What is High-Angle Rescue?

High-angle rescue involves rescuing people from areas with a slope of 50 degrees or more. In these operations, rescuers rely completely on ropes to lift both themselves and the injured person to safety.

Examples of places where high-angle rescues might occur include cliffs, tall buildings, towers, catwalks, ship decks, cranes, and water towers.

Litter Attendant

A Litter Attendant plays a crucial role in rock face rescue operations. The “litter” is a type of stretcher used to carry the injured person. The Litter Attendant’s job is to adjust the height of the litter so that the rescuers can keep their feet on the rock surface, maintaining a stable position while creating enough space inside the litter.

Here’s how it works:

• The rescuer uses their legs to push themselves away from the rock face, while using their arms to keep the litter away from the rock. This allows them to perform the rescue safely and efficiently.

Rescuers use a tool called the “jigger system” to help control the litter’s position during the rescue. The jigger system makes it easier for the rescuer and litter to move up or down the rope smoothly. By using this system, the rescuer can adjust the litter’s position more accurately and quickly, which greatly improves the efficiency and safety of the rescue operation.

In summary, the role of a Litter Attendant includes:

1. Adjusting the litter’s height so rescuers can stay stable on the rock face.
2. Using their legs and arms to maintain the proper distance between the litter and the rock.
3. Utilizing the jigger system to efficiently move the litter and other rescue equipment up or down.

These techniques are essential for ensuring the safety of the rescuers and the success of the operation during rock face rescues.

Upper Position Technique

The Upper Position Technique is an efficient way to move during rescue operations on rock faces or vertical surfaces. This technique is especially useful when handling the litter, helping the rescuer (the Litter Attendant) reduce fatigue and more easily navigate difficult climbs or overhangs (where the rock juts out).

Steps for the Upper Position Technique:

1. Rope Adjustment: Use an adjustable rope, such as an Aztec, and shorten it. Attach this rope to the ring or upper part of the litter harness.
2. Foot Positioning: The rescuer grabs the fixed point (ring or upper part) above the litter and pulls their feet up. They then place their feet between the litter harness rigging, using this position for support.

Benefits of the Upper Position Technique:

• Reduces Fatigue: The legs do most of the work, reducing strain on the upper body, which helps the rescuer stay less tired during long operations.
• Easier Navigation of Overhangs: By positioning themselves above the litter, the rescuer gains better leverage and control when moving past overhangs or obstacles.

The Upper Position Technique enhances the efficiency and safety of rescue operations. It’s particularly effective in challenging rock face or vertical surface rescues, allowing the rescuer to conserve energy while safely and quickly transporting the injured person.

Rising Rescue System (With Attendant)

This section introduces a rescue system for lifting casualties from lower areas.

Rescue teams need to lift and rescue injured persons who have fallen from a height.

Required Equipment

• Basket stretcher (with lifting bridle)
• Aztek (pulley system)
• ASAP Lock
• Full-body harness
• Carabiners
• Ropes (main and belay)

Rope Selection

Prepare a main rope and a belay rope.
Try to use different colors for easier visibility.

Setting Up the Main Line and Belay Line

Create a Figure-Eight on a Bight at the end of the main rope.

Create a Stopper Knot at the end of the belay rope.

At about 1.5 meters (5 feet) from the end of both the main rope and the belay rope, create a Butterfly Knot and attach a carabiner to it.

Attach these two carabiners to the O-ring of the lifting bridle.

Clip the Figure-Eight on a Bight of the main rope to the stretcher or the injured person with a carabiner.

Setting Up Personal Safety (Main Rope)

1. Attach the Aztek system to the Butterfly Knot on the main rope.
2. Connect it to the front attachment point of your harness.

Setting Up Personal Safety (Belay Rope)

1. Attach the ASAP Lock below the Butterfly Knot on the belay rope.
2. Connect it to the upper attachment point of your harness.

If an ASAP Lock is not available, you can substitute it with a prusik cord.

Once everything is set up, you are ready to proceed.

Here is a simplified English translation of the provided text:

Vertical Litter Technique

The Vertical Litter Technique is used in high-angle rescue operations when there is no anchor point available above the rescue site. It is designed to help move a patient on a litter (a rescue stretcher) over sharp cliffs or edges. The main steps of this technique are as follows:

1. Positioning on the Litter: The rescuer straddles the litter at waist height, maintaining a stable posture.
2. Vertical Placement and Movement of the Litter: The litter is kept vertical and carefully slid over the cliff. It’s important to minimize contact between the litter and the ground.
3. Maintaining Tension: The rescuer leans back and pulls the litter to maintain proper tension, ensuring stability as the litter moves over the edge.
4. Role of the Edge Attendant: The edge attendant adjusts the main line to help the litter smoothly transition over the edge. They stay close to the cliff’s edge, adjusting the line’s angle as needed.
5. Patient Protection from Falling Rocks: The rescuer must prioritize their own safety while protecting the patient as much as possible. If there’s a risk of falling rocks, the rescuer may use their backpack as a shield or cover the patient by positioning the litter sideways.

