1. Mod 6: Technical Skills II
Rope Rescue Level I
Mod 6: Technical Skills II

2. Victim Packaging Think like a minimalist Take a holistic approach
Don’t over rescue
Provide care that is commensurate with the victim’s presentation, needs, and ability to “cope” with the action plan both mentally and physically
Time is often of the essence
Take a holistic approach
Victim care and packaging is a part of the overall rescue sequence and decisions are altered sometimes based on other elements of the event.
Thinking like a minimalist does not mean corners are cut. The primary objective must be maintained – the technicality of the event is not the objective, the victim’s rescue is.
The victim may require more secure packaging if they have a high degree of apprehension about the event or if they are unable to heed direction.
The rescue environment and elements of the systems and rigging also contribute to packaging choices.

3. Victim Packaging Decisions EMS ABC’s C Spine Injury Management
Orientation
Horizontal
Vertical
Packaging Device
Tending
Lines
Rescue Personnel
Load Management
Retrieval
High Directional
Manpower
Safety
EMS – Initial assessment and management of victim should be focused on ABC’s, C Spine requirements, and Injury management
Orientation – The victim’s needs, environment and the systems and rigging implemented will all be deciding factors
Horizontal rigging is typically the more comfortable for the victim but requires more components to rig. It also may make victim management more complex if for example there is a possibility the victim will vomit, there should be rigging in place that will allow the victim to be tilted to clear their airway.
Vertical rigging will typically be utilized in confined space applications. Victim may have higher degree of apprehension and discomfort.
Packaging devices should be selected based on victim needs. If the victim has only isolated extremity injuries it may be possible to avoid the use of a litter and merely use a manufactured or hasty harness.
Tending – Victims require load control to prevent spinning and obstacle negotiation
Lines – ropes can be attached to the litter and managed by hand or by tensioning systems
Rescue Personnel – It may be necessary to physically manage the victim either due to EMS needs or obstacle negotiation.
Both of these elements create variables of oppositional forces or increased loads that will require more significant systems and rigging and amplify the inherent risk involved.
Retrieval – If a victim is being hauled then a plan must be in place to gather the victim top side
High directionals allow the victim to be raised above the top side plane on the system and then lowered to the ground. This is the safest option for the victim and for rescuers but requires more rigging.
Manpower – Personnel can be placed at the edge to help bring the victim up with straps or accessory attachments but this option places the rescue personnel at risk for injury and requires rigging of safety lines for all personnel involved. It also may result in a rough transition for the victim
Safety is a key concern at this junctur of the operation and requires a great deal of coordination. It is paramount that a plan be in place prior to the victim getting top side.

4. Victim Packaging (Stokes) Litter Components MAP Bridle System
BB with Straps
Internal Lashing
External Lashing
Harness
Pick Off Strap
Tilt System
MAP – Master Attachment Point: Rigging plate or steel ring accommodates clean connections of the components.
Bridle Systems may be manufactured or made but should be adjustable
Backboard with straps
Internal lashing is comprised typically of two segment of 1” or 2” tubular webbing of 10’ and 12’ in length. These segments of webbing are girth hitched into the victim harness and configured like an “X” above the shoulders and by the feet of the victim. They are attached to the litter with clove hitches and overhand safeties
External lashing is comprised of a 30’ piece of webbing or accessory cord (LRH works well) that is girth hitched at the foot of the litter and woven back and forth lacing both sides up to the head of the litter. It is attached to the head of the litter with clove hitches and overhand safeties or connected with a square knot with overhand safeties at the victim’s chest.
A harness should always be placed on the victim and extending tails from the mainline and belay line attached. The mainline and belay are attached to the MAP with midline knots (butterflies or long tail bowlines)
If rescuer tending – The rescuer can attach to the MAP with a pick off strap (which allows adjustment of orientation to the litter) as well as the tail of the belay line..
If necessary, the rescuer can rig a MA system to the litter or a step up loop to facilitate tilting the litter

5. Victim Packaging SKED Self enveloping packaging system
Lashing is only required when vertically oriented
Manufactured slings that slide through designed openings to create bridle
BB with Straps should be used in conjunction to create rigidity
SKED is lightweight and quickly deployable and rigged
If rigging vertically, lashing is straight laced from the head of the SKED and finished by rolling the foot portion up and crossing the lashing over to connect with a square knot and overhand safeties.
Horizontal rigging straps lack adjustability but are presewn with lengths that orient the victim with head slightly up.

