The recent FDNY rescue was a good example of this application.Īs always, the objective is to make the right choices to achieve the most optimal outcome for the victim and the rescuers. It may also require bottom side crews to develop a tensioning track line or tensioned track line depending on the placement and height of the directional as well as the terrain features.Ī victim who is trapped on the side of a water tower or hydropillar may only require topside anchoring and a rescuer who descends to the victim, packages, and then descends to ground.Ī victim trapped at height that can be directly or proximally reached through a nearby window or platform may only require top-side safety systems to be rigged so the victim can be safely moved from the compromised position to an accessible position. This will require a lower haul system with a high directional. All of these options will shape the systems we select and how we deploy them.Ī victim who is on a ledge in a cave, ravine or gorge will most likely require a hauling system to bring the victim up. In these events, we may have crews above the victim, at the victim, and or below the victim. What is the best approach for access and rescue. If the victim is suspended on a loaded or tension system, we will have to bring gear that will allow us to transfer the victim from his system onto the rescue system.Īs we refine our action plan and draw conclusions from these assessments, there is one final challenge to consider. However, if the victim was rappelling and suffered a gear failure, we will have to develop a complete high-angle system to accomplish the rescue.

If the victim is suspended by a cable-and-winch system that is safety compliant and intact and the victim is having a medical emergency, then using the existing system (provided rescuers can operate it) may provide the most effective solution. This can radically shape the action plan. As we gather information regarding the cause, we will learn whether or not we can use the existing system or develop a new one. In these examples, the assumption is that these victims are captured through gravity but are somewhat free to move minimally and their position at height is not under loaded tension.Īs we approach these scenarios we must assess the condition of the victim and the cause of the predicament. It also can be a working platform upon which he may be safety rigged but do not have tension on his personal rigging. This can simply be a ledge or window opening. Second, the victim is supported by something static (meaning it is a fixed object or support system).

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