeper

(1)

Volunteer Triage Assistants (4)

Maximum 4 teams

Fire ground Operational officer

(Sector Commander)

Maximum 5 personnel

Maximum 5 personnel

Key

Planning Unit

Operations Unit

Chain of Command

Communication Links


(any agency)


Maximum 5 personnel

Communicates to track and monitor rescued and treated

animals with register of lodgement

Local Wildlife Groups Liaison

Other Wildlife Groups Liaison

Communicates potential operational issues, and coordinates the

reporting and transport, of injured domestic animals (companion

animals and livestock)

Logisitcs Information

Appendix 7 Operational Structure for Level 2 and 3 Incident

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Appendix 8 Wildlife Welfare Officer Role Statement


Reporting Reports to Planning Officer within Planning Unit.

Receives direction from the Planning Officer regarding priorities and sector deployment orders.

Communication with the Planning Unit regarding development of a wildlife rescue priorities within the Incident Action Plan.

Direct Reportee Nil (liaison with Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator)

Home Organisation DSE, DPI, Parks Vic, CFA

Location Predominantly based at the Incident Control Centre. Attendance at the Triage Area may also be required.

Required Training / Skills

• Knowledge and experience with native flora and fauna, wildlife population management and welfare and legislative requirements.

• Basic Wildfire Awareness (on-line) (available from DSE) or ‘Maintain Safety at an Incident Scene’ (available from CFA).

• If driving a 4x4 vehicle off road or in rugged terrain on the fireground, all staff and volunteers must have 4WD Accreditation or be accompanied by someone with 4WD Accreditation.

• AIIMS training.

• DSE Fire Role fitness level of Class 1 or 2 H (i.e. medical examination required but no fitness assessment).

Desired Training / Skills

• Knowledge and experience in DSE’s bushfire and emergency management operating structure.

• Ability to work independently and to timelines

• Good practical problem solving skills

Objectives To identify broader wildlife populations and values at risk and inform the development of planning strategies.

To identify individual wildlife welfare needs at risk and coordinate appropriate plans and strategies required to undertake the safe retrieval, transport and treatment of injured wildlife from the fire ground to the Triage Area.

Tasks For all operations:

• Develop Safe Work Method Statements’ (SWMS) for each role.

• Ensure animal, wildlife and biodiversity values protection works carried out during incident are appropriately communicated though to the recovery phase.

Level 1 Incident Tasks

This role is not required at this fire status, refer to Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

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Level 2 & 3 Incident Tasks

• Receive notification from the Incident Controller that assistance is required.

• Obtain a briefing from the Planning Officer

• Maintain appropriate communications with IMT Planning Unit

• The development of the wildlife rescue priorities, determination of safe search and rescue areas and the development of deployment orders, in consultation with the Planning Officer

• The integration of the wildlife rescue priorities into the Incident Action Plan

• Communicate the wildlife rescue priorities and deployment orders to the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator

• Development of a Wildlife Release Strategy

• Ensure wildlife rescue operations are included in the Incident Communications Plan.

• Liaise with the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator to determine:

o the number of Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers required or available,

o whether a Triage Veterinarian and Triage Area is required,

o the number and availability of Volunteer Triage Assistants required at the Triage Area.

• Liaise with Logistics regarding equipment requirements and meal arrangements.

• Liaise with Resources Unit to ensure adequate tracking and management of health and wellbeing of volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations.

• Liaise with the Information Officer regarding media considerations and enquiries

• Liaise with the DPI Liaison Officer or the DPI Incident Management Team regarding the rescue and transportation of injured domestic animals (companion animals or agricultural livestock) by Wildlife Rescue Teams

• Obtain all individual records of staff and volunteer attendance from the Wildlife Field Operation Coordinator

• Collate and give staff and volunteer attendance records to the Resources Unit

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Appendix 9 Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator Role Statement


Reporting Reports to the Fire Ground Operational Officer (Sector Commander).

Liaises with the Planning Officer.

Liaises with the Wildlife Welfare Officer within Planning Unit (Level 2 & 3 Incidents only).

Communicates with Wildlife Welfare Officer regarding deployment strategies, rescue operations locations and times, Wildlife Release Strategies and other priorities (Level 2 & 3 Incidents only).

Receives direction from Wildlife Welfare Officer regarding priorities and planning strategies in accordance with the Incident Action Plan (Level 2 & 3 Incidents only).

Communicates and liaises with the Operations Officer / Sector Commander regarding sector deployment orders.

Communicates with the DPI Incident Management Team regarding injured domestic animals.

Direct Reportees • Wildlife Rescue Team Leader/s.

• Triage Veterinarian

Home Organisation DSE, PV, DPI, CFA,

Location Predominantly based at the nominated meeting point. Attendance at the Triage Area may also be required.


• Knowledge, experience, and understanding of native flora and fauna, wildlife population management and welfare and legislative requirements.

• Basic Wildfire Awareness (on-line) (available from DSE) or ‘Maintain Safety at an Incident Scene’ (available from CFA).

• DSE Fire Role fitness level of Category E (Field Support) – Medical Assessment and Non-Weighted Walk Test.



• Appropriate knowledge and skills to identify, and assess threats to, biodiversity values in the field.

• Understanding of best-practice measures for appropriate biodiversity values management during a fire or incident.

• OHS training appropriate for fireground work.


• Knowledge and experience in bushfire and emergency management operating structure.

• AIIMS training.

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Objectives To identify broader wildlife populations and values at risk and inform the development of planning strategies to assist the Wildlife Welfare Officer.

To identify individual animal and wildlife welfare needs at risk and coordinate the appropriate plans and strategies required to undertake the safe retrieval, transport and treatment of injured animals from the fireground to the appropriate nominated Triage Area.

Where authorised and directed ensure that emergency euthanasia of injured wildlife unable to be rehabilitated and unable to be transported to the Triage Area is undertaken safely, efficiently, humanely and ethically, and by the appropriate resources.


• Obtain directions from the Wildlife Welfare Officer (or delegate in planning) on where wildlife rescue and release operations can be carried out in accordance with the Incident Action Plan.

• Ensure that all OHS requirements (SWMS’s) are communicated and complied with.

• Maintain appropriate communications with the Fire Ground Operational Officer (Sector Commander) (or delegate) prior to and during wildlife rescue operations.

• Coordinate and manage Volunteer Wildlife Rescue Teams operations.

• Wherever possible, ensure that at least one person (either Team Leader or Rescuer) in each team has a Wildlife Shelter Permit, Foster Carer authorisation, Veterinary qualifications or Animal Caring Qualifications (e.g. Vet Nurse, Zookeeper) for animal treatment /triage should it be required in the field.

• Where authorised, direct resources to undertake emergency euthanasia of injured wildlife unable to be rehabilitated and unable to be transported to the Triage Area.

• Maintain a log of incident activities and events relevant to biodiversity values management during a fire or incident.

• Provide direction to Wildlife Rescue Team Leaders regarding the rescue of injured domestic animals, in communication with the DPI Incident Management Team.


• Receive notification from the Incident Controller (or delegate) that assistance is required.

• Liaise with offsite Wildlife Shelters & Foster Carers for fire crews to drop off any injured wildlife.

• Proceed to fireground as necessary to assess and where necessary direct Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers to locate / capture / transport injured wildlife, as per the agreed protocols for the treatment of injured wildlife.


• Receive notification from the Incident Controller that assistance is required.

• Obtain a briefing from the Wildlife Welfare Officer as to the wildlife rescue strategies and deployment orders in the Incident Action Plan for the current shift.

Registration

• Meet all incoming/outgoing personnel at the nominated meeting point to undertake all normal registration procedures. This includes:

o Registration of personnel names, emergency contact details, etc.

o Signing in / out for each shift

o Collecting proof of accreditation / permit documents (photocopies accepted)

o Ensure all volunteers have read the Protocols,

o Collect the completed Self Declared Health Checklists from each volunteer

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o Check all volunteers have the appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment for their assigned task and accreditation or training (refer to Appendix 2 for a detailed list of requirements for Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers)

o Take all documentation back to the Incident Control Centre and give to the Resources Unit to ensure all information is recorded appropriately

Role Assignment

• Assign a role to each volunteer based on their skills, experience and training, and brief volunteers on their roles and responsibilities. This includes assigning who will act as Rescue Team Leaders, Volunteer Wildlife Rescues, Triage Veterinarian, Volunteer Triage Assistants and Volunteer Triage Record Keepers.

