DCTTRS – Critical Analysis
Two Tension or Not to Tension Much Ado About 4 Meters Abstract: Technical rope rescue has had a long, rich history of healthy debate and disagreement regarding device selection as well as techniques. A current debate that generates robust discussion involves the similarities and differences between Dual Capability Two Tensioned Rope Systems (DCTTRS) and Single Main, Separate Belay (SMSB) rope management approaches. Our intention here is to employ a Systems Analysis approach to evaluating these systems. We will offer detailed critical analysis, citations from testing and other literature, and personal observations as trainers and rope rescue practitioners. We will demonstrate and anticipate that the reader will agree that: • The differences between DCTTRS and SMSB are minor, albeit still important • The similarities are numerous Additionally, we will provide a summary of the key catalysts that drive decision making for choosing one approach versus the other. Our rope rescue training seminars are well regarded for their depth and breadth of inquiry. We cover this topic in great detail in nearly every one of our training events – but you have to be in attendance to benefit. Due to the large number of email and phone-based inquiries for clarification on the key talking points of the debate, we felt that it was time we provided a written position on the subject matter. Ultimately, we seek to provide you with some critical analysis and clear methods to better answer the question: Two Tension or Not To Tension? And we intend to demonstrate that the ongoing debate in the rope rescue community between DCTTRS and SMSB is truly Much Ado About 4 Meters.
Rigging for Sherpas
Project Photos: Abstract: In January, 2009, in conjunction with the Himalayan Rescue Association, we had the honor and privilege to be able to offer a technical rope rescue training workshop for the Sherpa climbing guides that work and respond in the Mt. Everest region of Nepal. Rigging for Rescue donated the services of one of our instructors for the training. It was a unique and gratifying opportunity to be able to work and train with the Sherpa guides and offer rigging solutions to some of their patient transport challenges.
Rigging for Tall Ships
Project Photos: Abstract: Recently, a volunteer with the San Diego Maritime Museum contacted us with some questions relating to our previous research on lanyards. They had been exploring a new work positioning lanyard system and came across our ITRS paper from 2006 that addressed Purcell Prusiks as lanyards. The work environment the volunteer was addressing was for climbing the high rigging on Tall Ships. The San Diego Maritime Museum is home to the Star of India, which is the world’s oldest active Tall Ship. The sailors that climb the high rigging do so without any protection until they get to a position where the work is to be conducted (e.g. furling a sail, painting, repairing, etc.) – at that point they secure themselves with a work positioning lanyard. Following the phone consultation we provided regarding Purcell Prusiks as work positioning lanyards, an offer was made “if you are ever in San Diego…” Well, it turns out we were already going to be in the area and a private tour of the Star of India was too good to pass up. The captain generously signed off on a climb of the high rigging – what a thrill.