6. Victim Packaging
Vertical orientation eliminates the need for a bridle.
A single MAP to the head of the litter
Manufactured
Made
Single MAP to the head of the stokes or SKED can be as simple as a rigging plate or steel ring connected with a carabiner

7. Note the application of the tending line

8. SKED packaging

9. Stable victim appropriate for harness packaging with rescuer tending to manage system requirements

10. Rescue Team Operations
Team rescue concepts include two basic operations:
Lowering Operations
Hauling Operations
A good rescue system is designed with the ability to perform both functions with efficient transitions.
These systems also should be designed with appropriate design load capacities in mind.
Most rescue operations require a load (rescuer, victim, or both) that is fixed to a rope which is manipulated by a team.
These systems require a belay system as well.
Rescue scenarios may include the collection of victim loads at mid heights (pick offs) where operations have to be transitioned from lowering to hauling and vice a versa while continuously maintaining the load. Problems can also occur that would require the mode of operation to be changed.

11. Lower / Haul System Components
“R” – Rack (Break Bar Rack)
“P” – Pulley (Progress Capture Device or Safeties included)
“H” – Hitch (Load Release Hitch)
Establishing systems with single purpose applications can be utilized in specific applications but may result in a lack of preparedness.
This system can be prebuilt and ready to deploy.
The RPH is a system hub that has all of the required elements to perform both lowering and hauling operations.
Options:
The RPH can be replaced with the CMC MPD
The LRH can be replaced with a Mariner’s Hitch
Some rescue scenarios may appear initially to only require one mode of operation but rescues can be problematic and the risk / benefit of not building a multi purpose system is usually not justifiable.
Prebuilt RPH increases the speed with which it can be established at an anchor and utilized.

12. Break Bar Rack PMP with Prussiks Load Relase Hitch
Paired Prussiks – Typically 12” – 14” difference in length and generally range from the high 50’s” to the low 70’s”.
8 mm diameter is the most common and has been shown to slip at approximately 1000 lbs. of force.
9 mm is generally the largest diameter that would be used and would only be done so for special applications and extreme loads (high lines).
All connections should be General Use hardware
BBR should be oriented with the nut down

13. Lowering Operations The mainline is attached to the load
The load is lowered by manipulating the BBR as the mainline passes through it.
Light Use DCD’s can be utilized when lowering a “L” design load but present limitations and potential lacks of preparedness in rescue scenarios where the load may change to “G”.
Coordination and control are key for effective movement.
“Lower Slow” / “Lower Fast” / “STOP”
The individual operating the BBR should be oriented to the rack as though it were connected to his harness. All manipulations are the same as in rappelling operations.
The individual operating the BBR must have direction about speed and movement so that the load is safely managed.

14. Belay Operations General Use Systems
Tandem Prusik Belay
540
MPD and other auxiliary equipment
Ideally, the belay is established at a separate anchor point than the mainline.
The belay line will also require direction about management in relation to the load.
“Tension”
“Slack”
Refresh the importance of belay placement being direct and in line with the load – avoid directionals.