This technique is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the patient and the rescuer in high-altitude rescues. Proper training and practice are necessary to execute these steps effectively.

Pike & Pivot Technique

The Pike & Pivot Technique, also known as the Vertical Litter Edge Transition Technique, is used to safely move a patient on a litter over sharp, steep edges without using an overhead anchor. It is particularly useful when dealing with the “edge obstacle” problem, which occurs when trying to move the litter over a steep edge like a 90° cliff. Here’s an overview:

1. Edge Obstacle Problem: Moving the litter horizontally over a cliff edge can cause the inner rail of the litter to catch on the edge, making it difficult to maneuver.
2. Adjusting the Litter’s Orientation: Simply turning the litter vertical won’t fully solve the problem. The head of the litter can still catch on the cliff edge.
3. Lowering the Pivot Point: To address this, the pivot point of the litter is set lower. This allows the litter to smoothly move over the edge without catching.
4. Using the V-Strap Technique: Also known as the V-Strap Technique, it involves using special strap configurations to improve the litter’s stability and maneuverability as it moves over the edge.

By applying the Pike & Pivot Technique, rescuers can move the patient more safely and efficiently over cliffs and steep slopes. Training and practice are essential for mastering this technique.

Steps for Implementing the Pike & Pivot Technique

1. Setting the Master Attachment Point: Set up the master attachment point using a long-tailed interlocking bowline knot. Pause when the litter reaches the edge protection.
2. Placing the V-Strap: Attach the V-Strap to the litter and pass it to the attendant. Attach it to the outside of the litter, near the middle or outside of the patient’s thighs.
3. Arranging the Belay Line: Pass the V-Strap under the belay (backup) line to prevent it from catching during the final lift.
4. Adjusting the Pulley System: Detach the front part of the pulley system from the prusik hitch and move it to the upper bite of the V-Strap. Add a prusik hitch on the opposite side of the pulley to secure the main line in place.
5. Raising the Litter Over the Edge: The attendant climbs the litter’s side rails like a ladder to get to the top. Pulling the V-Strap lifts the litter head-first over the edge. The edge attendant grabs the litter’s head end and pulls it to safely move it over the edge.

This method ensures that the litter does not catch on the cliff edge, allowing rescuers to safely and efficiently lift the litter horizontally, even with a patient onboard. The V-Strap is a special setup designed for this operation, made of an 8mm, 10-meter rope with small knots in the middle and locking carabiners at each end, which enhances flexibility and safety during the procedure.

Pick-Off Rescue Techniques

Pick-off rescue techniques are used in situations where a victim is stranded at a high location, such as during high-altitude work or climbing. These techniques are suitable for scenarios where the victim is either connected to a dynamic system (like a rope descent) or stuck in a static location (such as a window opening or cliff).

Victim on a Dynamic System

A victim on a dynamic system is someone suspended by a rope or cable, such as during climbing, rappelling, or while performing tasks like window cleaning. In these situations, the victim is still connected to the rope or cable but is unable to move independently.

Victim on a Static Object

A victim in a static location refers to someone who is stuck in a hard-to-reach place, such as a window opening or a cliff. In these cases, the victim cannot move by themselves.

Applying Pick-Off Rescue Techniques

• Using Existing Systems: If the victim is physically unable to move but is secured by existing cables or ropes, rescuers can utilize this system for the rescue. The rescuer connects themselves to the existing system and safely moves the victim.
• Setting Up a New Rescue System: In cases where the victim is immobilized due to equipment failure during descent, a new rescue system may need to be set up. Here, pick-off techniques become essential as the rescuer connects to a rescue line to safely lower the victim.

Rescue Procedure

1. Approach from Above: The rescuer approaches the victim from above whenever possible and connects the victim to the rescue line. This reduces the rescuer’s workload and ensures a safe rescue.
2. Transferring Tension: If the victim is already suspended by a line, the tension needs to be transferred to the rescue line. The rescuer lifts the victim slightly and safely lowers them using the rescue system.

This process ensures that the victim is safely rescued and quickly transported to a medical facility if needed. Pick-off rescue techniques require advanced skills and judgment from rescuers, but when executed properly, they ensure the victim’s safety and contribute significantly to the success of the rescue mission.

