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Unit Group

4512 Emergency Services Officers and Firefighters

OSCA - Occupation Standard Classification for Australia
Reference period
2024, Version 1.0

4512 Emergency Services Officers and Firefighters

Respond to fire alarms and emergency calls, control and extinguish fires and attend the scene of emergencies in order to minimise risk to community safety and security.

Paramedics and police officers are excluded from this unit group. Paramedics are included in Unit Group 2694 Paramedic Professionals. General Duties Police Officers are included in Occupation 451331 General Duties Police Officer. Specialist Police Officers are included in Occupation 299231 Specialist Police Officer.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Occupation

451231 Emergency Services Officer

Attends the scene of emergencies to minimise risk to community safety and security.

Alternative titles

  • Emergency Response Officer
  • Emergency Service Worker

Specialisation

  • Medical Emergency Services Officer

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Responds in a timely and effective manner to emergency calls, and assesses the situation to ensure the safety of the community
  • Evacuates individuals from dangerous situations and provides support
  • Provides information and updates during emergencies to the community and stakeholders
  • Contributes to the development and implementation of emergency response plans
  • Inspects and maintains on-site emergency response equipment
  • May provide first aid to injured individuals
Occupation

451232 Firefighter

Responds to fire alarms and emergency calls, controls and extinguishes fires, and protects life and property.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Specialisations

  • Aviation Firefighter
  • Hazardous Materials Firefighter
  • Leading Firefighter

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Responds to fire alarms and emergency calls
  • Operates pumps, sprays water, foam and chemicals from hoses, portable extinguishers and other appliances to extinguish fires and to disperse or neutralise dangerous substances
  • Locates, rescues and evacuates people trapped in dangerous situations, and provides first aid and medical assistance to injured individuals
  • Visits buildings and potential fire hazards to study access points and locations of hydrants
  • Conducts fire prevention and safety education programs for the public
  • Maintains firefighting equipment and vehicles
  • Participates in firefighting training exercises, drills and demonstrations