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Principles of Learning

From Fundamentals to Expertise: Mastering Rope Rescues with Essential Gear

/ Blog, Designing Your Processes, Equipment, Leadership, Organizing, Principles of Learning

In the realm of rope rescue operations, proficiency is not just a goal; it’s a necessity that can make the difference between success and uncertainty. Imagine having the knowledge and skill set to navigate complex scenarios, armed with a toolkit of essential gear and systems that empower your actions. This journey to rope rescue mastery […]

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Forging Synergy: A Collaborative Approach for Effective Technical Rescue Operations

/ Blog, Personal Competencies, Principles of Learning

Going back 30 some years, I have seen many things come and go… I would say that for every 1 great thing, 3 mediocre things need to be removed; this would be a great start as there are many;  (techniques, mantras, gear, standards and old habits) .  I would start by removing the useless gear

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Striking the Balance: Navigating the Triangle of Education, Equipment Buying, and Training for Effective Operations

/ Blog, Principles of Learning, Professional Standards, Team Competencies, Technical Learning

There is a “sweet spot” – a  triangle –  that could represent the optimal balance between education, purchasing, and training in a specific context, such as acquiring and using equipment for a fire department or another specialized field. Here’s how this triangle might look: Education: This corner of the triangle emphasizes the importance of knowledge

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Floating Along Is A Nice Way To Go – – The Guiding Line

/ Blog, CMC Clutch by Harken Industrial, CMC Rescue, Elevated Anchor Systems, Litter Operations, Mainline Systems and Operations, Offset Track Line, Principles of Learning, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage, Skate Blocks, Tower Rescue, Tracking Lines, Two Rope Offsets

A guidance system merges a descent mechanism with a tensioned rope to aid in safely lowering a stretcher, whilst ensuring it is kept at a safe distance from the surface. This technique becomes particularly useful in challenging environments, such as the rocky terrains commonly found at the base of cliffs, which make transportation to level

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A climber falling 60′ while checking the route at the edge before roping up – In Critical Condition

/ Blog, Designing Your Processes, Elevated Anchor Systems, General Rigging, Horizontal Rigging, Mainline Systems and Operations, Patient Packaging, Portable Anchors, Principles of Learning

This illustration features a climbing outing gone awry with a climber falling 60′ while checking the route at the edge before roping up. The Rescue Response Team responds employing a high angle raise with the Arizona Vortex side A-frame in tandem with a backboard immobilization lifting harness and litter to bring the fallen climber back

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7 Ways To Determine and Increase The Lifetime Value of a Team Member and Organization

/ Blog, Leadership, Principles of Learning, Team Competencies

Hey all I meet regularly with a number of Rigging Lab members and discuss “random acts of service and rigging”.  Super fun!  A while back one of them asked about if it was possible to “look at personnel as investments” and what “that might look like”.  I will be honest (as I mentioned to him), 

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The Hierarchy of Rope Rescue Learning Pathway

English Reeve: Control Side & Carriage System Highline Systems

/ Blog, Designing Your Processes, Dynamic Directional, Elevated Anchor Systems, General Rigging, Highline Rigging, Horizontal Rigging, Mainline Systems and Operations, Mechanical Advantage, Pat Rhodes, Portable Anchors, Principles of Learning, Prusik Strength and Use, Pulley Systems

We’re back here at the lab, and this is a continuation of what we’ve done, the past couple of days with high lines. In quick review, We had, and we built the track line, and we had the control line for our basic high line system. Now what we’ve added to it is a third

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How Recessions Impact Fire Departments and Search & Rescue in the US – Part 4: Alternative Source of Revenue

/ Blog, Leadership, Personal Competencies, Principles of Learning, Professional Standards

When public safety is at stake, the government must provide adequate funding for emergency services such as fire departments. Unfortunately, when money is scarce and other projects are given priority over necessary emergency services, the consequences can be dire. In this blog post, we will explore how the public would respond to a situation where

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Rope Rescue Gear and Everything Between! Part 1 – Let’s Get This Thing Started!

/ Blog, Equipment, Personal Competencies, Principles of Learning

There are many factors to consider when selecting equipment for rope rescue operations, including operational pre planning, hazard analysis, staffing and training. The type of rescue operation will dictate the specific equipment needs, but there are some general guidelines that can be followed. The first step is to assess the hazards involved in the rescue

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Rope Rescue Gear and Everything Between! Part 5 – Equipment Strength, Safety Factors & Load Ratios

/ Blog, Designing Your Processes, Equipment, Principles of Learning, Professional Standards

Aside from being compatible with other components of the system, all equipment should be of sufficient strength to offer appropriate performance under whatever load might be applied, plus offer a sufficient factor of safety above and beyond that. While single body weight loads (one person) are often practices and aspect of litter work (as an

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