Skate Block Offset Rescue Systems
The skate block offset rescue system is a critical system in technical rope rescue. It enables teams to conduct ground-based operations when rescuers need to access a subject located high above. This method is ideal when top-down access isn’t possible. By approaching from the bottom up, teams can maintain control, ensure safety, and navigate around structural obstructions.
System Overview and Anchor Configuration
This side of the setup represents the working components of the skate block offset. The system operates from the bottom up, meaning both the descent control and hauling elements originate at ground level.
- Rope Routing: Two working ropes are trailed from the base upward to an elevated anchor, where they are redirected.
- Anchor Security: The primary anchor, while not marginal, was not deemed bombproof—necessitating a back-tied configuration to secondary anchors for stability.
- Redirection Components: Two wrap three pull two webbing anchors were employed as the attachment points for the change-of-direction pulleys that form part of the skate block.
Skate Block Setup and Load Management
Once the anchor system was stabilized:
- Pulleys for Directional Change: The working ends of both ropes were passed through change-of-direction pulleys and routed back to skate pulleys.
- Focal Point: The rope ends were tied into a double long-tail bowline, which served as the central connection point for the skate pulleys and the rescuer.
- Rescuer Connection: The rescuer attached into the system at two points:
- A direct connection to the skate pulleys.
- A secondary tether to one of the tails from the double long-tail bowline for added redundancy.
How the Skate Block Offset Functions
Once the rescuer is loaded into the system:
- Descent Control: Slack is introduced from the bottom, allowing gravity to engage the system.
- Load Behavior: The rescuer’s mass causes the system to travel downward and also outward, providing clearance from the structure being navigated around.
- Controlled Offset: This slight deflection away from the structure ensures the rescuer and litter do not become pinned or snagged during the lower.
The skate block offset method is a refined system that combines controlled descent with horizontal displacement, ideal for scenarios that require precise positioning in complex environments.
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