Low-Angle Rope Rescue

A low-angle rope rescue refers to a rescue scenario where an injured person is supported not only by the rescue equipment but also by the rescuers themselves. Understanding the difference between low-angle, steep terrain, and high-angle rope rescue environments helps decide the training content and the selection of gear.

The steeper the slope, the more difficult and technical the rescue becomes. Rope systems are used to access the victim, provide support to both the rescue team and the injured person, and safely carry them out, increasing the level of risk.

In technical rescue, terrain is categorized as follows:

0–15 degrees: Flat ground
15–29 degrees: Low angle
30–50 degrees: Middle angle
Over 50 degrees: High angle

In low-angle rescues, the number of ropes and the type of equipment required depends on the specific terrain conditions. Factors to consider include:

Is the footing unstable or slippery due to loose rocks or debris?
How many rescuers are needed to safely transport the victim and the stretcher?

Rescue Activities

Initial Actions

Size-Up
Perform a clear and concise assessment of the current situation, including the type and severity of the incident, the location, and what actions will be taken.
Example: “Rescue Team 1 is at the scene of a two-vehicle collision. One vehicle has overturned about 30 meters down an embankment. Rescue Team 1 will send personnel up the embankment to investigate.”
Evaluate the Situation
Assess the number of victims, the nature and severity of their injuries, additional hazards, and environmental concerns.
Consider whether more resources (additional teams, air ambulances, etc.) are needed and request them early.

Safety for Rescuers and Victims

In situations where a rescue is expected, deploy a two-rope system (main line and belay).
Be aware of overhead hazards such as loose rocks, debris, or unstable soil.
Consider environmental factors like rain, snow, cold, or heat.
Be cautious of vehicle traffic and uneven or unstable terrain.
Rescue personnel should access the victim and stabilize them using a stretcher or board.
Assess the victim’s condition and advise the rescue team on the best course of action.
Transport the stretcher up the slope.

Low-Angle Rope Rescue Systems

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Main Line System

The mechanical advantage system is used on the main line, which bears the load during descent and ascent operations. The transport team leader directs the setup of the mechanical advantage system and manages the team. Proper positioning of the rescue system is crucial to maximize its effectiveness.

Construction (Raising System)

It is necessary to raise the rescuer and the injured person to a safe location.
If there’s enough distance between the main line anchor and the edge, use an inline mechanical advantage system.
Ensure the line is long enough to minimize the number of resets needed to complete the lifting operation.

Low-Angle Litter Rigging

The rigging of a litter (stretcher) is a key feature of rope rescue teams worldwide. Litter rigging is ideal for moving an injured person over various types of terrain. Modern rescue gear is strong, rigid, and adaptable to many uses.

Construction

Attach a gathering plate to a Stokes basket using green webbing and carabiners as shown below. The webbing should not be placed near the central weld of the Stokes basket.
Attach the attendant rope to the gathering plate.
Attach both the main line and belay to the large hole in the gathering plate, ensuring all carabiners are locked.

Basket Setup – 3 Rescue Attendants

Tie a figure-eight knot in the center of the rope for the front attendants and attach one rope to the outer holes of the gathering plate.
Attach the rear attendant rope to the outer holes of the gathering plate.
Use carabiners to prevent lateral movement of the rope along the sides of the basket.
All attendants must attach both to the figure-eight knot and Prusik knot.
Attendants use the Prusik knot to adjust their positioning.
Let the rescue system carry the load; attendants should only support the stretcher, not carry it themselves.

Basket Setup – 4 Rescue Attendants

Attach two attendant ropes to the outer holes of the gathering plate.
The two front attendants attach only to the Prusik knot.
The two rear attendants attach to both the figure-eight knot and the Prusik knot.
Adjust positioning using the Prusik knot.
Attendants support the stretcher without trying to carry it themselves.

Low-Angle Rope Rescue Key Considerations

The number of rescuers required (3 or 4) depends on factors like the victim’s weight, the terrain, and the slope.
All attendants must share the load equally.
Attendants should lean slightly backward while supporting the stretcher to place their weight on the system.
Ensure all carabiners are locked before starting the ascent.
Rescuers must not attach themselves to the basket but only to the attendant rope.

Reference Video

Low-Angle Rope Rescue

Reference page: Discover rope rescue systems, anchor types, knots, and techniques for safe and efficient low, and high-angle rescues in various terrains.