• Communicate to the Wildlife Welfare Officer:

o the number of assigned Wildlife Rescue Teams and Rescuers,

o whether a Triage Veterinarian is assigned at the Triage Area,

o the number of Volunteer Triage Assistants available at the Triage Area.

Briefing & Deployment

• Conduct a briefing on the Incident Action Plan for that shift (based on SMEACSQ), (safety section must include discussion of dangerous trees guideline including markings for dangerous trees).

• Attend the Operations Unit briefing and obtain sector deployment orders.

• Ensure all direct reportees have appropriate communication skills and equipment, as required.

• Deploy Wildlife Rescue Teams to appropriate areas.

Establish Triage Area

• Appoint a Triage Veterinarian to be based at the Triage Area, based initially on existing local arrangements and established connections.

• Appoint Volunteer Triage Assistants to be based at the Triage Area, based initially on existing local arrangements and established connections.

• Establish an appropriate triage location and facilities in consultation with the Triage Veterinarian.

• Maintain appropriate communications with the Triage Veterinarian regarding:

o The number / type of resources required

o The number of injured wildlife requiring treatment

o The number of injured wildlife requiring transport to offsite Wildlife Shelters & Foster Carers

o The welfare of the Volunteer Triage Assistants and Volunteer Triage Record Keepers

Communication

• Maintain appropriate communications with the Wildlife Rescue Team Leaders and the Wildlife Rescue Teams regarding:

o Deployment orders for rescue operations, and their progress;

o ensuring the whereabouts and wellbeing of all Wildlife Rescue Teams is known and documented at all times;

o the number / type of resources required to assist with rescue operations;

o the details and number of injured wildlife rescued and requiring treatment at

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the Triage Area;

o the details and number of injured wildlife that are unable to be rehabilitated and/or unable to be transported to the Triage Area, and give the necessary approvals to undertake emergency euthanasia of injured wildlife.

o the welfare of the Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers

• Report the numbers of injured wildlife requiring treatment to the Wildlife Welfare Officer

• Organise Wildlife Shelters & Foster Carers to accept animals, based initially on existing local arrangements and established connections.

• Liaise with Logistics regarding equipment requirements and meal arrangements.

• Liaise with Logistics Unit to ensure adequate tracking and management of health and wellbeing of volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations.

Completion of shift

• Debrief all reportees on the shift events and outcomes

• Stand down and sign out volunteers as required

• Take all documentation, Animal Record Sheets, etc back to the Incident Control Centre and give to the Logistics Unit to ensure all information is recorded appropriately

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Appendix 10 Wildlife Rescue Team Leader Role Statement


Reporting Reports directly to the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

Direct Reportees Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers

Home Organisation Any organisation, agency or individual.

Location Fireground


• A minimum of 3 years experience in working on a fire ground.

• Either Basic Wildfire Awareness (on-line) (available from DSE) or ‘Maintain Safety at an Incident Scene’ (available from CFA).



• Wildlife Shelter Permit, Foster Carer authorisation, Veterinary qualifications or Animal Caring Qualifications (e.g. Vet Nurse, Zookeeper) for animal treatment duties; or

• Be accompanied by someone who holds Wildlife Shelter Permit, Foster Carer authorisation, Veterinary qualifications or Animal Caring Qualifications (e.g. Vet Nurse, Zookeeper).


• AIIMS training.

Objectives To undertake the safe and humane retrieval of injured animals from designated search areas and attend to any immediate first aid needs of the animal prior to its transportation to the Triage Area.


• Follow any directions given by the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

• Obtain tasking and priorities from the Wildlife Welfare Officer via the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator briefing and debriefing.

• Abide by the Protocols for Volunteers involved in Wildlife Rescue Operations.

• Coordinate and manage Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers during rescue and search activities.

• Remain with the Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers at all times.


• Upon registering and lodging all necessary details with the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator, proceed to the designated search area, as per deployment orders, to assess / capture / transport injured animals, as per the agreed protocols for the treatment of injured wildlife.

• When necessary, authorise and oversee the humane euthanasia of injured wildlife unable to be rehabilitated and/or unable to be transported to a wildlife shelter. Consultation with the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator, and/or other wildlife treatment experts may be used to make this decision.

• When necessary, collect and transport injured domestic animals to the DPI Incident Management Team facilities in consultation with the Wildlife Field Operations

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Coordinator. If the Wildlife Rescue Team is unable to get access to the injured animal, the Wildlife Rescue Team Leader is to report its whereabouts to the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

• Collect data/records for all rescued animals and lodge with the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.


• Receive notification from the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator that assistance is required.

• Report to the nominated meeting point to sign in and confirm that the minimum requirements detailed in the Protocols for Volunteers involved in Wildlife Rescue Operations have been met prior to undertaking the wildlife rescue tasks.

• Proceed to the designated area as per deployment orders to assess & capture injured wildlife, as per the agreed protocols for the treatment of injured wildlife.

• When necessary, authorise and oversee the humane euthanasia of injured wildlife unable to be rehabilitated and/or unable to be transported to the Triage Area. Consultation with the Triage Veterinarian, Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator, and/or other wildlife treatment experts may be used to make this decision.

• When necessary, collect and transport injured domestic animals to the DPI Incident Management Team triage facilities in consultation with the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator. If the Wildlife Rescue Team is unable to get access to the injured animal, the Wildlife Rescue Team Leader is to report its whereabouts to the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

• Transport injured wildlife to the Triage Area for treatment.

• Collect data/records for all rescued wildlife and lodge the record sheet with the Volunteer Triage Record Keeper.

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Appendix 11 Volunteer Wildlife Rescuer Role Statement

Volunteer Wildlife Rescuer

Reporting Reports to Wildlife Rescue Team Leader

Direct Reportees None

Home Organisation • Any organisation, agency or individual.

Location Fireground



• Wildlife Shelter Permit, Foster Carer authorisation, Veterinary qualifications or Animal Caring Qualifications (e.g. Vet Nurse, Zookeeper) for animal treatment duties in Triage; or

• Be accompanied by someone who holds Wildlife Shelter Permit, Foster Carer authorisation, Veterinary qualifications or Animal Caring Qualifications (e.g. Vet Nurse, Zookeeper).


Objectives To undertake the safe and humane retrieval of injured animals from the designated search area, and attend to any immediate first aid needs of the injured animal prior to transportation to the applicable triage area..


• Follow any directions given by the Wildlife Rescue Team Leader and Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

• Attend the briefing at the commencement of each shift given by the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.



• Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers will typically not be required to attend the fire ground during these bushfires.


• Receive notification from the Wildlife Rescue Team Leader or Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator that assistance is required.

• Report to the nominated meeting point to sign in and confirm that the minimum requirements detailed in the Protocols for Volunteers involved in Wildlife Rescue Operations have been met prior to undertaking the wildlife rescue tasks.

• Proceed to the designated area, as per deployment orders, to assess & capture injured animals, as per the agreed protocols for the treatment of injured wildlife.

• When directed to do so, assist with the humane euthanasia of injured wildlife unable to be rehabilitated and/or unable to be transported to the Triage Area.

• When the directed to do so, assist with the collection and transport of injured domestic animals to the DPI Incident Management Team triage facilities.

• Transport injured wildlife to the Triage Area for treatment.

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Appendix 12 Triage Veterinarian Role Statement

Triage Veterinarian

Reporting Reports to Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator.

Direct Reportees Volunteer Vet Nurse, Triage Assistants, Volunteer Triage Record Keeper.

Home Organisation Veterinary Practitioners Registry Board of Victoria

Location Triage Area (a predetermined site, close to but not part of the fire operations Staging Area).


• Current Veterinary qualifications with current licence to practice in Victoria (as registered with the Veterinary Practitioners Registry Board of Victoria)




• Experience in handling and treating wildlife injured by bushfires.

Objectives To undertake the safe treatment or euthanasia of injured wildlife at the Triage Area.


• Follow any directions given by the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator or Wildlife Welfare Officer.




• Triage Veterinarians will typically not be required to attend the fire ground during these bushfires.



• Report to nominated meeting point to sign in and confirm that the minimum requirements detailed in the Protocols for Volunteers involved in Wildlife Rescue Operations have been met prior to undertaking the triage tasks.

• Confirm with the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator that all Volunteer Triage Assistants meet the minimum requirements as detailed in the Protocols for Volunteers Involved in Wildlife Rescue Operations, and have all the appropriate protective clothing and equipment required for their tasks.

