Designing Your Processes Archives

Systematic Approach to Rope Rescue Equipment Management

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Equipment

Systematic Approach to Rope Rescue Equipment Management Rope rescue operations demand precision, safety, and reliability, which begins with meticulous equipment management. Fire service and search and rescue (SAR) teams operate in high-stakes environments where the failure of even a single component can jeopardize lives. A systematic approach to selecting, inspecting, maintaining, and tracking rescue equipment

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Rope Rescue Teams and Rigging Systems

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Personal Competencies, Principles of Learning / 6 Comments

Building a Solid Rope Rescue and Rigging Team: A Holistic Approach Creating a highly functional rope rescue and rigging team, alongside developing effective systems, demands a perspective that views these elements as interconnected, living organisms. This philosophy underscores the dynamic nature of these systems, balancing “gain and loss,” “input and output,” and “cause and effect.”

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The Journey Two-Tension Rope Systems

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Mainline Systems and Operations, Personal Competencies, Professional Standards, Twin Tension Rope System / 6 Comments

The Journey of Rope Rescue and Rigging: From Single Mainline-Belay Systems to Two-Tension Rope Systems (TTRS) Rope rescue and rigging have come a long way from their early days of rudimentary tools and basic techniques. The shift from single mainline-belay systems to Two-Tension Rope Systems (TTRS) marks a significant evolution in safety, efficiency, and versatility.

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Parallel MAESTRO Descenders_rescue rigging systems

8 Defined Rescue Rigging Systems Every Team Needs

Lance Piatt / Blog, Confined Space Rescue, Designing Your Processes, Dynamic Directional, General Rigging, Highline Rigging, Horizontal Rigging, Mainline Systems and Operations, Mechanical Advantage, Petzl, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage, Two (Twin) Tension Rope Systems, Two Tensioned Rope Rescue Systems / 80 Comments

8 Defined Rescue Rigging Systems Every Team Needs to Master Rescue teams often face unpredictable and complex scenarios requiring technical expertise, precise coordination, and reliable rigging systems. These eight rigging systems are fundamental for technical rescue operations, providing a structured approach to overcoming challenges in diverse environments. Below, we expand on each system, offering detailed

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The Human Element of Online Learning

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Leadership / 72 Comments

The Human Element of Online Learning in Rigging and Rescue In recent months, the rigging and rescue community has increasingly turned to online learning as a critical component of their training programs. Rigging Lab Academy (RLA) has been at the forefront, offering a library of courses tailored to the unique needs of rescue professionals and

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The Less Than 10 Percent Solution Highlines

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Designing Your Processes, Highline Rigging, RRG Gear Review / 9 Comments

The Less Than 10 Percent Solution Highlines The Less Than 10 Percent Solution Highlines are one of the most complex and intimidating rigging systems in technical rescue. Whether it’s spanning vast gaps or ensuring the safe transport of a load, building a functional highline requires understanding multiple components, systems, and techniques. For many, like the

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Strengths in Rope Rescue

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes / 140 Comments

On a cold February day, as we reflect on the future of rope rescue and rigging, it’s clear that the strengths and dynamics of individuals play a vital role in shaping the success of teams. Whether in the fire service or search and rescue (SAR), recognizing and utilizing personal and collective strengths can drive innovation,

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Two Tension Rope Systems

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage, RRG Gear Review, Two (Twin) Tension Rope Systems / 2 Comments

In technical rope rescue, the Two-Tensioned Rope System (TTRS), also known as the Twin Tension Rope System, has become a cornerstone for efficient and safe operations. This system employs two independently tensioned ropes, each capable of bearing the full load, thereby providing redundancy and balanced load distribution. Key Components of TTRS: Dual Main Lines: Both

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Confined Space Rescue Atmospheric Conditions

Lance Piatt / Blog, Confined Space Rescue, Designing Your Processes / 6 Comments

In confined space rescue operations, the atmospheric conditions and geographical layout of the environment critically influence the strategies, tactics, and rigging methods employed. Understanding these factors is essential for effective and safe rescue missions. Atmospheric Conditions and Their Impact Confined spaces often present hazardous atmospheres, including: Oxygen Deficiency: Levels below 19.5% can impair cognitive and

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8 Stages of Creativity in Rigging

Lance Piatt / Blog, Coaching, Designing Your Processes, Lance Piatt, Principles of Learning, Team Competencies / 1,228 Comments

