Mastering Horizontal Lifts and Pickoffs in Rope Rescue

Rescue professionals are constantly refining their techniques to handle challenging scenarios efficiently. Two fundamental operations in technical rescue—horizontal lifts and pickoffs—demand precision, coordination, and a deep understanding of rigging principles. Whether you’re an instructor preparing a course or a team leader refining skills, mastering these methods ensures safe and effective patient extractions.

This guide provides a structured approach to teaching horizontal lifts and pickoffs, along with essential techniques, recommended resources, and practical applications.

Horizontal Lifts: Principles and Execution

A horizontal lift involves raising a patient in a horizontal position, typically while secured in a litter or harness. This is common in high-angle rescues where maintaining spinal alignment or reducing the impact of vertical movement is critical. Successful execution requires well-planned rigging, controlled force application, and careful weight distribution.

Key Techniques for Horizontal Lifts

1. High Angle Litter Tender Basics
   Managing a litter tender is essential in high-angle rescues. The tender’s role is to maintain stability, assist in patient movement, and communicate with the hauling team. Proper positioning and control techniques prevent unnecessary patient movement during transitions.

   📌 Learn More: High Angle Litter Tender Basics

2. Counterbalance Rescue Technique
   This method uses a rescuer’s weight to counterbalance the load, reducing mechanical effort when moving the patient. Counterbalance techniques are particularly useful in limited-space environments where additional rigging may be impractical.

   📌 Learn More: Counterbalance Rescue Technique

3. High Angle A-Frame Litter Raise and Lower
   The A-frame system allows for efficient litter raises and lowers, often requiring only one attendant to maintain control. This setup maximizes mechanical advantage while minimizing personnel requirements.

   📌 Learn More: A-Frame Litter Operation

4. Rigging Horizontal Traverse Lines
   Horizontal traverse lines provide safe patient transport across voids, such as ravines or industrial gaps. Setting these lines at the correct height, managing tension, and ensuring redundancy are key safety considerations.

   📌 Learn More: Rigging Horizontal Traverse Lines

Pickoff Rescues: Techniques and Best Practices

A pickoff rescue involves reaching a suspended individual—often a climber, worker, or rescuer in distress—and safely transferring them to a secure system. This can occur mid-air, on a wall, or in confined spaces.

Key Techniques for Pickoff Rescues

1. Rescue Pickoffs Overview
   Pickoffs require a clear plan, whether the victim is conscious, unconscious, or unable to self-rescue. Understanding the variations in technique ensures the right approach for the situation.

   📌 Learn More: Rescue Pickoffs Pt 1 – Suspended or Not Suspended

2. Team-Based Pickoffs
   Coordination is essential when conducting pickoffs as a team. Using mechanical advantage systems can reduce the strain on rescuers while ensuring controlled patient movement.

   📌 Learn More: Team Based Pickoffs

3. Comprehensive Guide to Pickoff Rescues
   This guide covers multiple pickoff scenarios, providing insights into the best tools, rigging setups, and execution strategies for different environments.

   📌 Learn More: Comprehensive Guide to Pickoff Rescues

4. Midwall Pickoff Rescue Techniques
   Midwall pickoffs present unique challenges, requiring precise positioning and system transitions. Solo and team-based approaches can be adapted based on the victim’s condition and available anchors.

   📌 Learn More: Midwall Pickoff Rescue Techniques

Training Progression: Structured Learning for Horizontal Lifts & Pickoffs

To ensure that learners develop both theoretical knowledge and practical competency, follow this progressive learning path:

1. Review Basic Concepts
   Start with fundamental principles by reading key articles and understanding the mechanics behind each technique.

2. Conduct Practical Drills
   Implement hands-on training in controlled environments, simulating both horizontal lifts and pickoff rescues with a focus on technique and safety.

3. Advance to Complex Scenarios
   Integrate additional techniques, such as suspended transfers and high-angle traverses, to prepare for real-world applications.

Recommended Gear for Horizontal Lifts & Pickoffs

Having the right equipment is essential for safe and effective rescues. Consider these essential tools for executing horizontal lifts and pickoffs:

• Pick-Off Strap – Allows for quick connection and controlled patient transfer.
  📌 View Product: Pick-Off Strap

• CMC Victim Pick-Off Kit – A complete solution for performing efficient rescues of suspended individuals.
  📌 View Product: Victim Pick-Off Kit

Final Thoughts

Horizontal lifts and pickoff rescues require a balance of technical knowledge, precision execution, and teamwork. By following a structured training approach and using proven rigging techniques, rescuers can ensure successful operations with minimal risk.

For those looking to refine their skills further, explore Rigging Lab Academy’s course library, where you’ll find in-depth lessons on advanced rescue rigging techniques, patient packaging, and high-angle operations.

If you have specific questions or need guidance on a particular scenario, the Rigging Lab Accelerator is here to assist. Just ask, and we’ll provide expert insights, training recommendations, and the best tools for the job.

Peace on your Days

Lance