• Liaise with the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator regarding:

o an appropriate location and equipment for the Triage Area;

o number of volunteers required at the Triage Area;

o the number of injured wildlife requiring treatment;

o the number of injured wildlife requiring transport to offsite Volunteer Wildlife Shelters & Foster Carers for ongoing care.

• Instruct Volunteer Triage Assistants on the appropriate method of treatment for injured wildlife, as per relevant legislation.

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• Euthanise wildlife unable to be rehabilitated and oversee appropriate disposal of carcasses

• Administer medication, as per relevant legislation.

Appendix 13 Volunteer Vet Nurse and Triage Assistant Role Statement

Volunteer Vet Nurse and Triage Assistant

Reporting Reports to Triage Veterinarian


Home Organisation • AVA nominated volunteer; or,

• Wildlife Shelter, Foster Carer or Wildlife Rehabilitator; or,

• Volunteer organisation representative, e.g. RSPCA

Location • Triage Area (a predetermined site, close to but not part of the fire ground Staging Area).




• Volunteer Organisation training requirements.

• Current Wildlife Shelter Permit, Foster Carer authorisation or Veterinary qualifications for animal treatment duties in Triage; or,

• Be undergoing training to rehabilitate injured wildlife by an authorised Wildlife Shelter.

Objectives • To undertake the safe treatment and care of injured wildlife at the Triage Area under the direction of the Triage Veterinarian.


• Follow any directions given by the Triage Veterinarian, Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator or Wildlife Welfare Officer.


• Abide by the Protocols for Volunteers involved in Wildlife Rescue Operations


• Volunteer Triage Assistants will typically not be required to attend the designated search areas during these bushfires.



• Report to the nominated meeting point to sign in and confirm that the minimum requirements detailed in the Protocols for Volunteers involved in Wildlife Rescue Operations have been met prior to undertaking the wildlife rehabilitation tasks.

• Carry out the treatment and care of injured wildlife as per the Triage Veterinarian’s instructions, as per relevant legislation.

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Appendix 14 Volunteer Triage Record Keeper Role Statement

Volunteer Triage Record Keeper

Reporting Reports to Triage Veterinarian


Home Organisation • Any organisation, agency or individual.

Location • Triage Area (a predetermined site, close to but not part of the fire ground Staging Area).




Objectives • To maintain accurate records relating to the rescue and treatment of injured wildlife at the Triage Area.


• Follow any directions given by the Triage Veterinarian, Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator or Wildlife Welfare Officer.


• Abide by the Protocols for Volunteers involved in Wildlife Rescue Operations


• Volunteer Triage Record Keepers will typically not be required to attend the designated search areas during these bushfires.



• Report to the nominated meeting point to sign in and confirm that the minimum requirements detailed in the Protocols for Volunteers involved in Wildlife Rescue Operations have been met prior to undertaking the wildlife rehabilitation tasks.

Records

• Upon receiving injured wildlife at the Triage Areas from the Wildlife Rescue Team Leader, ensure that the relevant animal record sheets are obtained.

• Complete the relevant animal record sheets as required.

• Provide copies of all completed animal record sheets to the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator at the end of the shift.

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Appendix 15 Animal Rescue Record

Animal Rescue Record DSE Customer Service Centre: 136 186

Capture code: ___00001 Group Initials

Triage code:

Species:

dd / mm / yy

Date: / /

am

Time: pm

Captured: � Yes � No Team Leader name:

GPS/Map reference: Contact number:

Location description:

Reported Injury / Condition: � Immediate 1

� Urgent 2

� Minor 3

Drugs Administered / Additional Details: TRIAGE URGENCY

� Euthanase 4

Fate of animal:

When complete write in Triage code, tear off and affix cover sheet to Triage sheet for animal, and retain carbon copy.

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Appendix 16 Animal Triage Record

Animal Triage Record DSE Customer Service Centre: 136 186

Triage code: TR 00001 Capture code: Species: Date acquired: / / Time:

Animal Name: Triage Vet name:

Sex Age Weight Contact number:

INITIAL PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT

Ears Eyes Nostrils

Head

Mouth Fur/Skin Body Condition Pouch

Body

Genitals Left Forelimb Right Forelimb Left Hindlimb

Limbs

Right Hindlimb

INITIAL PHYSICAL PARAMETERS

Heart Rate

Temperature

Respiration Normal / Laboured / Open mouthed

Hydration Status Normal / 5% dehydrated / 10% dehydrated / 20% dehydrated

Mucous Membranes Colour: CRT:

Other comments:

INITIAL MEDICATION

Medication Dosage rate & volume

Sedation

Antibiotics

Fluids

Pain relief

TRANSFER INFO OUTCOME

Shelter name: Date: Time: � Euthanased

Contact name: � Died

Shelter permit no: � Released

Transporter: � Transferred

Affix Rescue Record for animal to Triage Record, if animal is transferred ensure Triage Record cover sheet is given to animal carer/shelter.

FR

ON

T

BA

CK

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Appendix 17 Animal Record Collation: Bushfire Incident (remember to staple all Animal Rescue Records

and Animal Triage Records to this Animal Record Collation sheet)

Wildlife Team Leader name: ______________________ Wildife Field Operations Coordinator: ____________________ Date:__________________ Shift Start:_______________ Shift End:_______________

Cap-ture code

Species Location found

Time found

Sex Age Location of burns

Severity of burns

% area affect-ed

Other injuries

Rescuer name

First Response

Triage treatment

Triage form number

Transf-erred to shelter

Shelter name

Date release-ed

Release location

001 Common Brush Tail Possum

Alpine National Park, 100m from junction of Spur and Black Rd

14:00pm M Juvenile Front foot, tail

Superficial 5% Broken leg

Joanne Bloggs

Taken to triage

Fluids given, sedated

0012 Yes Blue Hills Shelter

3/10/00 Alpine NP

002 Swamp Wallaby

Otways National Park, 100 south of Smith’s Road

9:00am M Pouch young

Feet, face, ears

Partial 30% None Joseph Bloggs

Taken to triage

Euthanased 0013 N/A N/A N/A N/A

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Appendix 18 Guidelines: Working Hours and Fatigue Related Risk Fire Management The following is a summary of some of the key requirements taken directly from DSE’s Guideline: Working Hours and Fatigue-related risk – Fire Management. Wildlife Rescue Volunteers engaged by DSE during bushfire incident become the direct responsibility of DSE. Volunteers must therefore abide by these guidelines as employees of DSE, and as part of the policies and procedures developed as part of the Incident Management System (AIIMS). Key requirements relevant to volunteers are as follows:

Applications • Guidelines apply to activities associated with fire suppression and prescribed burning;

• All personnel and others engaged by DSE (i.e. from overseas, interstate etc.).

Guiding Principles • Management of working and rest hours is a critical component in addressing fatigue of employees and

contractors, and assisting in managing their safety, health and well-being;

• Consideration of hours worked and activities undertaken prior to, during and after deployment;

• Management of deployments to/from incidents as an integral element in managing fatigue-related risk;

• Identification of hazards related to working hours and associated factors and the elimination of those hazards or where it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the hazards, the implementation of control measures/mitigators to reduce or control these hazards as far as is practicable;

• Need for managers, employees and contractors (including managers and supervisors for both normal and fire duties) to understand their roles in managing working hours at an incident;

Scope • Addresses work and rest hours during fire suppression and prescribed burning (length of shifts and

deployments etc.);

• Identifies the roles of individuals engaged in fire suppression and prescribed burning;

• Is part of a risk-based approach in the NEO Fire Fatigue Management Project;

• Identifies control measures that will contribute to the management of fatigue-related risk; and

• Provides mechanisms for monitoring and reviewing these control measures.

Working hour requirements - Deployments, Shifts, Rest Periods

Length of deployments • Deployments for Day Shifts must not exceed 7 consecutive days (including travel time).

• Deployments for Night Shifts must not exceed 4 consecutive nights (plus 2 days travel time).

Extension of Deployment Exceptional circumstances may occur when deployment has to be extended resulting in employees working beyond 10 days for a combination of normal duties and fire duties. The following questions must be considered:

1. Is loss of life and/or property imminent? 2. Are any alternative skills or resources available? 3. What further control measures will be implemented to manage the hazards associated with the likely

increase in fatigue-related risk? If considered necessary (upon Authorisation) a maximum extended deployment of 12 days is not exceeded under any circumstances.

