Selecting an Anchor for Rope Rescue Rigging

Anchors are the backbone of any rope rescue system, providing the foundation for safe and efficient operations. Choosing the right anchor system is critical to the success of a rescue and must often be completed early in the process. This guide explores the essential concepts of anchors, anchor points, and anchor systems, helping rescuers make informed decisions during time-sensitive operations.

Understanding Anchors and Anchor Systems

An anchor is the combination of all components creating a secure system, while an anchor point refers to the single object or component (e.g., tree, boulder, camming device) used to construct the anchor. Combining multiple anchor points creates an anchor system, which is designed to withstand substantial forces while providing redundancy and reliability.

Types of Anchor Points:

• Structural Anchor Points: Strong and immovable features like buildings, bridges, and towers.
• Natural Anchor Points: Trees, large rocks, and other environmental features. These require caution and assessment.
• Artificial Anchor Points: Tools like camming devices, nuts, bolts, and pickets.
• Artificial High Directionals (AHDs): Tripods, A-frames, or aerial ladders, often serving as both directional tools and anchor points.

Anchor

An Anchor is a general term for the combination of everything combined. Single connection point (e.g. tree, boulder, camming device, etc.).

Anchor Point
An Anchor Point is a single object or component used either alone or in combination with others to create an anchor system capable of withstanding a significant force.

Anchor System
An Anchor System is one or more anchor points connected in order to provide a secure connection. Multiple anchor points rigged together creating a redundant system.

• Structural Anchor Points are sufficient to hold a rescue load and significant enough to possess unquestionable strength. Typically we would consider buildings, bridges, and towers as possible points.
• Natural Anchor Points would be trees, large rocks/outcroppings, and other living features that would be significant to the surrounding environment.  Caution must be taken when considering natural anchor points.
• Artificial Anchor Points would be really anything not natural, but not considered “structural”. These would include passive and active types of equipment such as camming devices, chocks, and nuts.
• Bolts, Pickets, and Vehicles would also be considered a form of “artificial anchor points”.
• Artificial High Directionals (tripods, A-Frames, and Ginpoles) and Aerial Ladders are often considered not just directional high points, but anchors as well.

Deviation
Redirects the natural fall line of the rope on the rock face. A deviation point may or may not to be subjected to the same force as the primary rig point.

Directional
Rigging technique to change the natural line of a rope with a carabiner or pulley attached to an alternative anchor.

Focal Point
A location, floating or fixed, where all rigging is directed for anchor points. This concept disciplines rescuers to construct rigging which joins together at an efficient point, rather than unwittingly resorting to wherever the knot that joins all anchor points ends up due to the length of material used; the latter can result in an awkward spot to manage rope handling tasks.

Key Concepts in Anchor Rigging

1. Focal Point: A centralized location where all rigging converges. This ensures efficiency and simplifies rope handling.
2. Directional and Deviation Points: Techniques to redirect ropes for optimal positioning, often using pulleys or carabiners.
3. Housekeeping: Organizing anchor systems to maximize workspace and minimize complexity. Redundant anchors can also enhance operational clarity.

ERNEST – The ubiquitous acronym used for deciding, determining, and evaluating an anchor system.

E – Equalized
In a system with multiple anchor points or multiple strands of anchor material, the various components of the anchor system should bear roughly equal parts of the load. Self-equalization is not required. Pre-equalize the anchor for the anticipated direction of pull.

R – Redundant
Failure of any one component of an anchor system should not lead to complete anchor failure. For example, construct the anchor system so that if one strand of software is severed, at least one additional strand capable of supporting the load will remain intact.

NE – Non–Extending
Failure or shifting of one element in the anchor system should not cause significant movement of the load. This is why we fix and focus our multi-point anchor systems and why we generally avoid self-equalizing anchors. The location of anchor points relative to one another is also a factor in this stage of anchor system analysis. Failure of one anchor point should not result in the excessive swinging of the load toward the remaining anchor point or points.

S – Solid
Choose the strongest available anchor point. If no single anchor point seems strong enough then combine multiple anchor points until you are confident your anchor system is strong enough. Build your anchor with materials at least as strong as the weakest point in your system.

T – Timely
Balance the need for strong anchors with the need to reach your patient as quickly as possible. Simpler is usually better.

Anchor strength is dependent on object material.  Use superior judgment as to whether or not the material, be it steel, wood, rock, live material like trees and or shrubs is appropriate.

Ultimately a team or individual will developed their “go-to” point anchors.  There are literally hundreds of options, but the 20-80 (20% of anchor options will succeed in 80% of the rigging requirements).  Here are a few of the many options we’ll go through.

Common Anchor Configurations

Rescue teams often rely on “go-to” anchor methods for efficiency and reliability. Here are a few examples:

• • Full-Strength Tie-Off: Provides strength equal to the MBS of the rope in use.
  • Wrap 3 Pull 2 (W3P2): Achieves optimal strength, often ranging from 38 kN to 40 kN.
  • Basket Hitch: Offers significant strength, with 8mm cord reaching up to 53 kN.
  • Prusik Loop: Another reliable option with 8mm cord, reaching similar strength as the basket hitch.
  • Girth Hitch: Effective but slightly weaker, with 20 kN to 21 kN using 8mm cord.

Final Thoughts

Anchor selection requires judgment, experience, and situational awareness. Whether using structural, natural, or artificial anchor points, always evaluate strength, stability, and suitability for the task. By mastering the principles of anchor systems and applying the ERNEST framework, rescuers can create reliable setups that prioritize safety and efficiency.

For more in-depth guidance and training on anchor systems, explore our courses at Rigging Lab Academy.

Peace on your Days

Lance