Rope systems Archives

Low Angle Litter Handling and Management

Lance Piatt / Blog, Litter Operations, Patient Packaging

Low Angle Litter Handling and Management Introduction Low-angle litter handling involves techniques for safely transporting patients across less severe terrain. While the challenges may be less technical than high-angle rescues, they require precise teamwork, equipment mastery, and an understanding of terrain management. This unit focuses on Class 1–3 terrain, covering essential techniques, roles within the […]

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Rope-Based Litter Operations

Lance Piatt / Blog, Litter Operations, Patient Packaging

Welcome to Rope-Based Litter Operations Setting the Stage “Rope-based litter operations have become the hallmark of rope rescue teams around the world. The moving of an injured patient over, around, and through various terrain types is most often best accomplished by packaging that person in a litter. Modern litters are strong, rigid, and adaptable to

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mechanical advantage system - piggy back knot passing

Mechanical Advantage Piggyback Method

Lance Piatt / Blog, General Rigging, Knot Passing, Mechanical Advantage

The Mechanical Advantage Piggyback Method is a groundbreaking rigging technique in rope rescue operations, designed to navigate knots effectively while maintaining system stability and load control. This advanced method shines in scenarios involving mechanical devices such as the Clutch or MPD, utilizing a secondary mechanical advantage system like the AZTEK to ensure seamless and efficient

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Metacognition and GAP in Rope Rescue

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Leadership, Safe Practices, Team Competencies

Metacognition and GAP in Rope Rescue Rope rescue and rigging are inherently complex, requiring not only technical skills but also strategic thinking and adaptability. By integrating metacognition with the principles of GAP and GAIN, teams can create a framework that fosters continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence. Metacognition in Rope Rescue Metacognition, or “thinking about

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Petzl Pulleys for Rescue Teams

Lance Piatt / Blog, Equipment, Petzl, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage

Essential Knowledge About New Petzl Pulleys for Rescue Teams Petzl, a renowned leader in climbing and rescue equipment, has launched a series of advanced pulleys that elevate safety, efficiency, and versatility in rescue operations. These innovative designs cater to the complex demands of technical rescues, providing professionals with reliable and easy-to-use solutions. Below is a

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Team Rescue Techniques Petzl Maestro Static and dynamic tests

Static and Dynamic Tests on Petzl MAESTRO

Lance Piatt / Belaying, Blog, General Rigging / 13 Comments

The Petzl MAESTRO descender has undergone rigorous static and dynamic testing to ensure its reliability in technical rescue operations. These evaluations were conducted in controlled laboratory settings using new devices and ropes certified to current standards. It’s important to note that results may vary with equipment that has experienced wear or when using different rope

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A Mechanical Advantage Overview

Lance Piatt / Blog, Mechanical Advantage / 12 Comments

A Mechanical Advantage Overview In the world of technical rescue and rigging, mechanical advantage (MA) is a fundamental principle that transforms raw effort into efficient, effective power. Whether you’re hauling a stretcher up a vertical cliff face or lowering equipment into a confined space, understanding mechanical advantage is crucial to creating systems that perform reliably

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CMC Harken Clutch 11mm Loading and Testing

Lance Piatt / Blog, CMC Clutch by Harken Industrial, CMC Rescue, Equipment, RRG Gear Review / 6 Comments

CMC Harken Clutch 11mm Loading and Testing The CMC Harken Clutch 11mm continues to set the benchmark for rope rescue and technical operations. This robust device, engineered for reliability, offers a comprehensive solution for hauling, lowering, and tensioning systems. In this post, we’ll explore the critical aspects of loading and testing the Clutch, emphasizing its

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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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Two-Tension Rope Systems

Jason Ilowite / Blog, Two Tensioned Rope Rescue Systems / 13 Comments

Two-Tension Rope Systems: The Time Has Come Rescue operations are as much about innovation as they are about precision. For decades, single-tension rope systems have been the backbone of technical rescue. They’ve worked reliably but come with inherent limitations: uneven load distribution, inefficiencies during edge transitions, and challenges with adaptability. Enter the Two-Tension Rope System

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