Login
Join Rigging Lab

Passing Knots in Rope Rescue

Written By: Lance Piatt

Passing Knots in Rope Rescue

Mastering the Art of Passing Knots in Rope Rescue

Passing knots during a raise or lower is a fundamental skill in rope rescue that requires precision and planning. While it may initially seem complex, the process becomes second nature with practice and understanding of the core steps.

Reasons for Passing Knots

There are two primary scenarios where passing knots becomes necessary:

  1. Extending Rope Length: When ropes are too short to reach the ground, joining them with a knot allows the system to accommodate the required distance.
  2. Managing Rope Damage: If a rope becomes damaged but still needs to remain in use during an evacuation, passing a knot ensures the operation can continue safely.

 

 

Knot Passing On A Raise and Lower Using The MPD

 

Although it’s ideal to perform this task in controlled conditions—such as on the ground—real-world rescues often demand knot-passing while the system is under load. These situations require careful planning and execution, particularly when dealing with adverse conditions such as poor visibility, rain, or team fatigue.

Planning and System Setup

For rope rescue systems, proper planning is critical to ensuring efficiency and safety. Using the Two Tension Rope System (TTRS) or Dual Capacity Rope System (DCRS) is a preferred approach for many rescue teams. Unlike the Dedicated Main Dedicated Belay System (DMDB), TTRS allows for greater flexibility and redundancy in operations. To learn more about these systems, search for “twin tension” in the Rigging Lab Academy library.

When passing knots, it is essential to stagger the TTRS lines so knots are not passed simultaneously. This prevents unnecessary risks and simplifies the process, particularly in high-stress environments.

Techniques for Passing Knots

There are many methods for passing knots, each with potential modifications depending on the equipment and situation. The basic principles include:

  • Maintaining load safety during the transition.
  • Ensuring smooth rope handling and system stability.
  • Using equipment and techniques that suit the specific rescue scenario.

Before adopting advanced techniques, teams must practice and master the fundamentals. Proficiency in these basic methods builds the foundation for handling more complex scenarios effectively.

Practical Challenges and Team Dynamics

Passing knots can become complicated by factors such as team dynamics, unfamiliar equipment, or a lack of unified procedures. Teams must work collaboratively, ensuring all members are aligned in their approach. Standardizing techniques and conducting regular training helps minimize confusion and enhances overall system reliability.

Learn More

Rigging Lab Academy offers comprehensive resources and training videos that break down the process of passing knots step-by-step. These tutorials provide practical guidance to help teams navigate this essential skill in rope rescue. Access the videos here.

Passing knots is an indispensable skill for rope rescue teams. By prioritizing thorough training, clear communication, and methodical execution, rescuers can ensure safe and effective operations, even in the most challenging environments.

Peace on your Days

Lance
Categories

About The Author:

Picture of Lance Piatt

Lance Piatt

Beginning his career in the rescue and rigging world as a “blue collar” SAR member with Deschutes and Jefferson County teams. Lance Piatt owns and operates Red Ibex Solutions, a sales and marketing wheelhouse blending rope rigging education and exquisite imagery with equipment knowledge and understanding; housing Rigging Lab Academy and Rescue Response Gear… Lance is producing high-end video education, working with several experts and instructors to produce unique series of “how to videos” and courses for rope rigging: Such as; the first ever full-length rescue training DVD, 'Tower Rescue', released in fall of 2005. As well as a series of scenario-based rescues ranging from cave rescue to cliff rescue.

29 thoughts on “Passing Knots in Rope Rescue”

  1. 토토사이트 제작

    630659 861079Your home is valueble for me. Thanks!? This internet page is really a walk-via for all of the info you needed about this and didn know who to ask. Glimpse correct here, and you l surely uncover it. 288892

  2. sbo

    502081 842934I believe one of your ads triggered my internet browser to resize, you might want to put that on your blacklist. 505388

  6. reilelp

    L uso contemporaneo di eritromicina, ketoconazolo e itraconazolo puГІ aumentare l effetto dello stimolante reddit where buy priligy 7 in the treatment and placebo groups and changed to an affirmative response to SEP2 29 and 3 , respectively and SEP3 46 vs 11 , respectively

  10. Durange

    If this cycle doesn t work we are going to go back to trying naturally and hoping we can defy odds again. nolvadex for men We electronically searched for the following text strings to indicate an infertility drug prescription prior to delivery clomiphene, clomid, serophene, humegon, pergonal, repronex, metrodin, fertinex, follistim, gonal-f, chorionic, gonadotropin, hCG, humanchorionic, novarel, pregnyl, profasi, progesterone, crinone, prometrium, factrel, GNRH pump, and lutrepulse.

  12. Jeramy Beaty

    It’s in reality a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m happy that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  13. Alejandrina Mahaffy

    It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this outstanding blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  16. postive income properties australia

    Good – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, website theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task.

  27. accommodation

    Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!

  28. offevothe

    The objectives of the present study were to determine whether plasma celecoxib concentrations correlated with changes in either plasma or NAF PGE 2 concentrations in women at increased risk for breast cancer, and whether a woman s pre or postmenopausal status affected the plasma celecoxib concentration lasix for weight loss This exception from informed consent was confirmed by the ethical committee

Comments are closed.

Helpful Links

Courses