anchors
The Focal Is Not the System
Walk up to a focal in training and watch what happens. Eyes go to the plate, the carabiners, the cams, the sling angles, the way
Lance Piatt
September 9, 2026
RIGGING LAB ACADEMY & RESCUE RESPONSE GEAR BLOG
edge friction
Rope Rescue Rigging Physics: From Force to Measurement
One System, One Load Path A rope rescue system can be drawn as equipment, but it is better understood as a load path. Force enters
Lance Piatt
September 2, 2026
anchor force
What Does Your Anchor Actually See? TMA vs. PMA Explained
If you can count strands, you can pass a written test. Three strands running to the load, call it a 3:1, done. That’s the answer
Lance Piatt
August 24, 2026
anchor physics in rope rescue
How System Orientation Redefines Anchor Physics
Beyond “Bombproof”: How System Orientation Redefines Anchor Physics 1. Introduction: The Myth of the Absolute Anchor In high-stakes technical rigging, the term “bombproof” is often
Lance Piatt
August 6, 2026
AHD
Managing the Edge Through Geometry Using Elevated Anchor Systems
In technical rope rescue, the edge is often where a manageable rope system becomes difficult. Ropes bend across abrasive surfaces. Friction increases. Mechanical advantage deteriorates.
Lance Piatt
July 29, 2026
and performance reviews build rope rescue competency.
Building Rope Rescue Team Competency
A technical rescue program is only as capable as the people expected to operate within it. Equipment, procedures, and organizational structure matter, but none of
Lance Piatt
July 23, 2026
Compound Mechanical Advantage
Understanding Pulley Systems for Mechanical Advantage
Pulley systems have been used for centuries to move loads with greater control and less effort. The same basic principles once used in maritime rigging
Lance Piatt
July 22, 2026
CMC Rescue MPD
The V Anchor System for Mirrored and Twin Tension Systems
The V-anchor can support several rope-system configurations with relatively little equipment. In this application, it provides a practical foundation for lightweight wilderness rescue using mirrored
Lance Piatt
July 20, 2026
anchor angle
Anchor Angles and Load Distribution
Anchor Angles and Load Distribution Anchor angles affect how the load is distributed between the legs of a multi-point system. The wider the angle becomes,
Lance Piatt
July 16, 2026
2 to 1 haul system
Fast Fours Mechanical Advantage System
Mechanical advantage systems are often selected by balancing two competing needs: the force required to move the load and the speed needed to complete the
Lance Piatt
July 13, 2026
4 to 1 haul system
Using Fast Fours for Fallen Worker Recovery
A fallen worker may remain conscious, uninjured, and capable of assisting with their own recovery, yet still be unable to climb back to the working
Lance Piatt
July 13, 2026
ERNEST framework
The Academic Blueprint: A 5‑Step Approach to the Fundamentals of Technical Rope Rescue
Welcome to the world of technical rope rescue. Real confidence is earned on the rope and at the edge—but it starts much earlier, with how
Lance Piatt
July 6, 2026
building rigging courses
RLA Accelerator — Your Operational Reasoning Engine for Technical Rigging
The RLA Accelerator — Your Operational Reasoning Engine for Technical Rigging Most tools give you information. The RLA Accelerator gives you direction. Inside every RLA
Lance Piatt
July 3, 2026
and other rescue applications often become clearer when the movement
One Knowledge Base Built Around Different Ways of Learning
Technical rescue training does not happen in one format. A rescuer may need a structured lesson one day, a video demonstration the next, and a
Lance Piatt
June 26, 2026
AHD
How to Calculate Back Tie Force on a Leaning Monopod
“How do you calculate potential force on a back tie? Today we rigged a leaning monopod setup. I did my best to keep my guy
Lance Piatt
June 26, 2026
applied rigging
Inside Rigging Lab Academy CORE
CORE was built to solve that problem. Instead of treating courses, videos, illustrations, reports, podcasts, and study tools as separate products, CORE organizes them as
Lance Piatt
June 16, 2026
arizona vortex
Floating Litter Operations on Tensioned Track Line Systems
Floating Litter Operations on Tensioned Track Line Systems Moving a patient through steep terrain often creates a conflict between control and efficiency. Ground-based litter movement
Lance Piatt
June 9, 2026
arizona vortex
Sideways A-Frame Offset System for Vertical Positioning and Horizontal Control
Dynamic Directional Offsets and Active Load Positioning Offset systems are often described as methods for moving a load away from a cliff face or obstacle.
Lance Piatt
June 9, 2026
arizona vortex
Directional Frame Raises and Edge Transition Management
Directional Frame Raises and Edge Transition Management Vertical rescue operations often focus on the raising system itself. Mechanical advantage, hauling efficiency, and load control frequently
Lance Piatt
June 9, 2026
artificial high directional
Monopod Supported Skate Block Track Line Systems
Monopod Supported Skate Block Track Line Systems Track line systems are frequently used when rescuers need to move personnel, equipment, or litter loads across terrain
Lance Piatt
June 9, 2026