CMC MPD Two Rope Offset TTRS

Written By: Lance Piatt

CMC MPD Two Rope Offset TTRS

The CMC MPD (Multi-Purpose Device) is a game-changer for rope rescue professionals, offering seamless transitions between lowering and raising systems without the need to change hardware. With over nine years of meticulous research and development, the MPD has redefined technical rope rescue by combining essential features into a single, versatile device.

Why the CMC MPD Stands Out

The MPD integrates a high-efficiency pulley with an integral rope-grab mechanism, making it suitable for mainline and belay line systems. This revolutionary design simplifies rigging operations, reduces weight, and expedites rescues while increasing overall safety. Key features include:

Reduced Weight and Components: Simplifies gear management.
Faster Rigging and Changeovers: Streamlines transitions from lowering to raising.
Simplified Training: Fewer components mean easier learning curves.
Lower Risk: Minimizes potential points of failure during operations.

The MPD’s impressive capabilities support a maximum load of 272 kg (600 lbs), making it ideal for a wide range of technical rope rescue scenarios.

Two Rope Offset TTRS Operation

In this operation, we executed a Two Rope Offset Twin Tension Rope System (TTRS), a versatile technique suitable as an alternative to traditional highline systems. Here’s how it worked:

Objective:

The goal was to move a litter and victim from one side of a gap to the other, using two independent tensioned rope systems. Unlike a highline, this approach emphasized simplicity and safety while keeping the rescue package low to minimize risk.

Key Considerations:

Maintain a Deep “V” Angle:
- Keeping the ropes angled prevents over-tensioning, which could lead to highline forces that the system isn’t designed to handle.
Force Monitoring:
- We utilized Enforcers load cells on both MPDs to monitor the forces on the near side, ensuring the system stayed within safe parameters.
Rigging Setup:
- Double long-tail bowlines were used on both the near and far sides, connected to anchor plates.
- The anchor plates served as the critical points for controlling side-to-side movement.

Mitigating Critical Points

One of the key components of this setup was the anchor plate, which served as the main connection point for the double long-tail bowlines. While some might view this as a potential point of failure, our team carefully analyzed the forces and concluded that the probability of catastrophic failure was negligible. By rigging for the probable rather than the possible, we prioritized efficiency and safety without compromising operational effectiveness.

Conclusion

The CMC MPD Two Rope Offset TTRS demonstrates how innovative tools and thoughtful rigging techniques can transform rope rescue operations. By leveraging the MPD’s capabilities and incorporating robust force monitoring and rigging strategies, this operation exemplifies a practical and efficient approach to challenging rescue scenarios.

For more insights into advanced rope rescue techniques and systems, explore Rigging Lab Academy’s resources and training materials.

Peace on your Days,
Lance

About The Author:

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.