15. Hauling Operations Purpose
Increase the efficiency with which the load is moved
Decrease the amount of force required to move the load
Decrease the amount of personnel required to move the load
Increase the safety with which the load is moved

16. Hauling Operations Physics Pulleys represent simple machines
A load collected with rope from one side of the pulley requires an equal amount of force applied to the rope from the other side of the pulley to move the load.
Generally speaking, if the pulley “moves” it creates a mechanical advantage and reduces that amount of force
If the pulley is fixed it is merely a change of direction

17. Hauling Operations
Output (Load)
100 lbs
Input (Force)
50 lbs
MA 2:1
Mechanical Advantage is expressed with the following equation
If the load is 100 lbs. and the pulleys or hauling system are configured such that only 50 lbs. of force are required to move the load, then the equation results in a mechanical advantage (ratio) of 2:1.

18. Hauling Operations Two types of Mechanical Advantage:
Theoretical: Basic assumption of mechanical advantage derived from the preceeding equation and known fundamentals of physics.
Actual: True mechanical advantage that includes calculation of variables based on pulley size, angles, rope diameter, general friction, etc…
As rescuers we utilize theoretical mechanical advantage based on sound fundamentals and general assumptions about systems.

19. Anchor Forces
300 lb
Anchor forces differ from Mechanical Advantage ratios in that the point of evaluation is the anchor, not the load and the applied forces to the load.
This is a useful tool when dealing with marginal anchors or extreme loads but should not be a standard calculation performed every time.
Anchors should be assessed quickly based on their general ability to bombproof or not – if uncertainty exists then a multi point anchor system should be developed or a new anchor selected.
300 lbs.

20. Anchor Forces 300 lbs. 150 lbs 150 lbs
Each attachment point at the anchor theoretically shares the load equally
300 lbs.

21. Anchor Forces
100 lbs
100 lbs
100 lbs
300 lbs.

22. Pulley Mechanical Advantage 2T 1T 1T 1 UNIT OF TENSION = 1T
Whatever goes into a pulley must come out of a pulley on the same line
Attachments to the pulley carry the sum of the line’s units of tension.
View the pulley as the framework for a mathematical equation – each side of the rope coming in and going out represent the addition factors and the carabiner exiting the pulley represents the equal sign and the sum.
Mechanical Advantage ratios also indicate the relationship between pull and travel.
2:1 – for every 2’ of pull the load will travel 1’ 1T

23. Mechanical Advantage 300 lbs. 600 lbs 300 lbs Pulley
The relationship between anchor forces and mechanical advantage must be understood for this application:
Most engineered rigging points on the undercarriage of ladder apparatus have load designs of 250 lbs and there are typically two of them. If both are used as a common anchor point their collective capacity would be 500 lbs.
If a 300 lb load is intended to be moved, it would require 300 lbs of force to move that load which correlates to a theoretical anchor force of 600 lbs and exceed the design of the anchor.
300 lbs.
300 lbs

24. A single rope weaved through pulleys
Mechanical Advantage
SIMPLE SYSTEMS
A single rope weaved through pulleys
Simple systems carry some basic rules:
If the end of the rope is attached to the load then the system is an “odd” number mechanical advantage
If the end of the rope is attached to the anchor then the system is an “even” number mechanical advantage
When counting units of tension, a moving pulley (attached to the load) carries 2 units of tension
When counting units of tension, a knot attached to the load carries one unit of tension.
These are “cheat methods” for counting units of tension but is imperative that a rescuer possess the ability to fundamentally count units of tension to understand more complex systems where these cheat methodologies do not apply
Simple systems are typically used as piggy backs, confined space with a tripod or high directional, and low angle applications.

25. Simple Systems 300 lbs. PULL Pulley
When counting units of tension always start at the pull with 1 unit of tension
Follow the rules and carry the units of tension through the system
Pulleys fixed at the anchor – do not do any addition, they are changes of direction
Moving pulleys produce mechanical advantage – do addition with the units of tension coming in and out
What goes into a pulley must come out of a pulley
300 lbs.

26. 2:1 Mechanical Advantage
Pulley
2:1 would result in 150 lbs of pull force theoretically 2T
300 lbs.

27. Simple Systems
Pulley
PULL
Pulley
300 lbs.

28. 2:1 COD Mechanical Advantage
Pulley 1T 1T 1T
Pulley
COD – Change of direction represents no mechanical advantage
Requires 150 lbs. of pull force theoretically 2T
300 lbs.

