edge transitions Archives

How to Rig a Two-Rope Offset Canyon Rescue with Twin Tension Systems

Lance Piatt / Blog, Two Tensioned Rope Rescue Systems

A Canyon Rescue Demands More Than a Vertical Drop Not every rescue moves straight down. In desert canyon environments, terrain often calls for lateral movement, precise force balance, and shared system control. When a patient must be transported from one rim to another, a two-rope offset canyon rescue setup using twin tension systems becomes essential. […]

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Understanding Hidden Forces in Rope Access Rigging

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes

(Not) Understanding Hidden Forces in Rope Access Rigging Is More Dangerous Than You Think In the world of rope access, what you don’t see can hurt you. Whether you’re managing a vertical access route, building an overhead tension system, or operating within an industrial tower rescue, understanding hidden forces in rope access rigging isn’t just

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key articles on artificial high directionals (AHDs) - Artificial High Directionals Purpose Built Systems and Improvised Solutions

Purpose Built Artificial High Directionals

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Equipment, Portable Anchors, TerrAdaptor

Artificial High Directionals: Purpose-Built Systems and Improvised Solutions Artificial High Directionals (AHDs) play a crucial role in technical rescue operations by creating elevated anchor points for hauling, lowering, and managing edge transitions. While purpose-built products like the Arizona Vortex and SMC Terradaptor are industry standards, rescue teams often encounter scenarios where they must improvise using

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Basic mechanical advantage systems enable efficient lifting with simple pulleys. Learn the essentials of the 3:1 Z-rig for safe rescues - How is Weight Redistributed Through a 3:1 Mechanical Advantage System? - Eccentric Progress Capture in Mechanical Advantage Systems

How is Weight Redistributed Mechanical Advantage Systems?

Lance Piatt / Mechanical Advantage, Minimalist Mountain and Climber Rescue, Pulley Systems, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage

How is Weight Redistributed Through Mechanical Advantage Systems? A 3:1 mechanical advantage system, also known as a Z-rig, is a fundamental tool in technical rope rescue that enables rescuers to lift heavy loads with significantly less effort. But how exactly is the weight redistributed in this system, and what forces are acting on the pulleys,

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Tight Line Skate Block Systems in Rope Rescue

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Anchors, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Dynamic Directional, Elevated Anchor Systems, Mainline Systems and Operations, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage, Skate Blocks

Tight Line Skate Block Systems in Rope Rescue A tight line skate block system is a highly specialized variation of the traditional skate block, providing increased precision, control, and adaptability for advanced technical rescues. These systems are critical in environments requiring elevated tension management and controlled load transitions. I. Introduction A tight line skate block

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Dynamic Directionals in Rope Rescue

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Anchors, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Dynamic Directional, Elevated Anchor Systems, Mainline Systems and Operations, Portable Anchors, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage, Twin Tension Rope System

High Directional Systems in Rope Rescue A high directional is a crucial component in rope rescue operations, used to elevate the rope system above the rescue scene. By raising anchor points, high directionals enable safer, more efficient rescue operations across various challenging environments. Definition and Purpose A high directional is a rigged system designed to:

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Mastering High Angle Rescues

Lance Piatt / Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Horizontal Rigging, Mainline Systems and Operations

High-angle rescues present unique challenges, particularly when raising a litter over an edge. Utilizing Artificial High Directionals (AHDs) such as monopods can significantly enhance stability and efficiency during these operations. This guide explores effective rigging systems, ensuring redundancy, and facilitating smooth transitions in high-angle rescue scenarios. Understanding Artificial High Directionals (AHDs) Artificial High Directionals are

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Arizona Vortex Sideways A-Frames

Lance Piatt / Blog, CMC Rescue, Elevated Anchor Systems, Portable Anchors / 36 Comments

The Versatility of the Arizona Vortex: Sideways A-Frames In technical rescue operations, adaptability is critical. The Arizona Vortex excels in offering versatile configurations, including the Sideways A-Frame, which addresses challenging edge conditions and uneven terrain. Unlike the traditional easel leg A-frame, the Sideways A-Frame can be deployed in narrow spaces or environments with uneven surfaces,

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SMC Vector Gin Pole

Lance Piatt / Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Twin Tension Rope System, Two Rope Offsets / 36 Comments

Lightweight Solutions for Backcountry Rescue When it comes to backcountry rescue, weight and portability are critical. The SMC Vector Gin Pole offers an elegant solution, designed for scenarios where the simplicity and ease of setup are as important as functionality. In this overview, we explore the unique features and applications of the Vector, showcasing how

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Petzl Spin Pulley Series in Backcountry Rescue

Lance Piatt / Blog, Equipment, Petzl / 25 Comments

Elevating Efficiency in Backcountry Rescue In high-angle and backcountry rescue scenarios, every piece of equipment plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and ease of operation. The Petzl Spin Pulley Series, including the Spin L1D, Spin L1, and Spin L2, stands out as a game-changer in technical rescue systems. This blog delves into their

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