The scope of this presentation is to prepare local responders to operate in a response that has resulted in the need for a low-angle rescue. This presentation provides those personnel with the basic knowledge and skills needed to perform rescues using rope systems. The presentation will cover the use of rope, rope equipment, hardware, construction of mechanical advantage systems, belay and safety systems, anchor systems, and patient packaging. Presentation meets or exceeds minimum NFPA standards. Recommended teaching time is 40 hours. Presentation is over 330 slides in length. Includes skills testing sheets.

1. PREVIRE OF
ROPE RESCUE
OPERATIONS
BRAVE TRAINING SOLUTIONS
WWW.BRAVETRAINING.COM
Copyright 2019
R12-O V1

2. OBJECTIVES
Information on rope rescue equipment, rescue
knots hitches, anchor systems, system
attachments & fall restraint, belay/safety line
systems, load-releasing devices
Methods & techniques used to inspect &
maintain rescue rope, webbing, & hardware
Methods & techniques to tie knots & package
victims & rescuers

3. OBJECTIVES
Methods & techniques for using rescue
equipment to build lower/raise (mechanical
advantage) systems
Information on rescue scene organization &
management
An opportunity to demonstrate & apply basic low
angle rope rescue techniques
Optional information on litter walkouts & ladder
systems used in low angle rope rescue
operations

4. STANDARDS MEET
This presentation meets standards of
NFPA 1670 Ch. 5 & 1006 Ch. 6, NFPA 1983
OSHA 1910.140
Where applicable

5. LONG SLEEVE SHIRT & PANTS
Rescue suit
Photo by U of Safety

6. COMPONENTS
Kern = Core
Continuous parallel fibers throughout the length of
the rope
Mantle = Sheath
Braided jacket
Half of the strands have a left twist
The other half has a right twist
Eliminates twist when loaded
Protects kern (core)
10% - 25% of the rope's strength Photo by David J Fred

7. PRUSIK LOOP
Use
Haul cam/prusik
Pulls the rope into motion
Ratchet cam/prusik
Prevents the rope from moving out
Tended by a pulley
Braking cam/prusik
Prevents the rope from moving out
Tended by a person
Misuse
Same as rope

8. Construction
Double overhand bend (Fisherman’s bend) is
the preferred knot to form a prusik loop
Size/Dimension
8mm for use on ½” rope
Variable length depending on prusik minding
pulley manufacturer
PRUSIK LOOP

9. Short prusik
Should extend approximately 1" from pulley
after being tied & set
Long prusik
Should extend 3"-4" beyond the short prusik
Must extend in front of the descent control
device after being set & formed
PRUSIK LOOP

10. THREE WRAP PRUSIK HITCH
1 2
3

11. COMMAND & CONTROL IN LOW
ANGLE ROPE RESCUE OPERATIONS
Positions that may need to be filled on an "typical" low
angle rescue incident include:
Incident Commander (IC)
Safety Officer (this role may be retained by the IC)
Rescue Group Supervisor
Assistant Safety Officer- Low Angle Rescue
Rigging Team Haul Team
Litter Team Edge Person
Main Line Tender Belay/Safety Line Tender
Rescuer(s)

12. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
GO TO LINK BELOW
ROPE RESCUE OPERATIONS