Arizona Vortex Archives

Precision and Protocol in Leadership for Confined Space Rescue Operations

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Anchors, Arizona Vortex, Blog, Confined Space Rescue, Technical Learning, TerrAdaptor

In the discipline of technical rescue, the anchor system remains the defining constant—the mechanical and moral foundation of every operation. As Steve Crandall asserts, “Without a solid anchor, properly rigged, the system is bound for failure.”In Confined Space Rescue (CSR), this principle takes on a leadership dimension. Decision-makers are forced to manage high-risk, low-frequency events […]

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When to Choose an Offset Instead of a Highline in Rope Rescue

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Offset Track Line

When to Choose an Offset Instead of a Highline in Rope Rescue – One of the most common choices in rope rescue is deciding between a highline and an offset system. Both can move a patient or load across complex terrain, but they solve the problem in very different ways. A highline acts like a

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Rope Rescue Math – Understanding High-Directional Forces

Rope Rescue Math Guide to High Directional Forces

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog

Rope Rescue Math – Understanding High-Directional Forces In rope rescue, knowing the numbers can be the difference between a safe system and one that’s on the edge of failure. When working with high-directionals—such as aerial ladders, tripods, or A-frames—forces don’t just act straight down; they spread out along multiple paths. The diagrams you’ve seen are

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Force Angle Verification and System Readiness in Gin Pole Rigging

Lance Piatt / Anchors, Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog

Force Angle Verification and System Readiness in Gin Pole Rigging. Before committing any load—especially a human subject—to a directional or monopod system, the rig must pass a structural readiness check. This means more than simply tightening ropes or locking pins. It’s about confirming that every mechanical and geometric component is functioning within allowable thresholds. Failure

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Sideways A-Frame with Winch Load Control and Guying Strategy

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog

Sideways A-Frame with Winch Load Control and Guying Strategy When rigging a sideways A-frame for load movement, especially with a winch mounted to the rear leg, the entire structure behaves more like a torquing monopod than a traditional tripod or A-frame. The applied force pushes downward through the head, but the system’s tendency to rotate

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dynamic hauling systems a-frame and monopod

Dynamic Directional Hauling with A-Frame and Monopod Systems

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Horizontal Rigging

Dynamic Directional Hauling with A-Frame and Monopod Systems When a Straight Haul Isn’t Possible Some rescue environments—like confined spaces, vaults, or utility holes—don’t allow for a direct vertical haul. You may have obstacles, limited space, or poor anchor positioning. To solve this, rescuers use dynamic directional hauling, which means redirecting the rope path using multiple

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key articles on artificial high directionals (AHDs) - Artificial High Directionals Purpose Built Systems and Improvised Solutions

Purpose Built Artificial High Directionals

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Equipment, Portable Anchors, TerrAdaptor

Artificial High Directionals: Purpose-Built Systems and Improvised Solutions Artificial High Directionals (AHDs) play a crucial role in technical rescue operations by creating elevated anchor points for hauling, lowering, and managing edge transitions. While purpose-built products like the Arizona Vortex and SMC Terradaptor are industry standards, rescue teams often encounter scenarios where they must improvise using

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Horizontal Systems Gear

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Blog, CMC Rescue, General Rigging, Highline Rigging, Mechanical Advantage, Portable Anchors, Pulley Systems, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage, Rescue Baskets

Taglines Taglines are used in horizontal rope systems to control, stabilize, or maneuver a load laterally across a gap or down a slope. They are often simple tensioned lines attached to a load, providing directional control. Purpose: Taglines ensure the load moves along a predetermined path, reducing the chance of unwanted swinging or collisions with

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CSR2 Pulley System for Confined Space Rescue

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Blog, CMC Rescue, Mechanical Advantage, Portable Anchors

Confined Space Rescue (CSR): Navigating Tight Quarters with Precision Confined space rescues are among the most challenging scenarios faced by rope rescue professionals. Limited access, restricted movement, and the need for precise rigging all combine to demand an advanced level of skill and specialized equipment. In such environments, the CSR2 Pulley System emerges as a

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Artificial High Directionals in Rope Rescue

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Designing Your Processes

Safe and Effective Use of Artificial High Directionals in Rope Rescue Artificial high directionals (AHDs) have become essential in rope rescue, allowing teams to set up anchors in hard-to-reach places and overcome complex challenges. While these tools offer a range of configurations, each setup has unique strengths and limitations. Here’s a guide to maximizing the

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