petzl i'd Archives

Skate Block Systems in Technical Rope Rescue

Lance Piatt / Mainline Systems and Operations, Skate Blocks

Skate Block Systems provide a streamlined, efficient rigging solution for small teams performing rescues or load movements in specialized environments. These systems are particularly effective when personnel and time are limited—such as during tower maintenance, communications rigging, crane work, or industrial access operations. Unlike full highline or two-rope offset systems, the skate block uses the […]

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dynamic hauling systems a-frame and monopod

Dynamic Directional Hauling with A-Frame and Monopod Systems

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Horizontal Rigging

Dynamic Directional Hauling with A-Frame and Monopod Systems When a Straight Haul Isn’t Possible Some rescue environments—like confined spaces, vaults, or utility holes—don’t allow for a direct vertical haul. You may have obstacles, limited space, or poor anchor positioning. To solve this, rescuers use dynamic directional hauling, which means redirecting the rope path using multiple

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Dynamic Hauling with A-Frames and Monopods in Confined Space Rescue

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Confined Space Rescue

In high-stakes rescue operations, especially those involving confined space entries, dynamic directional hauling systems offer critical advantages. This blog explores how to configure and operate a dual high directional setup—an A-frame paired with a monopod—to manage complex terrain and shifting load paths. When used with mirrored twin tension systems, this strategy creates a stable and

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Rope Access Pick-Off Rescue for Tower Workers

Lance Piatt / Blog, Dynamic Directional, Elevated Safety, Mainline Systems and Operations, Tower Rescue

Rope Access Pick-Off Rescue for Tower Workers Rope Access Pick-Off Rescue for Tower Workers; the ability to perform an efficient, solo pick-off is critical. This scenario showcases a rope access-style pick-off, where a single rescuer, equipped with a Petzl ASAP and Petzl ID, performs a full rescue operation—ascending, anchoring, lifting the patient, and safely lowering

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Twin tension skate block rescue operation

Twin Tension Skate Block in Tower Rescue

Lance Piatt / Blog, Dynamic Directional, Elevated Anchor Systems, Highline Rigging, Horizontal Rigging

Twin Tension Skate Block in Tower Rescue When precision, control, and redundancy matter most, the twin tension skate block system stands out as one of the most refined vertical rescue techniques. This blog walks through a full scenario utilizing this method, focusing on streamlined rigging, dynamic lowering, and the critical importance of redundancy at height.

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Twin Tracking Line Power Control Rescue

Lance Piatt / Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Highline Rigging, Horizontal Rigging

In high-angle tower rescues, distance and clearance are critical. When the objective is to move a suspended patient away from a structure and across a distance, twin tracking lines offer a clean and redundant solution. This scenario demonstrates a Twin Tracking Line Power Control Rescue, designed for extended horizontal offset and mid-air patient control using

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Hybrid Rescue Ground Anchor with Harken Riggers Winch

Lance Piatt / Blog, Harken Industrial, Highline Rigging, Horizontal Rigging

Hybrid Rescue Ground Anchor with Harken Riggers Winch In hybrid horizontal rescue systems, ground anchors play a critical role in maintaining tension, control, and safety. Whether you’re managing a skate block, a tracking line, or both, the way you rig from the ground determines how smooth and stable the evolution will be. One of the

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Guiding Lines in Rope Rescue Operations

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

Guiding Lines in Rope Rescue Operations In rope rescue, one of the more refined methods for managing patient movement during a vertical descent is the use of guiding lines. Unlike basic taglines, guiding lines utilize a pulley system to control the distance between the suspended load and the structure—helping prevent contact, swing impact, or obstruction

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Releasable Anchors with the Petzl I’D

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Belaying, Blog, Petzl

Releasable Anchors with the Petzl I’D Releasable anchors provide an efficient and safe solution for lowering a worker in case of an emergency, eliminating the need for rescuers to access the victim directly. This setup is particularly valuable for work-at-height scenarios, allowing a single operator to monitor multiple workers efficiently. The Petzl I’D stands out

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Inside 9 Mechanical Advantage

Lance Piatt / Blog, General Rigging, Horizontal Rigging, Mainline Systems and Operations, Mechanical Advantage, Pulley Systems, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage / 36 Comments

The Inside 9 Mechanical Advantage System: A Game-Changer for Efficient Rigging In the world of technical rescue and rigging, efficiency, speed, and reliability are paramount. Over the past year, I’ve focused on refining my rigging philosophy with four guiding principles: rigging light, rigging quick, rigging solid, and rigging efficient. This journey has led me to

