Professional Standards Archives

Rope Rescue Standards and Regulations for Professional Teams

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Personal Competencies, Principles of Learning, Professional Standards

Standards and regulations form the backbone of professional rope rescue. While skills, equipment familiarity, and terrain experience all matter, none of them exist in a vacuum. Technical rope rescue is a legally defined and operationally bound discipline, shaped by documents, committees, and long cycles of testing, revision, and consensus. A rescuer who does not understand […]

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Essential Rope Rescue Skills On-Demand from knots to advanced techniques, all accessible online.

Learning Rope Rescue the Complete Guide to Building Skill Judgment and Team Capability

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Online Training Education, Principles of Learning, Professional Standards

Rope rescue is not simply a technical craft—it’s a discipline shaped by standards, repetition, evaluation, and the collective judgment of a team. Most people who step into rope rescue training expect to learn knots, rigging, and mechanical systems. What they don’t expect is that the real growth comes from how they prepare, how they are

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Rescue Training That Tracks with Reality

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Online Training Education, Professional Standards

The Problem Isn’t a Lack of Training Rescue Training That Tracks with Reality – Most rescue personnel don’t suffer from too little training. They suffer from too much of the wrong kind. Videos, seminars, new gear drops, PDFs, certification cycles—none of it really matters if, when the system fails at the edge, your team hesitates

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NFPA G Rated Rope and Rescue Standards

Lance Piatt / Blog, Professional Standards, RRG Gear Review

When it comes to technical rope rescue, understanding equipment classifications and national standards is essential. One area that often raises questions is the use of NFPA G-rated rope—a designation set by the National Fire Protection Association for life safety rope. To simplify your decision-making and training, here’s a clear breakdown pulled directly from the Rigging

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The Hierarchy of Rope Rescue Learning Pathway

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions, Principles of Learning, Professional Standards

The Hierarchy of Rope Rescue Learning Pathway Rope rescue is not just about strength and bravery—it’s a meticulous process grounded in science and methodical learning. By understanding the physics and technical demands behind each aspect of rescue, teams can work more efficiently and safely. This blog delves into the key components of rope rescue training,

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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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A Business Framework for Rope Rescue

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Online Training Education, Principles of Learning, Professional Standards, Team Competencies, Technical Learning

A Business Framework for Rope Rescue: Enhancing Efficiency and Effectiveness In both business and rope rescue operations, understanding underlying forces and dynamics can significantly impact outcomes. While rescue systems are traditionally viewed through a technical lens—focusing on equipment, procedures, and techniques—applying a business framework can provide a fresh perspective. By integrating concepts like supply, demand,

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Efficiency and Teamwork in Technical Rope Rescue

Lance Piatt / Blog, Coaching, Designing Your Processes, How-To Concepts, Mechanical Advantage, Professional Standards, Search and Rescue Training

Efficiency and Teamwork: Lessons from Technical Rope Rescue for Fire Service and SAR Teams In the high-stakes world of technical rope rescue, fire service, and search and rescue (SAR), success hinges on precision, efficiency, and team cohesion. A technician or director in this realm can draw valuable lessons from business principles, where systems and strategies

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Strength vs. Fitness for Rescue Professionals

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

Strength vs. Fitness: Building the Complete First Responder and Rescue Professional In physically demanding professions like firefighting or search and rescue (SAR), strength and fitness are both indispensable. But what does it mean to be strong, and how does that differ from being fit? While strength is a cornerstone of physical capability, true fitness requires

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Updates and Revisions in Rope Rescue

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

Updates vs. Revisions in Rope Rescue Teams: Understanding the Difference and Their Impact Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of discussing an important question with a SAR (Search and Rescue) team member tasked with recommending changes to their team’s gear and tactics. The question seemed straightforward but held profound implications: “What is the major

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Balancing Education Purchasing and Training in Fire Services

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

The Critical Triangle of Fire Service Success: Education, Purchasing, and Training Fire departments operate in a high-stakes environment where the choices made today impact the safety and well-being of their communities tomorrow. Striking the perfect balance between education, purchasing, and training is vital for maximizing operational effectiveness and ensuring long-term success. Let’s explore each corner

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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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Recessions Impact Fire and Rescue

Lance Piatt / Blog, Leadership, Professional Standards, Safe Practices, Search and Rescue Training

The Impact of Recessions on Fire Departments and Rescue Teams Recessions and Public Safety Economic downturns often ripple through local and state budgets, impacting essential public safety services such as fire departments and search and rescue teams. While efforts are typically made to shield these critical services, reduced funding and staffing can hinder their ability

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Rope Rescue Safety Factors

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

Equipment Safety Factors in Technical Rope Rescue Ensuring safety in technical rope rescue starts with understanding and applying proper safety factors. This process includes selecting compatible equipment, ensuring the gear can handle anticipated loads, and maintaining a safety margin for unforeseen forces. By doing so, rescue teams can create systems that are both reliable and

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Technical Rope Rescue Mastery

Lance Piatt / Belaying, Blog, Designing Your Processes, General Rigging, Leadership, Professional Standards

Technical Rope Rescue Mastery: Five Key Areas of Expertise Technical rope rescue mastery is a cornerstone goal for fire departments and search & rescue teams, demanding precision, knowledge, and adaptability. This discipline hinges on mastering fundamental concepts, techniques, and tools that ensure safety and efficiency in high-risk operations. Let’s delve into five critical areas of

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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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3 Tips for Online Learning in Rescue Training

Lance Piatt / Blog, Organizing, Principles of Learning, Professional Standards, Team Competencies / 134 Comments

3 Tips for Online Learning in Rescue Training The transition to online training is no longer a question of “if” but “how effectively.” For rigging professionals in the fire service, Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, and other emergency services, online education has become a crucial part of skill development. However, challenges in engagement, participation, and learning

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PPE Inspection for Carabiners

Lance Piatt / Blog, Personal Competencies, Professional Standards, Safe Practices / 269 Comments

PPE Inspection for Carabiners In rigging, rescue, and other technical operations, carabiners are more than just connectors; they are lifelines. As part of your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), carabiners play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of your system. Regular and thorough inspections are not optional—they are essential for ensuring the safety and reliability

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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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