29. Simple Systems
Pulley
PULL
Pulley
300 lb

30. 3:1 Mechanical Advantage
Pulley 1T 1T 1T
Pulley
3:1 would result in 100 lbs of pull force theoretically 1T 2T 3T
300 lb

31. Simple Systems
Pulley
Pulley
PULL
Pulley
300 lb

32. 3:1 COD Mechanical Advantage
Pulley
Pulley 1T 1T 1T 1T
Pulley
Requires 100 lbs. of pull force theoretically 1T 2T 3T
300 lb

33. Simple Systems
Pulley
PULL
Pulley
Pulley
300 lb

34. 4:1 Mechanical Advantage
Pulley 1T 1T 1T 1T
Requires 75 lbs. of pull force theoretically
Practical Exercise:
Build Simple Systems and count units of tension
Review applications for simple systems
Pulley
Pulley 2T 2T 4T
300 lb

35. Simple system pulling on another simple system
Mechanical Advantage
COMPOUND SYSTEMS
Simple system pulling on another simple system

36. Compound Systems 300 lb PULL Pulley Pulley
Compound Systems are preferred for most rescue applications because:
They are much more versatile
They allow variable haul lanes with the ability to reset and utilize less rope than simple systems
They can be converted from hauling operations to lowering operations with greater efficiency
They involve less rigging at the load and less components traveling over the edge.
300 lb

37. 3:1 Mechanical Advantage
Pulley 1T 1T 1T
Pulley
Commonly referred to as a “Z Drag”
Since the load is moving it produces mechanical advantage resulting in the addition of tension units on the prussik as it leaves the pulley
When the single unit of tension on the rope hits the barrel knot of the prussik the tension units must be added
“Cheat Method”
Compound systems can also be analyzed as one system pulling on another system but requires the ability to identify those systems and then multiply them.
One system ends and another system begins anywhere there is a knot (end of the rope or barrel knot from the prussik)
This would be perceived as a 3:1 pulling on a 1:1
Requires 100 lbs. of pull force theoretically 2T 3T
300 lb

38. Compound Systems
PULL
Pulley
Pulley
300 lb

39. 4:1 Mechanical Advantage
Pulley 2T 2T
Commonly referred to as a “Pig Rig” which denotes one system piggy backed on to another system
This system would be comprised of two separate ropes with the second segment killed at the pulley with a knot and carabiner
Requires roughly 77 lbs of pull force theoretically
Pulley 4T
300 lb

40. Compound Systems
Pulley
PULL
Pulley
Pulley
300 lb

41. 6:1 Mechanical Advantage
Pulley 1T 1T
Pulley 2T 2T 2T
Pulley
2:1 pulling on a 3:1
Requires 50 lbs. of pull force theoretically 4T 6T
300 lb

42. Compound Systems
Pulley
PULL
Pulley
Pulley
300 lb

43. 6:1 Mechanical Advantage
Pulley 1T 1T
Pulley 1T 3T 2T
This also is a 6:1 system, but the converse of the other. This is a 3:1 pulling on a 2:1.
This system would be more efficient because it would have less resets but would not be as practical in most applications because of the need to rig additional components at the load. 3T
Pulley 6T
300 lb

44. Compound Systems
Pulley
PULL
Pulley
Pulley
300 lb

45. 8:1 Mechanical Advantage
Pulley 2T 2T
Pulley 4T 4T
Requires roughly 37 lbs. of pull force theoretically
Pulley 8T
300 lb

46. Compound Systems
Pulley
Pulley
PULL
Pulley
Pulley
300 lb

47. 9:1 Mechanical Advantage
Pulley
Pulley 1T 1T
Pulley 1T 3T 3T 2T
Pulley 3T
9:1 commonly referred to as “stacked Z’s”
Requires roughly 33 lbs. of pull force 6T 9T
300 lb

48. Compound Systems LOAD PULL Pulley ANCHOR
This system represents a mechanical disadvantage.
1:2
The advantage of this system is that you can move the load twice as fast
This would not be a common or very practical system in most rescue scenarios
ANCHOR

49. Progressive Build Up
When establishing a mechanical advantage it is important to have a systematic approach that will enable the rescue team to select the appropriate system and adapt the advantage as needed with speed and efficiency.
The following build up is a progression of mechanical advantage that can be altered in less than one minute by a well trained team.