Shift lengths Shifts are planned and documented in the Incident Action Plan in advance by the Incident Management Team. Shift lengths are planned on a 12-14 hour basis.

Restrictions on 24 hour shifts In any 7 consecutive days of fire duties, employees are restricted to working only one 24-hour shift.

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Extension of shift length There may be occasions when it is necessary to extend the length of a shift the following apply:

• Whenever a shift is likely to exceed 16 hours, must be authorised by the Incident Controller prior to reaching 16 hours.

• Whenever a shift is likely to exceed 24 hours, it must be authorised by the Incident Controller prior to reaching 24 hours.

• Any shift extension beyond 24 hours in duration is to be limited to a maximum of 25 hours which is not to be exceeded under any circumstances.

Rest periods between Shifts • For any shift up to 16 hours in length, a minimum rest period of 10 hours is required.

• For any shift between 16 and 24 hours in length, a minimum rest period of 12 hours is required.

• For any shift exceeding 24 hours in length, a minimum rest period of 22 hours is required. The following shift cannot commence before 07:00 hours on the next day. This is to allow for one full night of sleep.

Rest periods between deployments for fire duties A rest period of 2 full days (a minimum of 48 hours) is required between deployments comprising of 7 consecutive days (including travel time) or 4 consecutive nights (plus 2 days travel time).

Rest periods prior to returning to normal duties after night shift Prior to returning to normal duties after working for 1 or more consecutive nights, a minimum rest period of 1 full day is required.

Rest periods prior to returning to normal duties after a combination of normal duties and fire duties Prior to returning to normal duties, where there has been a combination of normal duties and fire duties of:

• 7 consecutive days or more, but less than 10 days - a rest period of 1 full day (24 hours) is required as a minimum; and,

• 10 consecutive days or more - a rest period of 2 full days (48 hours) is required as a minimum.

Roles

Supervisors and Managers Fire duties supervisors and managers:

• Manage working hours for their direct reports in the workplace in accordance with this Guideline;

• Obtain approval in advance from the Incident Controller when anticipating shifts which may exceed sixteen hours;

• Assess the fitness for duty of their direct reports in relation to their tasks and the working environment prior to commencing fire duties;

• Evaluate the need for employees to have additional sleep or rest, or to acclimatise, before beginning a shift;

• Assess environmental factors during fire duties (for example, smoke, heat, increasing altitudes, humidity, rough and steep terrain etc.) which may increase fatigue levels, and report the results of their assessment to the relevant Incident Management Team member/s, and implement practicable control measures; and,

• Respond to an employee who self-reports or is showing unacceptable signs or symptoms of fatigue, or who is not fit for work.

Employees (includes volunteers) Employees are expected to manage both work and non-work time appropriately which includes making use of Rest Periods to sleep so that they are fit for their next shift/work period and can remain fit for duty for the duration of their assigned shift. Employees advise their relevant managers, supervisors and/or work colleagues immediately (i.e. self-report) if they believe they are fatigued to the extent that they believe they are unfit to work (this applies when carrying out either fire duties or normal duties). Work colleagues alert their relevant managers and supervisors immediately if they believe a fellow worker is unfit to work.

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Appendix 19 Requirements for the use of firearms on a fireground

1. For the purpose of these Protocols, the term “firearms” includes rifles and shotguns, which are listed under the Firearms Act 1996. The use of crossbows to destroy sick or injured wildlife on a fireground is not permitted.

2. Captive-bolt guns are not considered firearms under the Firearms Act 1996; however, they are considered a dangerous item if not carried or used correctly. For information regarding the use of captive bolt guns on a fireground see section 41, Appendix 19.

3. Tranquiliser guns are listed under the Firearms Act 1996; however, for the purposes of these Protocols they are included under tranquilising equipment. For information regarding the use of tranquiliser guns, blow pipes/chemical darts and syringe poles on a fireground see Appendix 20.

4. Nothing within these protocols exempts persons from meeting their legislated obligations.

Possession and use of firearms on a fireground

5. Volunteers involved in a wildlife rescue operation are not permitted to be in possession of, carry, or use firearms on the fireground or anywhere else associated with bushfire suppression, relief and recovery activities (this includes the Staging Area, Operations Point and Triage Area), without verbal approval from the Incident Controller and the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator and, for Level 2 and 3 incidents, verbal approval from the Wildlife Welfare Officer.

6. When entering areas managed under the National Parks Act 1975 (ie. National Parks, State Parks, Coastal Parks, Wilderness Areas, Wilderness Zones or Historic Parks), volunteers are not permitted to be in possession of, carry or use firearms without a pre-obtained, current Section 37 authorisation issued under the National Parks Act 1975. [A Section 37 authorisation is only valid while participating in Parks Victoria, DSE or CFA approved programs or operations. Section 37 permits are valid for the conditions and period specified on the permit. Due to potential processing delays, it is advised that volunteers apply for a Section 37 permit prior to the fire season.] To obtain a Section 37 permit:

• authorised officers can apply through either Parks Victoria or DSE; and

• volunteers must apply through DSE.

7. An individual cannot enter freehold land (private property), leased or licenced land without permission from the landowner, unless they are a legally authorised person (for example, a police officer, an RSPCA inspector, appropriate DPI/DSE authorised officer, or a council animal control officer). Veterinarians may be asked to accompany legally authorised persons.

8. All firearm users must abide by the Firearms Act 1996 and conduct themselves in a manner that ensures the safety of all personnel and the ethical and humane treatment of wildlife.

9. Approval for a volunteer to carry or use a firearm on the fireground, or to carry and possess a firearm in the Staging Area, Operations Point and Triage Area will only be provided where:

• Verbal permission has been given from the Incident Controller and Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator; and

• For Level 2 and 3 incidents, verbal permission from the Wildlife Welfare Officer; and

• the purpose for carrying and using a firearm is to humanely destroy wildlife on the fireground where the animal's condition is such that it would continue to suffer if it remained alive; and

• the volunteer is the holder of a current, Victorian Category A; and/or B Longarm Licence; and/or Category C Licence, relevant to the firearm being used; and

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• the volunteer is trained and accredited to the minimum standards outlined in items 15.10-15.12 below; and

• adequate firearm and ammunition storage facilities are available at a suitable location or are being provided by the volunteer; and

• the volunteer has a current authority under the Wildlife Act 1975 to destroy wildlife (e.g. a wildlife shelter authorisation or equivalent Section 28A or 28G authorisation permitting the destruction of native wildlife). Registered Veterinary Practitioners operating in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 are exempt from this requirement.

10. The discharge of firearms will not be permitted in any Staging Area, Operations Point or Triage Area, under any circumstances.

Firearm training and accreditation standards

11. Volunteers using firearms must be the holder of a Statement of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation stating that they have fulfilled the competency requirements of the following training modules:

• RTD2125A - Use of Firearm to humanely destroy animals (Conservation and Land Management Training Package). Volunteers that use captive bolt guns must also complete this unit; and

• SROFAS001A - Demonstrated knowledge of firearm legislation, firearms and community safety (outdoor recreation training package SRO03); and

• SROFAS002A - Demonstrated use of Category A and B firearm safety (outdoor recreation training package SRO03). Or,

• A firearms course(s) approved by the DSE Firearms Committee

12. Volunteers using a Category C firearm on the fireground, must be the holder of a Statement of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation stating that they have fulfilled the competency requirements of:

• SROFAS003A – Demonstrated use of a Category C firearm.

• A firearm course approved by the DSE Firearms Committee

13. Volunteers must complete the applicable firearm competency module (i.e. SROFAS002A or SROFAS003A) every 12 months at an approved firearms range to maintain their competence and skills.

Demonstration of capability

14. Prior to engaging in firearm activities or possessing a firearm on the fireground or anywhere else associated with bushfire suppression, relief and recovery activities, the volunteer must provide the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator with copies of all relevant licences, authorisations and accreditations as detailed above.

15. While engaging in firearm activities and having possession or control of a firearm, the operator must carry copies of all relevant licences, authorisations and accreditations as detailed above and produce them on demand to the relevant, authorised officers of DSE, PV or Victoria Police.

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Provision of equipment and training, and maintenance of equipment

16. Volunteers are responsible for supplying their own firearms, ammunition and personal protective equipment (i.e. ear muffs and eye protection).

