Learn about the Arizona Vortex, a versatile rescue tripod for rope rescue and industrial operations, with tips on setup, stability, and safety
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Named after the rugged red rock highlands of northern Arizona where it was developed, the Arizona Vortex is a multi-functional rescue tripod created after years of experimental development. The Vortex stands out because it offers multiple uses in rescue operations, something not available in other equipment.
The Arizona Vortex is highly versatile and lightweight, making it ideal for lifting over obstacles, cliffs, confined spaces, mines, and other industrial rescue or rope access operations where edge mitigation is needed.
No More ladder for Upper Anchors
Traditionally, when there was no object available at the scene, a ladder was used to create an upper anchor point. However, tripods are primarily tools for human ascent and descent, not rescue equipment. The Vortex, specifically designed to create upper anchors, is superior in safety, efficiency, and speed compared to traditional equipment.
Understanding Forces: Resultant and Component Forces
To use the Arizona Vortex effectively, it’s essential to understand resultant and component forces.
Forces can be combined or broken down. As shown in the diagram, a force (F) can be split into two components (F1 and F2).
- F is called the “resultant force.”
- F1 and F2 are called “component forces.”
The resultant force works between the two pulling forces (component forces).
To check the direction of the resultant force when using the Vortex, confirm the pulley’s orientation.
Three Legs
When assembling the Vortex, it’s generally recommended to use three legs. Using three legs, as opposed to an A-frame or gin pole, significantly increases safety and reduces assembly time.
Equal Tripod
This frame is used in situations like manhole rescues. In this setup, the legs form a triangle, and the anchor point is directly above the hole. Ideally, the load should be suspended at the center of the triangle. If the load shifts away from the center, the tripod may tip over, so care must be taken to keep the load in the center of the triangle.
Easel A-Frame
The Easel A-Frame is used in high-angle rescues, such as when pulling someone up from a wall. It uses two front legs and one longer rear leg. Like the equal tripod, if the load moves away from the center, the tripod may tip over, so the load should be kept within the triangle.
Two Legs
An A-frame with two legs is less stable than a three-legged setup. It should only be used where a three-legged configuration is not possible.
A-Frame
An A-frame is stable side-to-side but not front-to-back. Therefore, it’s essential to keep the force as forward as possible and load the guyline.
To reduce the risk of tipping, the guyline should be set at an angle of 30° or more.
Typically, the guyline of an A-frame is set up front and back, but if the front anchor isn’t available (due to space constraints), only the rear guyline is used. In this case, the A-frame is weak in resisting forward or backward motion, especially backward.
The main line should ideally form an angle of around 90°.
Since it’s stable side-to-side, it’s suitable for low-angle rescues.
Sideways A-Frame
The Sideways A-Frame is stable front-to-back but unstable side-to-side, so it’s essential to secure the guyline to the sides.
The force on the main line should be centered near the middle of the frame. Unlike the A-frame, there’s no need to keep the force forward.
Sideways A-frames only use two guylines, but if the guyline anchor is behind the rear foot’s base, there’s a risk of the front foot kicking up when the guyline is tensioned, so care is needed.
Due to its side-to-side instability, it’s suitable for high-angle rescues.
Strength and Stability
Understanding the strength and safety of the Vortex is crucial.
To maximize the strength and stability of the Vortex, follow these guidelines:
- Do not exceed a load of 2.7 kN (kilonewtons).
- Keep the height to a minimum.
- Keep the leg length to a minimum; never extend the outer legs (lower legs) beyond four sections.
- Use the correct equipment and methods with the hobbles. Avoid using triple-braid rope, as it has high stretch.
- Select an appropriate strength anchor.
- Ensure all team members using the Vortex are well-trained.
- Consider load changes due to angles; take into account the load ratio on direction pulleys.
Foot Types and Usage
Raptor Foot
The Raptor Foot has replaceable steel tips, which can dig into uneven terrain and prevent slipping. It’s essential to consider the force that may arise due to bending or tilting the legs, leading to point loads or lateral sliding.
Use the Raptor Foot in rescue scenarios for better stability. Ensure the flat part of the Raptor Foot is positioned downward. Avoid incorrect setups as shown in the diagram.
Use on:
- Soil
- Sand
- Rocky terrain…
For soft ground or uneven rocky terrain, place the Raptor Foot into holes or gaps in the rock.
Flat Foot
The Flat Foot is used on smooth, flat surfaces where the legs can rest on the ground. It tends to slip, so avoid using it in rescue situations.
Position the Flat Foot’s ball joint correctly.
Use on:
- Floors
- Roads
- Rooftops…
Use on flat surfaces where you can’t afford to damage or puncture the floor with the foot.
Foot Lashing
If there’s an object available, lash the foot with webbing or similar. This increases stability.
Guyline
A guyline is a rope used to secure an object to the ground and prevent it from tipping over. It’s sometimes called a guy rope or tension guy.
Whenever possible, maintain a guyline angle of 45° or more. In some situations, this may be impossible, but under no circumstances should it be less than 30°. If the angle is less than 30°, the force on the guyline may exceed the load on the Vortex.
If possible, triple the guyline. Typically, static rope or low-stretch rope is used, but single ropes can stretch under load.
