DK and Al put on a great high angle rope rescue training at Smalls Falls this past weekend. About 15 members from Northstar, FSAR and RFD participated in the event. Rigging and lowering & raising evolutions were executed in 2 different locations at the Poplar Waterfall site. A 3:1 lower and raise system was used for BOTH the lower and the raise! This system is perfect for high angle calls in our region, because the overall working heights of the cliffs are rarely over 25 feet. By using a 3:1 for the lower (and not a break rack), you eliminate the need for: break rack, load releasing hitch, and a changeover to the haul system once the litter and attendant have reached the patient. The tandem prusik belay system remains the same. A high-directional to a tree as well as a human-vectored high directional was demonstrated to assist the litter over the edge for the lower and raise. Participants of all experience levels participated in the event. DK pointed out that the half-life of rope rescue training is about 6 months. The key to being successful at a real high angle rescue is frequent trainings with members of EMS, SAR and local fire departments cross-training together. Thanks to Al for organizing the event and co-teaching with DK.
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