I just finished my Level II High-Angle Rescue course through the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada. Just like the level I, it was a shitload of fun and I ended up learning a whole lot. Having read "On Rope" and other technical manuals, I was aware of everything we ended up doing, but it's still a LOT of fun applying the theories you've only read about before.

Has anyone else taken high-angle or confined space rescue courses before? If so, lets see some pictures and hear what you thought.

If you havent, I'd highly recommend it. Learning the basics of how to actually rescue someone is of huge importance to anyone working or playing on rope. I can only imagine how hopeless and agonizing it must be to watch a friend hurt themselves and be unable to intervene. The principals of rope-rescue are simple to learn, but not independently intuitive and not really something that can be figured out "on the fly". Even if you dont want to pay for a course, it's worth reading about and building simple haul systems and practice pickoffs and changeovers. I'm not an expert, but if you have any questions about what you see, just ask and I'll try my best to answer.

enjoy!

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as you can see this NFPA compliant course is pretty overkill when it comes to PPE. EVERYTHING is belayed, everything is steel and all ropes are 1/2". Not the techniques I use sport rappelling, but good to know regardless.

I was a member of search & rescue when I was in college. I got to practice some vertical rescue techniques at that time. If I would have bought a new car at that time it would be considered a classic now, so I've forgotten everything I might have once known.

I think it's a GREAT idea that you have trained up for vertical rescue. As you say it's not necessarily rocket science, but it's not something you can really figure out on the fly when someone's life depends on your rigging and technique.

Looks like it was a cold day!

Abby Normal

My plan if I lose my current job is to take every Industrial Rope Access and Rope Rescue Course I can, and go into that.

Architecture, while I love it - Doesn't pay shit, the hours are insane and I'm stuck behind a desk for most of them.

I want to take some high angle rescue classes so bad! I have seriously considered joining the local volunteer high angle rescue team. Can't do it while I'm in college though. One day!

Wow. I would kill to take one of those courses. Someday!

Your photos are awesome though! Looks like you had a blast, despite the temperature ;)

Excellent photos!

I've been trying to convince some of the mine exploring group out here to get together for some simulated-rescue exercises. We often have enough gear to facilitate a team rescue, but having never practiced together, it would be a slow process.

I did a high angle rescue course about 8 years ago.

Some of the things I learned:

1. A properly facilitated rescue can take a METRIC SHIT-TON of gear.
2. Most people don't happen to have all of this gear.
3. Most people don't even get close to having most of this gear.
4. Some rescues can be facilitated with the gear you have, but it depends on the physical situation, and the injuries sustained by the patient.
(ie: spinal stabilization/backboarding needs, amount of rope/pullies/biners etc)
5. Manpower: you need it. If you have all the gear, but lack in the manpower, things are going to move verrrry slowly.
6. Mechanical advantage is your best friend.
7. Good communication is a necessity.
8. If something is unsafe, speak up!
9. Don't mindfuck a situation to death.
10. No one person can run everyone's position, there is no equal for a well-trained team working together who is used to working together.
11. Anyone trying this for the first time will see how important #10 is.
12. Performing CPR on someone while they're being transferred high-angle is damn near impossible.
13. Try not to accidentally kick the patient in the face.
14. On near-to-pure verticals, your helmet protects the top of your head, a patient on a basket/board has their face exposed. Be amazingly super extra careful about falling debris.

I would really like to take a few more courses. =)

Abby, perhaps at some point we could put together a training exercise???