Artificial High Directional AHD Archives

Patient Packaging and Raise/Lower Techniques

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, CMC Clutch by Harken Industrial, Designing Your Processes, Harken Industrial, Mainline Systems and Operations, Mechanical Advantage, Portable Anchors, Principles of Learning

Patient Packaging and Raise/Lower Techniques: Building Essential Skills for Technical Rescue Technical rescue often involves navigating challenging terrains, high-risk environments, and critical medical conditions. One of the most essential skills for any rescue team is mastering patient packaging and raise/lower techniques. These practices ensure the patient is secure, safe, and stable during extrication, while also […]

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Advanced AHD Training

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Dynamic Directional, Mainline Systems and Operations

Expanding Knowledge: AHDs and Advanced Rescue Techniques In rescue operations, versatility and precision are paramount, and Artificial High Directionals (AHDs) offer unparalleled adaptability for overcoming complex challenges. A recent training program focused on equipping a rescue team with advanced AHD techniques and essential rigging systems. The goal was not only to refine technical skills but

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Gin Pole Rigging Stability

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Portable Anchors, Team Competencies, Twin Tension Rope System, Two Rope Offsets

Gin Pole Rigging Stability: Unequal Tension in Guys Guying a gin pole is not about applying equal tension to all guy lines. Understanding the direction and magnitude of compression and tension forces is critical. These forces dictate how the monopod responds under load and help you predict how the system will stabilize during operation. Practical

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Major Taglines in Rigging T-Method mechanical advantage

Major Taglines in Horizontal Rigging

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Mainline Systems and Operations / 6 Comments

Expanding the Concept of Major Taglines in Horizontal Rigging Major taglines are an essential tool in horizontal rigging, valued for their ability to maintain safety, efficiency, and simplicity in operations over wide gaps and challenging terrain. They form a critical part of the rigging toolbox, particularly when compared to other horizontal systems like highlines or

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

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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Knot Craft and Knot Passing

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Anchors, Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Designing Your Processes, Knots, Bends & Hitches, Mainline Systems and Operations, Mechanical Advantage, Technical Learning

Mastering Knot Craft and Knot Passing In rope rescue and rigging, the ability to skillfully create and manipulate knots is more than just a basic requirement—it’s an essential part of ensuring safety, efficiency, and success in the field. Knot craft and knot passing are not isolated skills; they are deeply interwoven techniques that, when mastered,

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Vector Forces and Rigging Mechanics in Rope Rescue

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, CMC Clutch by Harken Industrial, Designing Your Processes, Mechanical Advantage, Portable Anchors, Professional Standards

Vector Forces and Rigging Mechanics in Rope Rescue Introduction Rope rescue operations are inherently complex, requiring a nuanced understanding of vector forces and rigging mechanics. These elements are critical for ensuring the safety of both rescuers and victims. This blog will explore the foundational principles of vector forces and rigging mechanics, providing insights into how

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Implementing a Skate Block System with a Monopod Artificial High Directional-over the edge two twin tension system for rope rescue

Mastering the Two-Tension Rope System

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Mainline Systems and Operations, Offset Track Line

Introduction to Two-Tension Rope Systems The two-tension rope system is a fundamental component in high-angle rescue operations, representing the primary method taught by RLA (Rescue Learning Academy) for efficiently lowering and raising rescue loads. This system, particularly when integrated with the Multi-Purpose Device (MPD), offers a safer and more manageable approach by eliminating fall factors

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Streamlining Rescue Operations

Lance Piatt / 5th Class Litter Raise, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Highline Rigging, Litter Operations, Mainline Systems and Operations

Streamlining Rescue Operations: Dual AHD Systems for Efficient Trackline Offsets The integration of dual Artificial High Directional (AHD) systems in rescue operations marks a significant leap in precision and safety. By employing a Two Tension Rope System (TTRS) for the working lines alongside a dedicated tracking line, this method showcases innovation, strategic planning, and a

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High Angle Rescue Techniques Tools and Training

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Designing Your Processes, Equipment, General Rigging, Mainline Systems and Operations, Principles of Learning, Safe Practices, Team Competencies

High Angle Rescue Techniques Tools and Training High-angle rescue techniques tools and training stand as a testament to human determination and technical mastery, bringing hope to those stranded in nature’s most perilous terrains or urban vertical challenges. These rescues demand a profound blend of skill, knowledge, and adaptability, often operating on the edge of what

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How to Use the Petzl REEVE Carriage Pulley for Highline Rescue

Lance Piatt / Anchors, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Equipment, Highline Rigging, Horizontal Rigging, Knot Craft, Offset Track Line, Tracking Lines, Twin Tension Rope System, Two (Twin) Tension Rope Systems, Two Tensioned Rope Rescue Systems / 152 Comments