17. Volunteers are responsible for ensuring that all firearms and ammunition are maintained in a safe working order.

18. Volunteers are responsible for funding and maintaining the currency of their training and accreditation.

Conditions relating to firearm possession and use

19. Team leaders must inform all teams that a firearm is about to be discharged prior to the discharge of the firearm.

20. It is the responsibility of the firearm operator to ensure that their actions do not put themselves or the safety of others at risk. The firearm operator is in charge determining where the team members are to be positioned and ensuring all persons are removed from any potential firing line.

21. Volunteers using firearms and other team members in close proximity to those using firearms must wear hearing protection (compliant with AS/NZS 1270 standard or better) and eye protection (impact resistant with a UV filter lens and compliant with AS/NZS 1337 standard or better) at all times when a firearm is being discharged.

22. Firearms must not be loaded until the operator is ready to shoot. Firearms may only be discharged where all team members and any other person known to be in the area are behind the firearm operator. The line of fire must be chosen to prevent accidents or injury from stray bullets or ricochets.

23. Firearms must not be discharged onto or across any private property without the direct consent of the owner or occupier of the property.

24. Loaded firearms must not be carried or discharged from or across any public road or thoroughfare.

25. Firearms must not be discharged from moving vehicles or any moving platform.

26. Firearms must not be discharged in a populous place (e.g. picnic area, camp site).

27. Firearms must not be handled or used by any person other than those that comply with the requirements of Section 9 above.

28. All firearms must be registered in accordance with the Firearms Act 1996.

29. Firearms must only be used during daylight hours.

30. Immediately after euthanasia, the shooter is required to examine each animal to confirm death. All euthanased animals must be thoroughly examined for pouch young (where applicable) or the immediate area should be searched for young at foot (where applicable) after euthanasia. Where young are found, a decision must then be made on the appropriate course of action depending on the age of the young (either euthanased or transferred to an appropriately qualified carer for hand rearing.

Storage of firearm and ammunition

31. When not in use, all firearms must be secured in accordance with the provisions of the Firearms Act 1996.

32. Where a firearm is stored in a building or other structure, it must be unloaded and secured in a locked hard wood or steel container that is not easy to penetrate. The lock must be of sturdy construction. If the container weighs less than 150kg when empty, it must be securely fixed to a floor or wall frame.

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33. Where a firearm is in a vehicle, it must be unloaded and secured in a locked case or container (e.g. gun case or bag) and stowed in the boot or storage area of a sedan/dual cab/wagon. For a ute or single cab, the unloaded firearm must be stored in a locked case or container and stowed in a part of the vehicle not readily accessible by any member of the public (e.g. box on the tray).

34. When not in use, all ammunition must be secured in accordance with the provisions of the Firearms Act 1996.

35. Ammunition must be stored in a locked container separate to that containing the firearm, unless the receptacle is purpose built to store ammunition separately from the firearms.

36. Ammunition must be stored in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight, open flames or heating elements (e.g. heaters) and away from solvents, flammable gases or other combustible materials.

Minimum requirements for destroying wildlife with a rifle

37. When destroying wildlife with a rifle on a fireground, volunteers must ensure they comply with the following calibre, projectile weight and range restrictions, preferably by a shot to the brain (Table 1) Under circumstances where a shot to the brain of an injured animal is impractical or unsafe, a shot to the heart is permissible.

Table 1. DSE guidelines - Appropriate rifle calibre for wildlife

Species Minimum Calibre Minimum projectile weight

Maximum range

Wombat .243 centre fire 87 grain 100 meters

Kangaroo .222 centre fire 50 grain 200 meters

Wallaby .17 centre fire 25 grain 100 meters

Possum .22 rimfire 30 grain 50 meters

Large bird (e.g. emu) .243 centre fire 85 grain 100 meters

Medium to large bird (e.g. Black Duck to Mountain Duck)

.222 centre fire 50 grain 100 meters

Small to medium bird (e.g. parrot to Grey Teal)

.22 rimfire 30 grain 50 meters

Small bird (e.g. parrot) .22 rimfire 30 grain 50 meters

Small Deer* (Fallow/Hog/Chital)


Large Deer* (Sambar/Red/Rusa)


*Deer are included in the definition of wildlife in the Wildlife Act 1975.

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Minimum requirements for destroying wildlife with a shotgun

38. When destroying wildlife with a shotgun on a fireground, volunteers must ensure they comply with the following gauge, pellet size and range restrictions, preferably by a shot to the brain (Table 2). Under circumstances where a shot to the brain of an injured animal is impractical or unsafe, a shot to the heart is permissible.

Table 2. DSE guidelines - Appropriate shotgun gauge, pellet size and range restrictions for wildlife.

Species Minimum Gauge Minimum shot size Maximum range

Wombat 12 gauge BB or larger shot 20 meters

Kangaroo 12 gauge No. 2, 1, BB or larger shot 20 meters

Wallaby 12 gauge No. 4 or larger shot 20 meters

Possum 12 gauge No. 2, 1, BB or larger shot 20 meters

Large bird (e.g. emu) 12 gauge BB or larger shot 10 meters

Medium to large bird (e.g. Black Duck to Mountain Duck)

12 gauge No. 2, 1, BB or larger shot 30 meters

Small to medium bird (e.g. parrot to Grey Teal)

12 gauge No. 6 or larger shot 30 meters

Small bird (e.g. parrot) 12 gauge No. 9 or larger shot 30 meters

Small Deer* (Fallow/Hog/Chital)

Shotguns not permitted

Large Deer* (Sambar/Red/Rusa)

Shotguns not permitted

*Deer are included in the definition of wildlife in the Wildlife Act 1975.

Possession and use of captive-bolt guns on a fireground

39. Approval for a volunteer to carry or use a captive-bolt gun on the fireground, or to carry and possess a captive-bolt gun in the Staging Area, Operations Point and Triage Area will only be provided where:

• permission has been given to the volunteer by the Incident Controller and Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator; and

• for level 2 and 3 incidents, approval from the Wildlife Welfare Officer; and

• the purpose for carrying and using a captive-bolt gun is to humanely destroy wildlife on the fireground where the animal's condition is such that it would continue to suffer if it remained alive; and

• the volunteer is the holder of a Statement of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation stating that they have fulfilled the competency requirements of the following training module:

o RTD2125A - Use of Firearm to humanely destroy animals (Conservation and Land Management Training Package). Volunteers that use captive bolt guns must also complete this unit; Or,

o A firearms course(s) approved by the DSE Firearms Committee

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• if entering areas managed under the National Parks Act 1975 (ie. National Parks, State Parks, Coastal Parks, Wilderness Areas, Wilderness Zones or Historic Parks), volunteers are not permitted to be in possession of, carry or use a gun or other weapon without a pre-obtained, current Section 37 authorisation issued under the National Parks Act 1975. [A Section 37 authorisation is only valid while participating in Parks Victoria, DSE or CFA approved programs or operations. Section 37 permits are valid for the conditions and period specified on the permit. Due to potential processing delays, it is advised that volunteers apply for a Section 37 permit prior to the fire season.] To obtain a Section 37 permit, authorised officers can apply through either Parks Victoria or DSE; and volunteers must apply through DSE; and

• the animal is able to be restrained and the volunteer has appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to use a captive-bolt gun to destroy wildlife; and

• the volunteer has a current authority under the Wildlife Act 1975 to destroy wildlife (e.g. a wildlife shelter authorisation or equivalent Section 28A or 28G authorisation permitting the destruction of native wildlife). Registered Veterinary Practitioners operating in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 are exempt from this requirement; and

• if entering freehold land (private property), leased or licenced land, approval has been given by the landowner, unless they are a legally authorised person (for example, a police officer, an RSPCA inspector, DSE/DPI authorised officer, or a council animal control officer).

40. The use of captive-bolt guns will not be permitted in any Staging Area, Operations Point or Triage Area, under any circumstances.

41. Volunteers are responsible for supplying and appropriately storing their own captive-bolt gun.

42. Volunteers are responsible for ensuring that the captive-bolt gun is maintained in a safe working order.

Firearm use post-incident

43. Where an incident management team for a bushfire emergency is no longer in operation, and control of the incident has returned to day to day land management responsibilities, the volunteer must seek the permission of the public land manager, e.g. DSE Group Biodiversity Manager, Parks Victoria Chief Ranger or Ranger In Charge, to carry out wildlife rescue operations involving firearms.

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Appendix 20 Requirements and conditions for the use of tranquilising equipment on a fireground and; Conditions around scheduled veterinarian drugs and controlled substances

Requirements for the use of tranquilising equipment on a fireground

1. For these purposes of the Protocols, the term “tranquiliser equipment” includes tranquiliser guns, pole syringe (jab sticks) and blow pipes/chemical darts.

