MODULE 4: BASIC HIGH ANGLE RESCUE

ROPE RESCUE
When victims are located above or below in rescue situation, the most efficient and sometimes the only means of reaching
and getting them to safer grounds is by the use of ropes, knots and rope system.
Most rescues takes place under severe environmental conditions, thus, rope rescue technicians should be able to do knots
under stress, in the dark, when cold, using only one hand and with diminished physical activity.

The inability to do knots may be a sign of a lack of desire to develop the basic skills to be a safe team member.
RAPPELLING
Rappelling is a controlled descent down a fixed line. One important thing that indicates a person’s competence in rappelling
is control.
KINDS OF RAPPELLING
Body Rappelling SIT HIP (STANDARD) Rappelling Arm Rappelling

Lizard Rappelling Australian Rappelling

PHILOSOPHY OF SAFETY
 Back-up
 Check and double check
 Touch method
 Think system
 Attention to detail
 Point system
ENEMY OF SAFETY
 Ignorance
 Casualness
 Memory Decay
 Over confidence
 Distraction
 Bahala na system
ROPEMANSHIP “Rescue Knot Tying”
 It is dangerous and requires many hours of training and practice before attempted by anyone.
 It is designed to familiarize personnel with how they can effectively work in a supporting role during a rescue operation.
 It is not designed to prepare for performing rescue operations without the supervision of a Rope Technician.
 this course should obtain additional training including extensive practice in Knot tie.
ROPES
A rope is very important lifeline for a climber, rescuer, etc. It is one of the few elements in the protection system , and one
that absolutely must not fail. An understanding of the design and construction of ropes as well as knowledge of their selection, use
and care, is crucial to reducing the risks associated with their use.
 ROPE SELECTION
 First determine whether a Dynamic or Static rope is best for your intended use.
 Always use a Dynamic ropes for lead climbing.
 Static ropes may be used for rappelling, rescuing, caving, top roping and hauling where there is no chance of
significant impact loading
USE AND CARE OF ROPES
 Do not step on ropes,
 Keep them clean; free from oil, grease & chemicals.
 Protect from UV (sunlight)
 Protect from sharp objects
 Keep in a cool & dry place
 Inspect regularly
GOOD QUALITIES FOR ROPE
 Manufacturer Recommendation,
 Strong, Secure, and Safe
 Looking and feeling to rope
 Easy to tie and untie.
HARDWARE

RULES OF KNOT
 A Knot is not a Knot until it is Tied Off
 All rescue systems are backed up meaning that all knots used in those systems are also
backed up.
 Always Use safety knots.
 A neat Knot is a Happy Knot
 Dressing the knot makes it stronger and easier to check
 A Knot can reduce rope strength by up to 50%
PARTS OF A KNOT
 Bight – formed when the rope is doubled back, but does not cross
 Loop – formed when the rope doubles back and crosses itself
 Working End – end of rope used to tie knot; inactive end
 Standing End – part of rope attached to something, usually an anchor
KNOTS

Overhand knot Eight knot

Figure of 8 knot Clove hitch Bowline Butterfly knot Square knot