Ariel rescue- THE method for rapid ascent.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/climbers-talk/28453-james-treeworker-thank-you-3.html#post477443

 

In the link above you see a system ive been getting to grips with a lot recently, it has struck me that this is THE method and set up for rescue lines as it makes for almost effortless ascent to the anchor point possible.

 

this system is going to be part of my re evaluation of ariel rescue proceedures at our company, and I am going to be INSISTING on this method.

 

I would feel far more secure knowing my less than capable groundies could effect a decent and efficient rescue given this setup for rope accses.

 

its key is in the 2-1 advantage when prusicking up, its single handed operation and self tending hitch. if a second man is avaliable on the ground to assist further ascent would be so swift and efficient as to make it a no brainer, there can not be any arguments against this system as being ultimatley "fit for purpose" in ariel rescue.

 

what do you think? do you already do this, and if not, why not, for this will save lives.

[Rupe]

I am really please you are moving forward with new ideas etc. but I think there are already lots of methods for AR and this is just one of them. I dont see it as THE answer. Firstly its quite kit heavy! i.e. expensive! Thats a lot of kit to have hanging in a tree on the off chance someone might need rescuing. Also, the way its set up (in the photo on the other thread) thats two climing lines in use, whereas this method can be set up with just one.

 

Its possible and simpler and set up a 3:1 on one single line, I think its called Rads.

 

The fastest method of ascent is still footlocking or some kind of frog walker method. (although, again thats kit heavy)

 

One good thing about your set up is, as you say, even a novice can use it. Thats good, and having a set up that your particualar team can use is essential.

 

So when you ask if others use it and if not why not, I would not use it becuase a. its too kit intensive and b. my ground can footlock pretty well. So we just leave an access line the tree (the one I have gone up on in the first place) and some basic kit around for a rescue.

[Rupe]

Hows your footlocking going by the way? With your build you should be pretty quick by now?

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Hows your footlocking going by the way? With your build you should be pretty quick by now?

 

I need to get back into my old kick stretch excersices to make full use of one movement as Im not getting my knees far enough into my chest and/or feet under my arse enough but otherwise its a pretty neat trick, but it aint as fast as hand over hand on the pulley advantage system, which was one rope by the way.

[Tommy_B]

I think Rupe is counting the anchor rope as the second rope mate.

[Rupe]

Yes I was, but to be fair footlocking up one rope and setting a floating anchor before climbing out to a casualtly still needs two ropes, although only one is hangign in the tree all day long, the other can be in a bag out of the way unitl needed.

[Rupe]

Also, as discussed this method (hamas method) requires tones of rope, so a 20m TIP (not unreasonable) would require an 80m climbing line (unreasonable).

 

Dont for get there is another method for rescue as well, and that starts off with putting spikes on! Fixed double access line, twin ascenders and spikes, that will get you up a tree pretty quick.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Yes I was, but to be fair footlocking up one rope and setting a floating anchor before climbing out to a casualtly still needs two ropes, although only one is hangign in the tree all day long, the other can be in a bag out of the way unitl needed.

 

I chalenge you to a race at a show sometime, you footlocking me on the 2-1 and we will see, if your right I will tip my hat to you, and have something to investigate further in my continued efforts toward a decent rescue scenario.

 

in the photos I was really only using that second line to cheat installation of the system. had i been then in the tree i would be installing the rescue line at a suitable anchor either with the extra line for easy removal later, or not and have to remove it after the work was completed.

 

I know footlocking can be quick, when practiced, BUT, we are talking about potentialy no fulltime climbers, who may not feel as confident or have the daily muscles for efficient or confident ariel approach. you and me rupe could probably have a climber out of a massive tree in 8 mins or less, but i doubt a groundy on a freak event would or could do it in twice that.

[Rupe]

I totally agree with you there ( I did say that earlier) your system is good for those who don't climb much. Once set up they stay on that climbing line for the duration of the rescue which is good.

 

ALso when they get high enough to then move out to the victim the tail of the rope is already up out of the way but can be easily pulled through and dropped down the same exit route as the victims line and descent is easy.

 

My footlocking is not super speedy at all! Last comp I was over 40 seconds for 50feet which is poor, but even on a good day I'm only 30 seconds. In a work situation with chainsaw trousers and boots on I'm even slower. But for that 50 feet you would still need 200 feet of rope for your sytem?

 

Another neat trick you could practice in you rescue is putting a pulley above the victims friction hitch, you then clip into that with a sling connected to you or your lanyard (as long as you are not needign it for anything else) you also still need the fixed connection between you and victim.#

 

Then, when you descend you automatically pull his friction hitch at the same speed as yours, giving you an extra hand spare to hold his head, apply pressure to a wound or steal his wallet!!!

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

I totally agree with you there ( I did say that earlier) your system is good for those who don't climb much. Once set up they stay on that climbing line for the duration of the rescue which is good.

 

ALso when they get high enough to then move out to the victim the tail of the rope is already up out of the way but can be easily pulled through and dropped down the same exit route as the victims line and descent is easy.

 

My footlocking is not super speedy at all! Last comp I was over 40 seconds for 50feet which is poor, but even on a good day I'm only 30 seconds. In a work situation with chainsaw trousers and boots on I'm even slower. But for that 50 feet you would still need 200 feet of rope for your sytem?

 

Another neat trick you could practice in you rescue is putting a pulley above the victims friction hitch, you then clip into that with a sling connected to you or your lanyard (as long as you are not needign it for anything else) you also still need the fixed connection between you and victim.#

 

Then, when you descend you automatically pull his friction hitch at the same speed as yours, giving you an extra hand spare to hold his head, apply pressure to a wound or steal his wallet!!!

 

thats a good tip/point.

 

It is recomended best practice (not a legal obligation?) to have a deddicated rescue kit, would it really be "unreasonable" to have this kits rope a lot longer than an average rope? and I know this is (hopefully) never going to be needed, BUT and its a big BUT when we need it, when the time comes, how many of us would feel more confidant and after the event feel we did "all we could" I mean seriously, god forbid the worst was to happen, wouldnt you all want the best chance you have? be you the victim, or the rescuer.

 

I have saved lives in the past and i am cool in a crisis, (i tend to fall apart in tears later though!) but many are not we should make this easy on everyone involved, and the worst aspect is the survivors guilt, a pain I wouldnt wish on anyone. refining and developing the best possible method can and will save someone so much heartache one day it will count.

 

we have seen so many losses on this forum, i am a sensitive guy and each one makes me feel emotional, I take the risk each time i climb, i KNOW the risks, the potential, BUT it isnt just about us " hairy arsed tough as old boots MEN" saying oh dont worry about me i will be fine blah blah BS! its not just US there maybe a crew of three or more men on the ground that will witness it, and probably torture themselves over what they could have done differently.

 

I want to find the best method, not just for my increasing sense of my own mortality (getting old!) but for those who may well be left to deal with the aftermath, and have to make accounts.