2. Tranquiliser guns are listed under the Firearms Act 1996, and all users of tranquiliser guns must abide by this Act.

3. Blow pipes/chemical darts are listed under the Control of Weapons Act 1990, and all users must abide by this Act.

4. All users of tranquilising equipment must abide by the Drug, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981. Registered veterinary practitioners must comply with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria guidelines.

5. Nothing within these protocols exempts persons from meeting their legislated obligations.

Possession and use of tranquiliser equipment on a fireground

6. Volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations are not permitted to be in possession of, carry, or use tranquilising equipment on the fireground or anywhere else associated with bushfire suppression, relief and recovery activities (this includes the Staging Area, Operations Point and Triage Area), without verbal approval from the Incident Controller and the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator and, for Level 2 and 3 incidents, verbal approval from the Wildlife Welfare Officer.

7. When in possession of, carrying or using a tranquilising gun in areas managed under the National Parks Act 1975 (ie. National Parks, State Parks, Coastal Parks, Wilderness Areas, Wilderness Zones or Historic Parks), the volunteer must be the holder of a pre-obtained, current Section 37 authorisation under the National Parks Act 1975. [A Section 37 authorisation is only valid while participating in Parks Victoria, DSE or CFA approved programs or operations. Section 37 permits are valid for the conditions and period specified on the permit Due to potential processing delays, it is advised that volunteers apply for a Section 37 permit prior to the fire season]. To obtain a Section 37 permit:

� authorised officers can apply through either Parks Victoria or DSE; and

� volunteers must apply through DSE.

8. An individual cannot enter freehold land (private property), leased or licenced land without permission from the landowner, unless they are a legally authorised person (for example, a police officer, an RSPCA inspector, appropriate DSE/DPI authorised officer, or a council animal control officer). Veterinarians may be asked to accompany legally authorised persons.

9. Approval for a volunteer to carry or use tranquilising equipment on the fireground will only be provided where:

• Verbal permission has been given from the Incident Controller and Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator; and

• for level 2 and 3 incidents, verbal permission from the Wildlife Welfare Officer; and

• if using a tranquiliser gun, the volunteer is the holder of a current, Victorian Category C Licence; and

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• If using a blow pipe/chemical dart, the volunteer has permission (in the form of a licence) from the Chief Commissioner in accordance with the Control of Weapons Act 1990; and

• the volunteer is trained and accredited to the minimum standards outlined below; and

• adequate firearm and scheduled drug storage facilities are available, where appropriate, at a suitable location; and

• the volunteer has a current authority under the Wildlife Act 1975 to destroy wildlife (e.g. a wildlife shelter authorisation or equivalent Section 28A or 28G authorisation permitting the destruction of native wildlife). Registered Veterinary Practitioners operating in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 are exempt from this requirement; and

• a registered Veterinarian is on site who can store, dispense and supervise the use of registered drugs used in the tranquiliser gun, in accordance with the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981.

10. All users of tranquilising equipment must conduct themselves in a manner than ensures the safety of all personnel, and the ethical and humane treatment of wildlife.

11. The use of tranquillisers in wildlife rescue operations is to allow:

• for the safe live capture of sick or injured animals for treatment in circumstances where they cannot be easily or safely confined or restrained by other means; or

• for the safe capture of an animal for the purposes of euthanasia, where the animal's condition is such that it would continue to suffer if it remained alive, and where firearm use is not appropriate or is considered unsafe.

12. The use or discharge of tranquiliser equipment in any Staging Area, Operations Point or Triage Area is not permitted.

Tranquiliser training and accreditation standards

13. Volunteers using any tranquilising equipment (tranquilising guns, syringe poles or blow pipes/chemical darts) must be the holder of a Statement of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation stating that they have fulfilled the competency requirements of the following training modules:

• RUV3410A – Capture, restrain and assist in moving animals


14. Volunteers using a tranquiliser gun on the fireground, must also be the holder of a Statement of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation stating that they have fulfilled the competency requirements of:

• SROFAS003A – Demonstrated use of a Category C firearm; and

• SROFAS003A - Demonstrated knowledge of firearm legislation, firearms and community safety (outdoor recreation training package SRO03);


15. Volunteers must complete the competency module (i.e. RUV3410A) every 12 months at an approved firearms range to maintain their competence and skills. Volunteers using a tranquiliser gun must complete the SROFAS993A (or approved course) every 12 months at an approved firearms range to maintain their competence and skills.

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Demonstration of capability

16. Prior to carrying, possessing and/or using tranquilising equipment on the fireground, or anywhere else associated with bushfire suppression, relief and recovery activities, the volunteer must provide the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator with copies of all relevant licences, authorisations and accreditations as detailed above.

17. While engaging in tranquiliser activities and having possession or control of tranquilising equipment, the operator must carry copies of all relevant licences, authorisations and accreditations as detailed above and produce them on demand to the relevant authority (eg. Victoria Police, DSE, CFA, Parks Victoria etc).

Provision of equipment and training, and maintenance of equipment

18. Volunteers are responsible for supplying their own tranquilising guns, syringe poles and blow pipes/chemical darts and relevant personal protective equipment (i.e. eye protection).

19. Volunteers are responsible for ensuring that all tranquilising equipment is maintained in a safe working order.

20. Volunteers are responsible for funding and maintaining the currency of their training and accreditation.

Conditions around scheduled veterinarian drugs and controlled substances

Possession of scheduled veterinarian drugs and controlled substances on a fireground

21. Only volunteers authorised under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981, (e.g. registered veterinary practitioners), can carry scheduled drugs and controlled substances onto a fireground.

22. Scheduled drugs refers to Schedule 4 and Schedule 8 drugs of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (a Prescription Animal Remedy or a Prescription Only Medicine) used in tranquilising equipment. Schedule 4 and Schedule 8 drugs include, but are not limited to:

• Zoletil, Xylazine, Alfaxan

• Schedule 8 drugs may only be used if there is no other alternative.

23. Volunteers involved in wildlife rescue operations are not permitted to be in possession of, or administer, scheduled drugs unless they are a registered veterinary practitioner, or acting under the direct supervision of the Triage Veterinarian for a Level 2 and 3 incident, or veterinary practitioner for a Level 1 incident.

24. For the purposes of these Protocols, direct supervision is defined as:

• the veterinary practitioner is present and has personally assessed each animal at the time of administering the drugs; or

• the volunteer is sufficiently experienced to assess the needs of the animal and is in direct phone or radio contact with the veterinary practitioner to seek and gain authorisation before use of the tranquilising equipment on each animal.

25. If subsequent administering of drugs is required for an animal (eg. it wasn’t sedated on the first shot of tranquilisers), contact must be made back with the veterinary practitioner on the fireground, before administering further drugs. A new veterinary practitioner to the case needs to be satisfied of the ongoing therapeutic need, if they are to authorise further dosing

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Dosage

26. Dosage rates must be determined by the veterinary practitioner, or by the tranquiliser operator under the direct supervision of the veterinary practitioner.

27. The tranquiliser operator needs to be adequately experienced to be able to accurately estimate the animal’s weight to inform the veterinary practitioner, and ensure correct dosage is administered.

Documentation, supply and labelling of scheduled drugs

28. The supply and use of scheduled drugs on the fireground must be labelled, dispensed and recorded in accordance with the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981.

29. Schedule 4 drugs require records to be kept by the veterinary practitioner, and must include:

• the date of each transaction;

• the name, form strength and quantity of the drug;

• the name and address, or location of the person to whom the drug is transferred;

• the exact amount dispensed or used;

• detailed information of the animal treated;

• directions for use;

• the length of course dispensed;

• the name of the prescriber and the grounds for the decision having been made that there is a therapeutic need for dispensing or prescribing the drug; and

• the fate of the animal.

30. Records must be made as soon as possible after transaction.

31. Schedule 8 drugs require specific records to be kept by the veterinary practitioner, in addition to the records required for Schedule 4 drugs. These additional records should be recorded in a separate record book in which each drug is recorded on a separate page. It must also be in a form that cannot be altered, obliterated, deleted or removed without detection. The separate record book must include the following:

• all transactions of the drug and shows the true balance of each drug used;

• the name and address of the supplier and the quantity supplied

• the name of the person carrying out each transaction, their usual signature and the quantity used or dispensed, and

• usage must be signed by two people as required by law.