Rappelling Pick-Off Rescue Technique

The rappelling pick-off rescue technique is a method used to safely rescue individuals who are in danger at high locations. This technique allows the rescuer to directly approach the victim and safely lower them to the ground. Below is a simplified explanation of the procedure:

Preparation

• Rescuer’s Equipment: At least two rescuers are required—one handles belaying (securing the safety), while the other prepares for rappelling.
• Setting Up the Descent Device (DCD): The rescuer attaches the DCD to a small rigging plate, which is then connected to an extension sling attached to their harness.
• Using an Autoblock (Prusik Hitch): An autoblock is set up below the DCD, allowing the rescuer to work hands-free during the descent.
• Attaching the Prusik: The medium parcel Prusik is connected to the rigging plate, serving as the primary tether to the victim. If no rigging plate is used, the Prusik is attached to the DCD with another carabiner.

Rescue Operation

1. Rappelling: The rescuer rappels down to the victim, positioning themselves within reach of the victim’s waist or harness.
2. Attaching the Harness: If the victim is not already wearing a harness, the rescuer quickly fits them with an improvised or commercial pick-off harness.
3. Connecting the Belay Line: The rescuer connects their belay line to the victim’s harness using a Prusik, ensuring a secure anchor point.
4. Moving the Victim: The rescuer disconnects the victim from their original line and, if needed, uses a pick-off strap or personal jigger to move them.
5. Using a 5:1 System: If the rescuer’s rappel line is equipped with a 5:1 system, they use it to make a short descent, transferring the victim to the rescue system.
6. Descending Together: The rescuer then descends with the victim, safely bringing them to the ground.

This procedure ensures that the rescuer can efficiently support the victim and conduct the rescue operation safely. The key is to prioritize safety and make appropriate decisions based on the situation.

Better Control (BC) Pick-Off

The Better Control (BC) Pick-Off is a method designed by Arne Larsen for rescue operations during rappelling. It allows rescuers to safely and efficiently lower a victim. Below is a brief overview of the procedure:

Preparation

• Rescuer Roles: Two rescuers are required—one handles belaying (securing the safety), while the other prepares for rappelling.
• Setting Up the Equipment: The DCD (Dynamic Control Device) is attached to a small rigging plate, and an autoblock (Prusik Hitch) is prepared.
• Connecting the DCD: The DCD is connected to the extension sling attached to the rescuer’s harness, and the medium parcel Prusik is also attached to the rigging plate.

Rappelling

• Positioning: The rescuer rappels down to the victim, positioning themselves within reach of the victim’s waist or harness.
• Attaching the Harness: If the victim is not wearing a harness, the rescuer quickly fits them with an appropriate harness.

Performing the Pick-Off

• Connecting: The rescuer connects the victim to their harness using a Prusik, allowing the victim to be safely disconnected from their original line.
• Using Equipment: If needed, the rescuer uses a pick-off strap or personal jigger to move the victim.
• 5:1 System: If the rescuer’s rappel line has a 5:1 system, it is used to make a short descent, transferring the victim to the rescue system.

Descending to the Ground

• Descending Together: Once the victim is safely transferred to the rescue system, the rescuer and the victim descend together to the ground.

The BC Pick-Off method prioritizes the safety of both the rescuer and the victim during rescue operations, ensuring controlled and secure descent.

Guiding Line Technique

The guiding line technique is highly effective for safely raising and lowering a litter (a stretcher) over cliffs or uneven terrain while avoiding obstacles. This method allows the litter to move along an independent path via a guiding pulley attached to the litter. Below is a simple explanation of the basic steps and precautions for this technique.

Setting Up the Guiding Line

• Selection and Setup Location:
• The guiding line provides an independent travel path through a guiding pulley attached to the litter.
• Choose a location with uneven terrain, avoiding pulling the rope too tightly from the ground. It’s important to avoid flat terrain.
• Choosing the Setup Location:
• Consider the terrain’s features, such as bumps, uneven areas, and access points from the top of the cliff, when selecting the location to set up the guiding line.

Important Considerations During Use

• Limiting the Lifting Height:
• Avoid lifting the litter to a great height. Keep it no more than 1 meter above the ground. This way, if the guiding line breaks, the litter will only swing slightly and may hit rocks, minimizing the risk of serious damage.
• Safety Measures:
• If there’s a chance the litter could fall from a high place if the guiding line breaks, consider using a different technique to prevent injury.

Operating Procedure

• Using a Pulley System:
• Attach the main line and a backup line to the litter harness, and use a 5:1 pulley system at the bottom to adjust tension.
• Complex pulley systems are not recommended due to their low efficiency. Adding a directional pulley at ground level before the main pulley system makes it easier to control the system horizontally.

By correctly implementing the guiding line technique, you can safely raise and lower a litter over cliffs or uneven terrain. However, this method requires careful operation, with particular attention to the height of the litter and safety measures. When used properly, it allows the litter to be moved effectively while avoiding obstacles.

Reference page: Learn essential rope rescue techniques, including anchor systems, knots, and rappelling methods. Discover the differences between low, steep, and high-angle rescues, and understand key equipment, safety measures, and edge management for efficient and secure rescue operations.

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