Petzl REEVE: Versatile Pulley for Highline Rescue The Petzl REEVE carriage pulley is an innovative tool designed to simplify highline rescue systems by combining two high-efficiency pulleys with a rigging plate. This design reduces the amount of equipment needed and minimizes the overall height of the system. Its user-friendly features, such as one-handed operation and

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Force Multiplier Mechanics

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Dynamic Directional, Elevated Anchor Systems, Highline Rigging, Horizontal Rigging, Mainline Systems and Operations, Portable Anchors, Principles of Learning, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage

Fundamentals of Force Multiplier Mechanics Force multipliers are essential components in the world of rigging and rope rescue, offering a way to enhance efficiency and safety by amplifying effort. Through leveraging angles, pulleys, and friction management, these systems allow rescuers to move heavy loads with less physical force. Mastering the mechanics of force multipliers is

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Patient Packaging and Litter Handling Floating the litter

Floating the Litter Using an A-Frame and Gin Pole Trackline

Lance Piatt / Anchors, Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Elevated Anchor Systems, Litter Operations, Mainline Systems and Operations, Minimalist Mountain and Climber Rescue, Portable Anchors, Twin Tension Rope System, Twin Tension Rope System Clutch, Two (Twin) Tension Rope Systems / 253 Comments

Floating the Litter Using an A-Frame and Gin Pole Trackline Steep angle litter work represents one of the most challenging scenarios in high-angle rescue operations. The primary challenge lies in ensuring patient contact and visual oversight while navigating challenging terrain. These conditions often necessitate the use of a carefully chosen and highly functional system to

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Rope rescue training for veterans covers leadership, mechanical advantage, and advanced rigging skills and Hidden treasures in team leadership

The Story of Rigging Lab Academy

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, How-To Concepts, Leadership, Principles of Learning, Twin Tension Rope System, Twin Tension Rope System Clutch, Two (Twin) Tension Rope Systems, Two Tensioned Rope Rescue Systems / 19 Comments

How Rigging Lab Academy Began: Uncovering Hidden Treasures in Team Leadership The journey of Rigging Lab Academy began with a simple but profound mystery: “Why are retention and recall missing from technical rope rescue training?” Inspired by Sherlock Holmes, the search for answers led to transformative insights that reshaped how individuals and teams approached rigging

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Balancing Costs in Rope Rescue Rigging

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Confined Space Rescue, Dynamic Directional, RRG Gear Review / 50 Comments

The Cost of Doing Business in Rope Rescue Rigging: Balancing Efficiency and Effectiveness Rope rescue rigging and training involve inherent costs that extend beyond equipment purchases. While the price of gear might seem significant, it often pales in comparison to the costs associated with personnel and training. Whether you’re managing a professional team or a

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Introduction to the Arizona Vortex

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, CMC Rescue / 12 Comments

The Arizona Vortex: Revolutionizing Artificial High Directionals The Arizona Vortex Multipod stands as the originator and gold standard of modern artificial high directionals (AHDs). With its unmatched versatility, precision engineering, and adaptability, the Vortex has become an indispensable tool for rescue teams and rope access professionals working in urban, industrial, and wilderness environments. Designed to

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Highline Overview A Case Study

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Equipment, Highline Rigging / 3,960 Comments

Highline Overview A Case Study Highline Overview A Case Study is about preparedness – an advantage in the world of rescue and rigging—it’s an absolute necessity. In rescue operations, being unprepared can lead to critical failures, limiting options and endangering lives. The NFPA 1670 underlines this point with its stringent requirements for hazard analysis and

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Managing Friction in Rope Rigging

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Anchors, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems / 251 Comments

Managing Friction in Rope Rigging Friction is an omnipresent force in rope rigging systems, one that can either work to your advantage or become a significant obstacle. In technical rescue and rigging operations, understanding and managing friction is essential for safety, efficiency, and long-term equipment care. This blog explores the role of friction at anchor

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Arizona Vortex Basic Configurations Overview

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, RRG Gear Review / 12 Comments

Arizona Vortex Basic Configurations Overview The Arizona Vortex stands out as one of the most versatile and essential tools in technical rescue and rigging. Its ability to adapt to various configurations makes it indispensable for professionals in rescue, rope access, and other vertical environments. In this overview, we’ll explore the basic configurations of the Arizona

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General Guidelines to a Successful Operation of the Vortex

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, RRG Gear Review / 7 Comments

General Guidelines to a Successful Operation of the Vortex The Arizona Vortex is a versatile and essential tool in rope rescue and technical rigging. Its ability to adapt to complex scenarios makes it an invaluable asset for rescue teams. However, successful operation requires careful planning, setup, and understanding of its mechanics. In this guide, we’ll

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