Rescue & Survival Knots

In rescue operations and emergencies, knowing how to tie the right knots can save lives. Here, we introduce some essential rescue and survival knots. These knots serve various purposes and are invaluable during emergency evacuations and search-and-rescue missions.

Alpine Butterfly Knot

The Alpine Butterfly Knot creates a secure loop in the middle of a rope. It’s tied by folding the rope and looping it in a specific way, ensuring stability and safety. This knot is ideal for distributing weight or isolating a damaged rope section.

Artilleryman’s Loop Knot

The Artilleryman’s Loop Knot is another method for creating a stable loop in the center of a rope. Its unique tying method ensures a reliable loop for various uses, including load management.

Autoblock Knot

The Autoblock Knot is a friction knot used for descent or rappelling. It provides stability and control by creating friction when the rope is under load, making it an excellent choice for controlled descents.

Backup Knot

The Backup Knot adds an extra layer of security to primary knots. It’s commonly used in climbing and rope work to prevent accidents if the main knot fails or loosens.

Blake’s Hitch

The Blake’s Hitch is a friction knot used in tree climbing and controlled descents. By wrapping the rope around itself, it provides stability and control for climbing or descending.

Bowline

The Bowline forms a secure loop at the end of a rope. It’s strong, stable, and doesn’t slip under tension, making it useful for climbing, sailing, and many other activities.

Bowline on a Bight

The Bowline on a Bight creates a loop in the middle of a rope rather than at the end. This knot is particularly useful when you need a secure loop but can’t access the rope’s ends.

Distel Hitch

The Distel Hitch is a friction knot used in climbing. It allows for upward movement on a rope and is often tied with a lanyard, secured with loops like the Poacher’s Knot.

Double Fisherman’s Knot

The Double Fisherman’s Knot connects two ropes securely. It’s made by tying the ends of two ropes together and interweaving them to create a strong bond.

Farmer’s Loop

The Farmer’s Loop forms a secure loop in the middle of a rope. It’s stable and useful for load-bearing tasks.

Figure Eight on a Bight

The Figure Eight on a Bight is one of the strongest knots for forming a loop at the end of a rope. It’s simple and reliable, commonly used in climbing and rescue.

Fireman’s Coil

The Fireman’s Coil is a quick-release rope-coiling method. It involves wrapping the rope around your arms or wrists for easy deployment during emergencies.

Handcuff Knot

The Handcuff Knot forms two adjustable loops. It’s versatile and can be quickly adjusted or tightened, making it useful in various rescue scenarios.

Munter Hitch

The Munter Hitch is a belay knot used in climbing. It creates friction to control a rope under load, ensuring safety during rapid descents or controlled movements.

Overhand Loop Knot

The Overhand Loop Knot forms a simple and quick loop in a rope. It’s easy to tie and untie, making it suitable for temporary applications.

Portuguese Bowline

The Portuguese Bowline creates two adjustable loops, offering more versatility than a standard bowline. Each loop can be adjusted independently.

Prusik Hitch

The Prusik Hitch is a sliding knot used to attach a loop to another rope. It grips tightly under load and can slide when not under tension, making it perfect for climbing.

Ring Bend

The Ring Bend connects ropes or webbing securely. It’s strong and reliable, ensuring materials stay joined even under heavy loads.

Running Bowline

The Running Bowline is a slipknot that tightens under tension. It’s easy to adjust or release, ideal for temporary fixes.

Sledge Knot

The Sledge Knot tightly secures objects. It’s made by wrapping the rope multiple times before tying, ensuring strong and reliable binding.

Slipped Sheet Bend

The Slipped Sheet Bend connects two ropes of different diameters. It can be quickly untied, making it useful in emergencies.

Spanish Bowline

The Spanish Bowline creates two loops at the rope’s end. It’s similar to the standard bowline but offers additional stability with its double loops.

Stopper Knot

The Stopper Knot (e.g., Ashley’s Stopper Knot) prevents the rope from passing through a hole or device, enhancing safety.

Water Knot

The Water Knot is the best choice for joining flat webbing. It’s simple and reliable, often used in climbing and rescue operations.

Z-Drag 3:1 System

The Z-Drag 3:1 System is a mechanical advantage system used in rescues. It amplifies pulling force with a Z-shaped pulley setup, making it easier to lift heavy objects or people.