32. Any unused or misfired drugs must be collected and returned to the veterinary practitioner who dispensed them.

33. Schedule 8 drugs must be destroyed or disposed of in accordance with the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981,

Storage of controlled substances

34. All Schedule 4 drugs must be kept in a securely locked storage facility, which is secured to prevent unauthorised access, including when the veterinary practitioner is transporting them to the fireground. The storage facility is to remain locked, except when it is necessary for the veterinary practitioner to open it to access the Schedule 4 poisons in connection with the wildlife operations, or other essential operation connected with the poisons stored in it.

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35. All schedule 8 drugs must be stored in a locked facility, fixed to the floor or wall, and providing not less security than a (10mm thick) mild steel drug cabinet and must not be stored with any other items other than drugs of dependence. When transported for use in another location, Schedule 8 drugs must be stored in a locked receptacle in the veterinary practitioner’s possession. If the receptacle is necessarily out of the veterinary practitioner’s possession it should be secured, out of sight, in a locked facility (eg. lockable vehicle or cupboard) to prevent unauthorised access.

Conditions around the use of tranquilising equipment on a fireground

Safety

36. It is the responsibility of the tranquiliser operator to ensure that their actions (eg. transporting, loading darts and using the tranquilising equipment) do not put themselves or the safety of others at risk. At all times safety of the Wildlife Rescue Team must take precedence, which includes a careful assessment of the condition of the fireground being traversed.

37. Tranquiliser equipment must not be loaded until the operator is ready to shoot.

38. Any needles or sharps used in the tranquilising equipment must be stored, used and disposed of appropriately. Tranquilising darts/needles must be single use only

39. Unused scheduled drugs must be kept track of, returned to the veterinary practitioner and disposed of in accordance with the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981.

40. The tranquiliser operator (even if they are not the Team Leader) is in charge of the operation during the darting process, including the decision to dart the animal, the selection of which animal to dart, and where the team members position themselves. Tranquiliser guns, chemical darts and blow pipes may only be discharged when all team members, and any other person known to be in the area, are standing behind the operator. The Team Leader can over-rule the tranquiliser operator if safety rules are breached by the firearms operator.

41. Tranquilising wildlife must only be done when it is considered safe for the animal. Assessment of the surroundings needs to occur to ensure there are no hazards (e.g. dams, wetlands, holes, fences, low hanging trees, roads, etc) that can cause injury to the animal once it has been darted.

Discharging tranquilising equipment

42. Assessment through adequate observation of wildlife is recommended prior to shooting or euthanasing the animal.

43. The tranquiliser operator needs to be adequately experienced to accurately estimate the distance between them and the animal, to ensure correct aim, best chances of success and to assist with estimating the animal’s weight.

44. Maximum distance for tranquilising wildlife is:

Tranquilising equipment Distance from wildlife or circumstances to use equipment

Tranquiliser gun 10 - 50m

Blow pipe 4m

Chemical dart 4m

Pole syringe Semi habituated, or immobilized animal.

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45. Tranquilising guns, blow pipes and chemical darts must only be used during daylight hours and in appropriate areas with good visibility to observe the dart being discharged (unless specifically instructed or requested by DSE or the Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator).

46. Three volunteers must be present when using tranquilising equipment, one of whom is a Wildlife Rescue Team Leader to supervise the tranquilising operation. This includes:

• The operator of the tranquilising equipment (if not the team leader, then is a member of the rescue team) to shoot the tranquiliser gun / administer the dart;

• a spotter to watch where the dart goes and to communicate between the operator of the tranquilising equipment and the veterinary practitioner; and

• a runner to ensure immediate access to, and safety of the drugged animal. The runner and spotter must remain behind the shooter until the tranquiliser gun has been discharged.

47. Tranquilising equipment is best used on stationary and upright animals to ensure darts/needles strike the appropriate part of the body (i.e. the rump). Shooting wildlife in other parts of the body can cause death, e.g. shooting in the ribs can puncture a lung. However, in recumbent animals, if the suitable area for darting is exposed (ie. Rump/thigh) then it is acceptable to perform darting. In a moving animal, provided the darter is competent, it is reasonable to dart a moving animal if there is no alternative (eg. an emu).

48. If an animal isn’t tranquilised with the first dosage, all reasonable attempts must be made to capture or inject a second dosage to tranquilise the animal.

49. Tranquilising equipment must not be used on wildlife in trees, except in circumstances where human safety is at risk and euthanasia cannot be performed using a firearm.

50. Tranquilising equipment must not be discharged onto or across any freehold land (private property, leased or licensed crown land) without the direct consent of the owner or land manager.

51. Loaded tranquilising equipment must not be carried or discharged from or across any public road or thoroughfare.

52. Tranquilising equipment must not be discharged from vehicles or any moving platform.

53. Tranquilising equipment must not be discharged in a populous place (e.g. picnic area, camp site).

54. Loaded tranquilising guns must not be carried or discharged from across any public road or thoroughfare.

55. all tranquiliser guns must be registered in accordance with the Firearms Act 1996.

After care

56. Darted animals must be retrieved as soon as it is safe to approach after darting.

57. Wildlife regaining consciousness from tranquilisers can be dangerous or aggressive. Care must be taken to ensure no injury is caused to the wildlife or volunteers.

58. For wildlife needing treatment by a veterinary practitioner, appropriate cages and vehicles need to be ready to transport the tranquilised wildlife as quickly as possible.

59. All animals that have received tranquilising drugs and then euthanased must be taken from the field and handed to the triage area for appropriate disposal, as there is a risk of secondary poisoning to scavengers.

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Storage of tranquilising equipment

60. When not in use, all tranquiliser guns must be secured in accordance with the provisions of the Firearms Act 1996.

61. Where a tranquiliser gun is stored in a building or other structure, it must be unloaded and secured in a locked hard wood or steel container that is not easy to penetrate. The lock must be of sturdy construction. If the container weighs less than 500kg when empty, it must be securely fixed to a floor or wall frame.

62. Where a tranquiliser gun is in a vehicle, it must be unloaded and secured in a locked case or container (e.g. gun case or bag) and stowed in the boot or storage area of a sedan/dual cab/wagon. For a ute or single cab, the unloaded firearm must be stored in a locked case or container and stowed in a part of the vehicle not readily accessible by any member of the public (e.g. box on the tray).

63. All other tranquilising utensils (blow-pipe, pole syringe or chemical dart) must be kept in a secure manner.

64. Tranquilising equipment use post-incident

65. Where an incident management team for a bushfire emergency is no longer in operation, and control of the incident has returned to day to day land management responsibilities, the volunteer must seek the permission of the public land manager, e.g. DSE Group Biodiversity Manager, Parks Victoria Chief Ranger, or Ranger In Charge, to carry and use tranquilising equipment on their property.

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Appendix 21 Firearms Flow Diagram

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Appendix 22 Glossary

Accreditation* Formal system of recognition by a relevant organisation of the experience, qualifications, knowledge or skills of an individual meeting a prescribed standard.

Agency Representative*

Person allocated to an incident from an assisting agency who has been delegated authority to make decisions on all matters affecting that agency’s participation at the incident.

Assets and Values* Recognised features of the built, natural and cultural environments. Built assets may include buildings, roads and bridges or structures managed by utility and service providers as well as recognised features of private land such as houses, property, stock and crops and associated buildings and equipment. Natural assets may include forest produce, forest regeneration, conservation values including vegetation types, fauna, and air and water catchments. Cultural values may include recreational, indigenous, historical, archaeological, and landscape values.

Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS)*

A nationally adopted management framework for organisations working in emergency management, providing a common language and consistent approach for the effective and efficient control of incidents.

Basic Wildfire Awareness (BWA)*

A training course and assessment based on a national module short course that allows for the recognition of fire line hazards and the adoption of safe work practices. It aims to ensure the health and safety of contractors, non-firefighting employees and agents required to work in the vicinity of bushfire.

Bushfire (Wildfire)* An unplanned fire. A generic term which includes grass fires, forest fires and scrub fires.

Chief Officer Chief Officer CFA* - CFA officer responsible for fire planning, prevention and operations on all private land within Country Area of Victoria.

Chief Officer Fire and Emergency Management DSE* – DSE officer responsible for fire planning, prevention and operations on public land in Victoria.

Communications Plan* A plan prepared for a specific incident detailing the methods of communication to be sued at that incident.

Control Agency* The agency, service, organisation or authority which, by legislative authority, is responsible for the control of an incident.