50. 3:1 First system option for 1 person loads
3:1 Z Drag is quickly established and generally easy to manage for one person loads.

51. 5:1 3:1 is converted to a 5:1 if needed for 1 person loads
May be a starting system for two person loads
3:1 is converted to a 5:1 by placing a COD at the anchor and a MA attached to the Z Drag prussik on its own carabiner

52. 6:1 Most common system for two person loads Unique features
The 5:1 can be upgraded to the 6:1 by replacing the COD with a knot and converting the MA from the prussik to another Z Drag.
Unique – This system configuration is a 2:1 pulling on a 3:1 and results in a “dead leg” of rope between the two systems.
This feature can be a little more challenging to manage with resets

53. 9:1 6:1 is converted to 9:1 if needed
9:1 affords eases of operation but progresses slowly
6:1 can be upgraded to a 9:1 by removing the knot and replacing it with a COD. “Stacked Z’s”
For every 9’ of pull only 1’ of progression occurs

54. Progressive Build Up
There are a myriad of systems and progressions. This systematic approach is an example of a standard progression that correlates to relatively known loads and allows common applications to exist within the rescue team.
Each advantage upgrade can be performed in less than one minute while maintaining the load.
The victim is the deciding mechanism in the rescue scenario.
Systems should be selected based on the victim’s needs. If the victim requires immediate rescue then the smallest functional advantage should be chosen for speed of progression.
If the victim requires a tender then a system that is appropriate for two person loads should be selected
Two person loads should always be avoided if possible

55. Lower / Haul Team Operations
Positions and Responsibilities
Team Leader
Initiate commands and insure effective operations are being performed
SAFETY
4 haul team members
Operate haul system – “Conveyer Belt”
Set Safeties or PCD’s
Transition mode of operations (Lower / Haul)
Team Leader is responsible for directing the lower haul team and insuring that safe and effective practices are being followed at all times
Haul team members
No more than 3 members actively hauling at a given time
Members should walk with the rope and when one gets to the end of the haul lane he lets go and transitions to the beginning of the haul lane while another member replaces him on rope.
This forces systems to be utilized with an appropriate forgiveness or safety factor. Placing to much man power on a haul line greatly enhance the propensity to overload the system before it is “felt” by the haul team.
Set progress capture devices for resetting, transitioning, or any “STOP” commands
Perform changeover techniques when directed to do so.

56. Lower / Haul Team Operations
Commands
“Safety Check”
Prep: “Haul Team Ready?”
Response: “Haul Team Ready.”
Action: “Haul Slow / Fast.”
Response: “Haul Slow / Fast.”
“On Rope”
“Off Rope”
All commands should be repeated by all personnel involved in that area of operations to insure that communications are acknowledged and understood.
This verbal sequence is duplicated on the rescue ground for all phases of the operation. Operational Command initiates the sequence and always follows a specific order to insure all systems are in place and ready. This is an example:
“Safety Check”- All members safety check and team leaders and on rope personnel respond back when check is completed.
Rescuer First – Replace “Haul Team” with “Rescuer”
Belay Team
“On Belay?”
“Belay On.”
Haul Team as above.
It is important to note that the Rescuer should dictate the speed and direction of movement which is why the verbal sequence starts there.
Any one operating on the rescue ground is a safety officer and should call “STOP” any time they a have a safety concern.
Everyone on the rescue ground should repeat the command “STOP” when it is initiated.