In tower rescue operations, the Tracking Skate-Block Hybrid System offers a blend of redundancy, simplicity, efficiency, and effectiveness. This system combines elements of tracking lines and skate-block techniques to facilitate safe and controlled rescues from elevated structures.

Key Components and Setup

Patient and Midpoint Connections:

• Pre-Climb Preparation: Set up both the tracking and skate lines on the ground before ascending.
• Skate Line Attachment: Secure the skate line directly to the pulley’s eye using a scaffold knot or an end knot with a carabiner.
• Minimized Slack: Avoid using a short sling to ensure the ASAP device slides down the rope with minimal tension.
• Pulley Configuration: Utilize a double Omni Block pulley to connect both the skate and tracking lines; alternatively, two single Omni blocks can be used.
• Harness Connection: Attach the pulley and ASAP to the sternal D-ring of the rescuer’s harness.

Ground Anchors:

• Tracking Line: Employ devices like the Petzl ID or CMC MPD for lowering and tensioning; secure them when not in use.
• Skate Block Line: Similarly, use Petzl ID or CMC MPD for lowering and hauling operations.

Top-Side Anchors:

• Tracking Line: Anchor with an end knot to a secure anchor strap.
• Skate Block Line: Attach a pulley to a reliable anchor strap.

 Patient and Midpoint Connections:

• Tracking line and Skate line should be setup on the ground prior to climbing.
• Skate line directly tied into pulley’s eye, scaffold knot preferred. You may also use an end knot with a carabiner to make connection.
• We do not use a short sling for this setup due to the length of the ASAP shock pack. A tighter connection is preferred so the ASAP can slide down the rope under minimal tension.
• Double Omni Block pulley is used to connect to the skate line and the tracking line. Two single omni blocks may be used as well.
• Pulley and ASAP attached to Sternal D-ring.

Ground Anchors:

• Tracking line
  • Petzl ID/MPD to allow lowering and tensioning. Tied off when not in use.
• Skate Block line
  • Petzl ID/MPD to allow lowering and hauling.

Top-Side Anchors:

• Tracking line
  • 1 end knot to 1 anchor strap
• Skate Block line
  • 1 pulley to 1 anchor strap

Rigging Guide for the Tracking Skate-Block Hybrid System

Gear List For This System

Petzl I’d x 2

Petzl ASAP 20cm x 1

Petzl ASAP’Sorber x 1

Rock Exotica Omni Block Double 1.5 x 1

PMI ISO Static Polyester Rope 11.5mm x 2 (one orange and one blue) (Length is 2x the height of the tower plus and additional 10-20m.)

For a detailed guide on this system, refer to the Rigging Guide for the Tracking Skate-Block Hybrid System.

Advantages of the Tracking Skate-Block Hybrid System

• Redundancy: Incorporates multiple lines and anchor points to enhance safety.
• Simplicity: Streamlined setup allows for quick deployment in urgent situations.
• Efficiency: Facilitates smooth movement of the patient, reducing rescuer fatigue.
• Effectiveness: Adaptable to various tower configurations and rescue scenarios.

By integrating this hybrid system into their protocols, rescue teams can improve operational readiness and ensure safer outcomes during tower rescues.

Peace your days…

Lance