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Tracking Skate Block System

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Dynamic Directional, Elevated Anchor Systems, How-To Concepts, Mainline Systems and Operations, Principles of Learning, Skate Blocks / 11 Comments

A Quick Look at the Tracking Skate Block System A tracking skate block system offers a simple, efficient, and reliable method to move people or loads from top to bottom without diving deeply into complex calculations. While no rigging system can bypass the need for understanding safety margins and proper deployment, the trackline skate block

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Confined Space Rigging

Pat Rhodes / Anchors, Blog, Confined Space Rescue, Pat Rhodes / 349 Comments

In confined space rigging operations, the integration of anchors, pulleys, and the haul field is crucial for the safety and efficiency of the mission. This article delves into the configuration of a compound 6:1 mechanical advantage system within a confined space rig, highlighting best practices and essential considerations. Anchors serve as the backbone of any

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Two Rope Systems Cross Pollination

Lance Piatt / Blog, Horizontal Rigging, Two Rope Offsets / 10 Comments

Two Rope System Cross Pollination With “two rope system cross pollination”, innovation often arises at the crossroads of different disciplines. The adoption of Two Rope Systems, particularly Twin Tension Rope Systems (TTRS), exemplifies how ideas from rope access and rope rescue industries have merged to create safer, more efficient rigging practices. This cross-pollination has reshaped

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Tracking Skate-Block Hybrid System

Lance Piatt / Anchors, Blog, Elevated Safety, Harken Industrial, Industry / 42 Comments

In tower rescue operations, the Tracking Skate-Block Hybrid System offers a blend of redundancy, simplicity, efficiency, and effectiveness. This system combines elements of tracking lines and skate-block techniques to facilitate safe and controlled rescues from elevated structures. Key Components and Setup Patient and Midpoint Connections: Pre-Climb Preparation: Set up both the tracking and skate lines

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CMC MPD vs Petzl I’D

Lance Piatt / Blog, General Rigging, Mainline Systems and Operations, Mechanical Advantage, Pulley Systems / 16 Comments

In technical rescue operations, selecting the appropriate descent control device is crucial for efficiency and safety. Two prominent devices in this field are the CMC Multi-Purpose Device (MPD) and the Petzl I’D. This article provides a comparative analysis of their features, performance, and suitability for various rescue scenarios. Overview of CMC MPD and Petzl I’D

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Drop Loop Haul with Petzl I’D and ASAP

Lance Piatt / Blog, Mechanical Advantage, Minimalist Mountain and Climber Rescue, Petzl / 6 Comments

Drop Loop Haul with Petzl I’D and ASAP: Swift Solutions for Urgent Rescues In critical rescue scenarios, where every second counts, the drop loop haul technique offers a reliable and efficient method for accessing and evacuating victims. Using the Petzl I’D descender in tandem with the Petzl ASAP, this system provides both control and safety,

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Bypassing the Anti-Panic System

Lance Piatt / Ascend - Descend, Belaying, Blog, Petzl, Safe Practices

Bypassing the Anti-Panic System on the Petzl I’D: Understanding the Technique and Its Applications The Petzl I’D descender is renowned for its advanced features, particularly the anti-panic system, which is designed to automatically stop the descent if excessive force is applied to the handle. This safety mechanism is critical in preventing uncontrolled descents, especially for

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Ganged Haul System Mechanical Advantage

Lance Piatt / Blog, How-To Concepts, Mechanical Advantage, Pulley Systems, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage

A ganged haul system refers to a setup where multiple hauling systems are linked or “ganged” together to achieve a higher mechanical advantage or to divide the load between multiple teams or individuals. This technique is particularly useful in technical rescue, industrial rigging, or situations requiring the movement of heavy loads over long distances or

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The Cave Rescue

Lance Piatt / Blog, General Rigging, Highline Rigging, Mechanical Advantage, Organizing, Pulley Systems, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage

Two young adventurers exploring a cave, an unexpected fall, and the call to action for rescue professionals—a scenario many rope rescue teams train for. While the exact details may differ from real-life protocols, this story underscores the critical need for strategic planning and proper equipment in high-stakes rescue scenarios. The Strategic Rescue Plan: A Blueprint

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Double V Anchor System

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Blog, General Rigging, Team Competencies / 20 Comments

Using a Double V Anchor System for Twin Tensioned Rope Systems The V anchor system is widely regarded for its simplicity and versatility. As demonstrated by Richard Delaney from Rope Lab in collaboration with Rigging Lab at Rescue Response Gear, this adaptable setup can be expanded into a double V anchor system for lightweight wilderness

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