8 Stages of Creativity in Rigging is not a mystery. We are meant and created to be… creative. But just like every tool in the shop, or every piece of gear in the cache, we all have varying degrees of talents and skills. Creativity is not a rare insight, that only rare and odd people

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Rigging For Rope Rescue In 7 Easy Steps

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Personal Competencies / 6 Comments

Everyone has seen crazy heroics in movies right? Yet, most (strangely enough) don’t ask ” how is that actually done”? We know that often, movies use CG to do a lot of the work right? Well, not all of it. Much of the work done with movies like 127 Hours, or Vertical Limit, K2, Eiger

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Redundancy in Rope Systems

Richard Delaney / Anchoring, Blog, Designing Your Processes, Knot Craft, Mainline Systems and Operations, Richard Delaney / 40 Comments

Redundancy in Rope Systems is used with roping systems however I often wonder how much thought is truly put into this concept. By definition, a redundant component of a system is one that is not needed. A system with complete redundancy is one that will not fail as a consequence of the failure of any

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Tight Line Skate Block System

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Confined Space Rescue, Designing Your Processes, Elevated Anchor Systems, Mainline Systems and Operations / 124 Comments

In confined space rescue operations, selecting an efficient and straightforward system is crucial for the safety of both rescuers and victims. The Tight Line Skate Block System offers a streamlined alternative to traditional highline systems, providing simplicity and effectiveness in various rescue scenarios. Understanding the Tight Line Skate Block System The Tight Line Skate Block

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My Life Is About to Change

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes / 19 Comments

The year was 1983, and like so many others in the Portland area, we felt invincible. We were young, eager, and ready for a challenge. The plan seemed simple enough: climb Mt. Hood, ski back down, grab lunch, and crack a beer before the afternoon was over. Classic Portlandia thinking. Walking into the climber hut

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The Six-Week Rule

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Personal Competencies / 8 Comments

The Six-Week Rule: Transforming Skills Through Focused Commitment In the process of mastering new skills, the greatest obstacle is often unlearning old habits that no longer serve us. The Six-Week Rule offers a structured approach to skill acquisition by emphasizing the necessity of focused practice and intentional change. This principle challenges individuals to leave behind

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Future-Based Cause and Leadership

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Personal Competencies / 25 Comments

What is a Future-Based Cause and How Does It Shape Leadership in the Fire Service and SAR? In high-stakes fields like the fire service and search and rescue (SAR), leadership is about more than directing teams or responding to crises. It’s about fostering a shared vision—a future-based cause—that unites individuals in pursuit of a greater

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Rigging Foundations and Training

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, General Rigging, Personal Competencies, Principles of Learning, Professional Standards, Safe Practices / 158 Comments

Rigging Foundations and Training Rigging and rescue require more than strength and tools—they demand precision, strategy, and a deep understanding of foundational principles. The cornerstone of any successful operation is a well-rounded knowledge of essential techniques, from building anchors to mastering mechanical advantage systems. These foundational skills not only ensure safety but also create the

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Roadmap for Success in Technical Rope Rescue Teams

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Education, Organizing, Technical Learning

Roadmap for Success in Technical Rope Rescue Teams Building a successful roadmap for success in technical rope rescue teams requires a strategic roadmap that balances foundational skills, specialization, leadership, and continuous improvement. This framework ensures alignment among team members, fostering growth, efficiency, and safety. 1. Foundation Building Establish a strong base of essential knowledge and

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Caving Rescue Systems AZTEK and Directionals

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Blog, Cave Rescue, Designing Your Processes, Dynamic Directional, Minimalist Mountain and Climber Rescue, Scene Management

Caving rescue and confined space operations are among the most challenging scenarios in technical rope rescue. Success hinges on using precise systems that balance safety, adaptability, and efficiency. Tools like the AZTEK 4:1/5:1 Mechanical Advantage System and Dynamic Directionals play a pivotal role in managing complex rescue Systems Used in Confined Space and Caving Rescues

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Cliff Rescue Strategies

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Organizing, RRG Gear Review

Cliff Rescue Strategies In cliff rescue operations, efficiency, precision, and safety are paramount. This case study examines how the Rescue Response Team approached a challenging cliff rescue using high directionals and tracking lines to navigate difficult terrain and ensure a successful outcome. The Scenario The team faced a steep cliff rescue where a patient needed

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