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Class 3 Litter Operations

Written By: Lance Piatt

Class 3 Litter Operations

Class 3 Litter Operations: Navigating Low Angle Challenges

Class 3 litter operations, often classified as low-angle rescues, represent a vital yet often underestimated aspect of technical rescue work. While they may not always require the complexity of steep or high-angle operations, the unique challenges posed by Class 3 scenarios demand careful preparation, precise technique, and a solid understanding of terrain dynamics.

From urban settings like highway ramps and construction sites to backcountry rescue scenarios, these operations present diverse and often unexpected obstacles. This guide explores the key principles, risks, and strategies involved in Class 3 litter handling.

Understanding Class 3 Litter Operations

Class 3 operations typically involve terrain angles between 15° and 40°, creating a broad spectrum of potential challenges. As the slope increases, so does the risk of injury to both the patient and the rescue team. Additionally, environmental factors such as loose, frozen, or soggy ground can amplify these difficulties, turning a routine operation into a more demanding task.

Common Scenarios

  • Backcountry Rescues: Navigating trails, slopes, or uneven terrain.
  • Urban Environments: Dealing with construction sites, spillways, and highway ramps.
  • Emergency Situations: Operating in conditions with poor visibility or unpredictable weather.

Key Techniques for Safe and Efficient Litter Handling

Effective litter handling in low-angle environments requires careful planning and coordination. Below are strategies to help your team navigate challenging terrain while ensuring patient safety.

1. Foot Placement and Team Coordination

  • Pay close attention to your footing to avoid slips, especially on loose or unstable ground.
  • Avoid standing directly above other team members to minimize the risk of debris or falls impacting those below.
  • Maintain clear communication and synchronization to keep the team moving as a cohesive unit.

2. Let Go When Necessary

  • If you lose balance, let go of the litter rather than using it to steady yourself. This prevents the entire team from being compromised by one member’s misstep.

3. Environmental Awareness

  • Evaluate the terrain for potential hazards like slippery or icy patches, loose rocks, and sudden changes in slope.
  • Be mindful of environmental conditions that could exacerbate risks, such as rain or snow.

4. Safety Equipment

  • Always wear gloves to protect your hands from scrapes and injuries.
  • Use proper footwear with adequate grip for the terrain conditions.

Risks Associated with Low-Angle Operations

Low-angle operations are often seen as “non-technical,” but they carry their own set of risks. As slopes approach the 40° mark, the potential for injuries increases significantly. Environmental conditions such as soggy or frozen ground can create challenges comparable to steep-angle evacuations, making it essential to approach these scenarios with the same level of caution and preparation.

Preparation and Training

Rescue teams must be equipped with the skills and tools to handle the complexities of low-angle rescues. Regular training and scenario-based exercises help teams build the confidence and agility needed for safe operations. Emphasizing the following areas during training can improve team readiness:

  1. Terrain Assessment: Understanding slope dynamics and identifying potential hazards.
  2. Litter Handling Techniques: Practicing smooth, coordinated movements to minimize risk.
  3. Environmental Adaptability: Preparing for adverse conditions such as rain, ice, or loose terrain.

Conclusion

Class 3 litter operations may not always involve advanced technical systems, but they demand careful attention to detail and a proactive approach to safety. By mastering the principles of terrain navigation, team coordination, and environmental awareness, rescue personnel can ensure successful outcomes even in challenging low-angle scenarios.

For more on Patient Packaging, Terrain Assessment and Litter Handling, visit Rigging Lab Academy’s Basic Litter Handling Class.

Peace on your Days

Lance

 
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About The Author:

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Lance Piatt

Beginning his career in the rescue and rigging world as a “blue collar” SAR member with Deschutes and Jefferson County teams. Lance Piatt owns and operates Red Ibex Solutions, a sales and marketing wheelhouse blending rope rigging education and exquisite imagery with equipment knowledge and understanding; housing Rigging Lab Academy and Rescue Response Gear… Lance is producing high-end video education, working with several experts and instructors to produce unique series of “how to videos” and courses for rope rigging: Such as; the first ever full-length rescue training DVD, 'Tower Rescue', released in fall of 2005. As well as a series of scenario-based rescues ranging from cave rescue to cliff rescue.

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