Personal Competencies Archives

Exploring Revenue Alternatives for Emergency Services

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

Exploring Revenue Alternatives for Emergency Services When exploring revenue alternatives for emergency services and public safety is at stake, governments have a responsibility to prioritize adequate funding for essential emergency services such as fire departments. Yet, in times of economic strain, funding can be diverted to other projects, leaving critical services underfunded or, in some […]

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Rope Rescue Equipment Selection

Lance Piatt / Blog, Equipment, Personal Competencies, Principles of Learning

Rope Rescue Equipment Selection and Guidelines Selecting the right equipment for rope rescue operations requires a well-thought-out approach, integrating operational pre-planning, hazard analysis, staffing, and training. Rope rescue scenarios vary widely, so a comprehensive understanding of the operation and the environment is critical to ensure safety and success. Key Factors in Rope Rescue Equipment Selection

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Training Topics for Technical Rope Rescue Teams

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Personal Competencies, Personal Protective Equipment

Training Topics for Technical Rope Rescue Teams Technical rope rescue is a critical skill for fire departments and search & rescue teams. It involves specialized equipment, training, and techniques to safely extract individuals from hazardous or hard-to-reach environments. From natural disasters and mountaineering incidents to urban rescues, technical rope rescue demands knowledge, preparation, and adaptability.

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Developing a Technical Rope Rescue Strategy

Lance Piatt / Blog, Leadership, Personal Competencies, Team Competencies

Developing a Technical Rope Rescue Strategy Developing a Technical Rope Rescue Strategy is a complex, multi-layered process requiring a combination of goals, projects, and systems working seamlessly together to achieve successful outcomes. Each component must be tailored to the specific needs of a rescue scenario, as no two situations are alike. The right strategy can

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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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Understanding Anchor Systems for Rigging and Rescue

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Anchors, Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Personal Competencies, Portable Anchors / 4,319 Comments

Understanding Anchors: Part 1 of a Two-Part Series Anchors form the foundation of any rigging or rescue system, providing stability and safety for lifting, performing work, or executing rescues. Whether constructed from natural elements like trees and rocks or artificial components like bolts and beams, the integrity of an anchor system is paramount. This first

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Clutch in a Twin Tension Rope System

Lance Piatt / Blog, CMC Rescue, Equipment, How-To Concepts, Personal Competencies, RRG Gear Review, Safe Practices, Two (Twin) Tension Rope Systems, Two Tensioned Rope Rescue Systems / 31 Comments

Double Clutch: Using the Clutch in a Twin Tension Rope System (TTRS) The CMC Clutch, with its revolutionary design and versatility, has become an essential tool for Twin Tension Rope Systems (TTRS). This system enhances safety, efficiency, and control in technical rescue and rope access operations. Combining the Clutch with TTRS takes operational precision to

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Staggered Anchors in Rope Rigging Systems

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Personal Competencies, Pulley Systems, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage / 219 Comments

The Art of Staggered Anchors in Rope Rigging Systems In the world of rope rigging, pulley systems are the backbone of many operations. Whether you’re working with a standard three-to-one mechanical advantage system or a compounded setup for more complex scenarios, understanding the nuances of staggered anchors is key to maximizing efficiency and safety.

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Parallel Hauls Doubled Mechanical Advantage

Craig McClure / Blog, How-To Concepts, Personal Competencies, Team Competencies, Two (Twin) Tension Rope Systems / 7 Comments

Parallel Hauls and Doubled Mechanical Advantage: Myth or Reality? In the world of technical rescue and rigging, misconceptions about mechanical advantage (MA) systems can lead to inefficiencies or even unsafe practices. One such myth is that parallel haul systems—where two 3:1s or 5:1s are used side by side—somehow double the mechanical advantage. Today at Rigging

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