How to Use the Petzl REEVE Carriage Pulley for Highline Rescue

Written By: Lance Piatt

Petzl REEVE: Versatile Pulley for Highline Rescue

The Petzl REEVE carriage pulley is an innovative tool designed to simplify highline rescue systems by combining two high-efficiency pulleys with a rigging plate. This design reduces the amount of equipment needed and minimizes the overall height of the system. Its user-friendly features, such as one-handed operation and multiple attachment points, make it a go-to for technical rope rescue professionals.

Key Features of the Petzl REEVE

High-Efficiency Pulleys:
- Operate on the same mechanism as Petzl SPIN pulleys.
- Openable with one hand or while wearing gloves.
Attachment Points:
- Five lower holes: Allow for multiple rigging options.
- Central hole: Perfect for backups or positioning lanyards like the GRILLON.
- Upper hole: Supports a second track line or secondary control lines.
- Smooth edges: Enable direct connection of ropes or slings, reducing equipment weight.
Compatibility:
- 19mm holes accommodate most carabiners, allowing free rotation.
- Large upper attachment hole permits pulley operation even when a carabiner is connected.
Flat Back Design:
- Allows two REEVEs to be used back-to-back in parallel systems.

Common Configurations

1. Vertical Offset on Two Tensioned Track Lines

This configuration uses the REEVE for controlled raising and lowering operations:

Setup:
- Attach SPIN pulleys to the inner attachment holes to create a reeving system.
- Control lines are connected to the outermost holes for horizontal movement.
Operation:
- Allows the team to lower the rescuer and raise them back up with a patient attached.
- Add backups, such as ASAP LOCKs or an independent vertical line, for redundancy.

2. Sloped Highline

For sloped applications, a redundant system prevents the REEVE from traveling downhill:

Setup:
- Attach a second control line to the upper attachment hole.
- Use a large carabiner (e.g., AMD or WILLIAM) to fit over the uphill pulley sheave.
Benefits:
- Ensures controlled movement and stability on a slope.
- Maintains redundancy to enhance safety.

3. Horizontal Offset with Two REEVEs

Using two REEVEs back-to-back provides excellent control and flexibility for horizontal offsets:

Setup Options:
1. Use separate carabiners for each REEVE.
2. Pass a single carabiner through both REEVE attachment holes.
3. Clip a carabiner to the central attachment point of one REEVE to align the pulleys and prevent tilting.
Operation:
- Connect the control and reeving lines to both pulleys for synchronized movement.

Practical Tips

Redundancy is Key: Always incorporate backup systems, such as an upper track line or additional control lines, for added safety.
Plan for Smooth Movement: Ensure ropes and connections are properly tensioned to prevent snagging or tilting during operation.
Adapt to Terrain: Choose the configuration that best suits the environment—whether it’s a vertical offset, slope, or horizontal setup.

Why Choose the Petzl REEVE?

Efficiency: Reduces equipment needs and simplifies rigging.
Versatility: Multiple attachment points and configurations make it adaptable to any scenario.
Ease of Use: One-handed operation and smooth edges enhance usability, even in challenging conditions.

The Petzl REEVE is a game-changer for highline rescue systems, offering unparalleled efficiency and adaptability. Whether you’re navigating a vertical offset, managing a slope, or tackling a horizontal offset, the REEVE simplifies the process and ensures safety.

For more details, visit Rescue Response Gear

Peace on your days,
Lance

About The Author:

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.