Domestic animals Agricultural livestock, e.g. cows, sheep, and companion animals e.g. dogs, cats

Fire Agencies The Department of Sustainability and Environment and/or the Country Fire Authority.

Fireground* The area in the vicinity of the bushfire and suppression operations, and the area immediately threatened by the fire. It includes burning and burnt areas; constructed and proposed fire control lines; the area where firefighters, vehicles, machinery and equipment are located when deployed; roads and access points under traffic management control; tracks and facilities in the area surrounding the actual fire; and may extend to adjoining areas directly threatened by the fire.

Fire Recovery*

(= recovery)

Begins as soon as the fire incident commences, it involves the phase during which emergency stabilisation works post fire are undertaken, damaged assets are assessed, salvaged, repaired or replaced; sites disturbed by fire suppression* are operations are rehabilitated; the natural response of the ecosystem is monitored, and managed if necessary; health and safety issues arising from the fire suppression* operation are addressed; and lessons learned from the incident are incorporated into planning for future bushfire events.

Fire Suppression*

(= fire control)

The activities connected with restricting the spread of bushfire following its detection and making it safe following its detection.

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Firefighter* Any employee or agent of the fire agency who occupies or is designated to occupy a position in AIIMS (or its future equivalents) for the purpose of fire suppression.

Firefighting

Operations* Any work or activity associated directly with the control of bushfire.

Foster Carer An individual who is currently registered under an existing shelter authorisation holder for the purposes of training and/or to be legally involved in wildlife rehabilitation activities.

Heat Exhaustion* Medical condition caused by elevated body temperature. Heat exhaustion is much less serious than heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is characterized by fatigue, nausea and heavy sweating. While usually only mile, it can lead to heat stroke.

Heat Stroke* Medical condition caused by elevated body temperature where the body’s internal organs begin to shut down because of excessive heat. Heat stroke is a serious medical condition and requires immediate medical care.

Incident* An event, accidentally or deliberately caused, which requires a response from one or more of the statutory emergency response agencies.

Incident Action Plan* Is the course of action taken to restrict the spread of bushfire. This plan will generally be documented when the bushfire is not likely to be controlled before 7.00 am on the day following its detection.

Incident Controller* (IC) The person having overall management of a fire in accordance with AIIMS (or its future equivalent).

Incident Control Centre*

The location where the Incident Controller and various members of the Incident Management Team provide overall direction of response activities.

Incident Level 1* A small, simple fire (or group of fires) which is controlled with local resources.

• May include other agencies.

• Incident Controller probably undertaking more than one function.

• Second shift unlikely to be required.

Incident Level 2* A large or complex fire where resources from a range of locations are involved.

• Normally but not necessarily involve several agencies.

• Normally expected to exceed 24 hours.

• Incident Controller will normally have delegated all functions.

Incident Level 3* A developing, or developed fire of medium size or complexity.

• Expected that the incident will be controlled within 24 hours.

• Resources from other locations are involved.

• Incident Controller may be undertaking more than one function but will normally have delegated at least the Operations function.

• 5 to 20 hectares (or much larger if there is little complexity).

Incident Management Team* (IMT)

A group comprising the Incident Controller and the personnel he or she appoints to be responsible for the functions of operations, planning and logistics.

Logistics Officer* Person responsible for the management and activities of the Logistics Section of an Incident Management Team. Coordinates the provision of facilities, services and materials in support of an incident.

Notifiable Incident (OHS)*

Any incident resulting in:

• The death of a person;

• A person requiring medical treatment within 48 hours of exposure to a substance;

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• A person requiring immediate treatment as an in-patient in a hospital;

• A person requiring immediate medical treatment for a serious incident (amputation of any part of his or her body, a serious head injury, the separation of his or her skin from an underlying tissue (de-gloving or scalping), electric shock, spinal injury, loss of a bodily function, serious lacerations).

It is also a dangerous occurrence which poses an immediate risk to a person’s health and safety.

The employer who manages the worksite is responsible for ensuring this formal notification to WorkSafe occurs.

Operations Officer* Person responsible for directing and supervising all work within the Operations section of an Incident Management Team.

Operations Point* A location where the Operations Section of the Incident Management Team has effective access to subordinate fire control line commanders for administration and command purposes.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)*

Is equipment and clothing required to mitigate the risk of injury from or exposure to hazardous conditions encountered during specific tasks. Some items of Personal Protective Equipment are mandatory and some are optional.

Planning Officer* Person responsible for the management and activities of the Planning section of an Incident Management Team. Delegates responsibility for the provision of information about the incident, the need for resources and support services for the management of the Incident Control Centre.

Recovery Strategy* A plan developed by the Department of Human Services (or its future equivalent), in conjunction with other Government Departments, agencies, and local councils, which details activities to ensure the emotional, social economic and physical well-being of emergency–affected communities and land is restored.

Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

An accredited body for the delivery of training and education that are set against a national standard. RTO’s are audited against these standards.

Response* The term used in disaster management to describe the processes, procedures and actions taken/not taken to combat a disaster.

Safe* The stage of fire suppression or planned burning when it is considered that no further suppression action or patrols are necessary.

Situation Unit Leader* Person responsible for collecting and organising incident status and situation information for use by the Incident Management Team and responsible authorities.

SMEACSQ A structure used to explain information to a group and ensure all required information is told to staff - Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration and Logistics, Command and Communications, Safety, and Questions.

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Staging Area* An area where resources are organised and prepared for deployment, without causing congestion at the incident scene, for fire suppression activities. It may include the provision of welfare and equipment maintenance facilities.

Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

A standard OHS formed filled out prior to work activity identifying risks and steps taken to mitigate/avoid or reduce risks to personnel.

Traffic Management Point

A point established to control and limit access to a fire area. It provides a means of managing the entry of residents of the fire affected area so that they can secure their property and extinguish fires caused by the ember attack after the passage of the fire front. Usually managed by the Victorian Police but sometimes by other Agency or Emergency personnel such as the SES.

Triage Area A predetermined facility, suitable for the purposes of treatment of injured wildlife, located close to but not part of the fireground Staging Area.

Triage Veterinarian A person with current Veterinary qualifications responsible for the appropriate treatment of wildlife injured from bushfire and who is responsible for the management and tasking of Volunteer Triage Assistants and Volunteer Triage Record Keepers.

Under Control 2 (incident status)*

The complete perimeter of the fire is secured, and no breakaway is expected. Control line quality or depth is such that only patrol is required.

Volunteer Emergency Worker*

A volunteer worker who engages in emergency activity at the request or with the consent (express or implied) of the chief executive (or delegate) of an agency to which either the State Emergency Response or Recovery Plan applies.

Volunteer Triage Assistants/Vet Nurse

Volunteers, who have a Wildlife Shelter Permit, Foster Carer authorisation, Veterinary qualifications or are undergoing training with a Wildlife Shelter to rehabilitate injured wildlife, who report to the Triage Veterinarian in order to undertake the appropriate treatment of injured wildlife at the Triage Area.


Volunteers, who have a Wildlife Shelter Permit, Foster Carer authorisation, Veterinary qualifications or are undergoing training with a Wildlife Shelter to rescue injured wildlife, who report to the Wildlife Rescue Team Leader in order to undertake the safe and humane retrieval of injured wildlife from the fireground.

Wildlife Rescue Operations

Those activities involving the capture, transportation, treatment and rehabilitation of injured wildlife during a bushfire.


The person responsible for ensuring the safe and humane retrieval of injured wildlife from the fireground, and the management of Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers.

Wildlife Shelter A location authorised under the Wildlife Act 1975 to undertake wildlife rehabilitation activities.

Wildlife Field Operations Coordinator (WFOC)

The person responsible for coordinating and communicating between the Planning and Operations units. Their tasks include advising the Wildlife Welfare Officer of available resources; and managing and coordinating the deployment of Wildlife Rescue Teams into designated search areas in search of injured or otherwise compromised wildlife.

Wildlife Welfare Officer (WWO)

The person responsible for ensuring the broader wildlife population values are identified and used to inform the development of planning strategies. As well as being responsible for ensuring the individual wildlife welfare needs are identified and to coordinate appropriate management strategies.

*Definitions are as per the DSE Fire Management Glossary of Fire Terminology, 30 October 2007.

Documents

WORKING WITH FIRE AGENCIES AT BUSHFIRES - … a safer working environment for volunteers and result in better wildlife welfare ... 20.5 Triage Veterinarian ... Working with Fire Agencies