Key Components of a High Angle Rope Rescue

High angle rope rescue teams are not needed in every area or EMS organization. Even though you may never need to employ a high angle rope rescue, it's always a good idea to have members of your team who are sufficiently trained to use rope rescue or tactical rescue techniques. No matter how big your organization, having several members of your crew trained and certified in high angle rope or tactical rope rescue situations is a lifesaver if the need ever arises.

The Right Training and Certification

The key to a successful high angle rope rescue team is to have members who have been trained to use both the best equipment for high angle rescues and the techniques needed to perform such a rescue. For those who are interested, there are classes available that teach both high angle and low angle rescue techniques. Each team member learns how to effectively use each piece of equipment, as well as the many rescue techniques that can be used in specific situations.

The Right Equipment

Having enough gear to fit out a team of rescue personnel is essential. When you begin to build your team, it's important that each member has the equipment they will need to perform any type of rescue task. A high angle rescue may be uncommon in most areas, but the equipment is beneficial for other rescue activities and should be kept on hand in case of an emergency. Knowing how to use and store rope rescue gear such as: the harnesses, ropes, rigging, buckles, and straps will make them easy to maintain and ready for a rescue at a moment's notice.

Multi-functional Team Members

Most EMS organizations have team members who take on several roles in addition to being trained and certified in high angle rescues. Firemen, paramedics, EMTs, and law enforcement officers can all benefit from taking the additional rope rescue training and will allow them to participate in a rescue situation if other team members aren't available. Tactical training of this nature can be used in almost any situation, including high angle rescue. Having multi-functional team members ensures that you have enough individuals on hand at one time to properly perform and successfully complete a rope rescue if it's needed.

Building an Experienced Team

Experience in tactical rescue is important. If high angle rope rescues are uncommon in an area, you can simulate practice rescue scenarios that allow team members to get the experience they need to maintain their confidence and keep their certification active. Semi-annual or yearly training drills can be scheduled to make sure every member of the team gets to use their skills, keeping them fresh in their minds when an emergency situation arises.

The key components of any high angle rescue team include training, proper certification, and experience. When those three things are in place, you can build a team of professionals who can perform a variety of rope rescue maneuvers whenever they are needed. No matter where you are, this type of training is an asset to your crew, giving them the knowledge, they need to successfully save lives when an emergency occurs.

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This Blog post originally posted @ https://technicalroperescue.wordpress.com/2018/05/25/key-components-of-a-high-angle-rope-rescue/