Rope rescue was once again the topic for May's monthly technical rescue drill. We were provided the opportunity to conduct realistic training at a cliff area at The Quarry Swim Club. We trained on the two-rope offset rope rescue system. Crews assembled all necessary equipment and hiked up to the training site. Two Arizona Vortex tripods, (used as an artificial high directional), four 300' sections of life rope and two rope rigging bags were utilized. Members were assigned to one of two sides and had to establish anchor points and set up their cache of equipment. Twin-tensioned rope systems were rigged on each side and FF Drew Ring was attached to the end of the rope using double long-tail bowline knots. The two-rope offset rope rescue system may be quicker to setup and put into operation when compared to a traditional high-line rope system. Through a coordinated effort, a rescuer/victim can be safely moved from one side of a gap to the other with minimal equipment.
Fame is a member of the Chester County Rescue Task Force and functions in a support role for the High-Angle/Rope Rescue Group. Our rescue technicians and rescue specialists must maintain expert skill levels in rope rescue and train tirelessly to maintain those skills.
Units:
Rescue 53, Utility 53
A load-sharing anchor system is being set up.
One of two Arizona Vortex tripods being used as artificial high directional (AHD) for the two-rope offset system.
Anchor for the twin-tensioned rope system using CMC MPDs.
FF Drew Ring suspended in mid-air by the two-rope offset rope system.
Mechanical advantage is being used on the haul side.
Haul team working hard.
Another Arizona Vortex tripod as an AHD.
The far side team is lowering the rescuer while the near side team is hauling him.
FF Ring is almost there...
Utility 53 is being used as an anchor for the haul side team. The anchor is standardized and uses two CMC MPDs. Additional rigging is available to modify mechanical advantage as needed.
FF Ring with a "victim" in a stokes basket, makes his way across the 150' canyon.