Lanyards Part II
An Examination of Purcell Prusik as Personal Restraint Lanyards Project Videos: View the Complete Report Abstract: In two independent drop test series conducted in 2002 and 2005, we examined the effects of a shock load on to various commercially made and user-configured personal restraint lanyards. Our primary focus in those
Daisy Chains and Other Lanyards
Some Shocking Results when Shock Loaded Project Videos: View the Complete Report Abstract: Over the years, organized rope rescue has evolved with respect to the techniques used as well as the equipment employed. Much of this evolution can be attributed to the borrowing of techniques, equipment and practices from similar
Two-Tensioned Rope Lowers
Centrally Focused Bridle Attachments Project Videos: View the Complete Report Abstract: Many rescue teams operate their rope rescue stretcher operations with either: a single tensioned mainline coupled with a separately managed belay line or two tensioned mainlines without a separate belay line – often referred to as ‘Two-Tensioned Rope Lowers’.
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
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
Helicopter Rappel
Equipment Testing and Evaluation Project Photos: Abstract: In October, 2010, Rigging for Rescue, LLC, in conjunction with Yosemite National Park Service all-hazard personnel, conducted three days of drop testing and systems analysis on helicopter rappel equipment and scenarios. The testing was completed at the Yosemite National Park Crane Flat Helibase
Rigging for the Black
Project Photos From time to time some of the RfR principals and other rope rescue enthusiasts get together for a bigger training project. This typically involves a long highline or a larger multi-pitch objective down a sizeable piece of terrain. In May, 2002, we embarked on such a project with
Two-Tensioned Rope Lowers II
Project Video View the Complete Report The BCCTR Belay Competence Drop Test Method of a 1m drop on 3m of rope with a 200kg test mass. This drop simulated a failure of one of the two lines in a Two Tensioned Rope Lower system. The DCD was a Figure 8
Research and Testing on Contract
Does your company have a new product it is developing? Does your organization have techniques and/or equipment that you would like to see critically examined? Rigging for Rescue has an on-site hydraulic ram slow pull machine and drop tower at our home base in Ouray, Colorado. Research and testing on
Grand Teton National Park
We recently returned from a Rigging for Rescue seminar on contract with the Jenny Lake climbing ranger cadre of Grand Teton National Park. It is always a privilege to train in beautiful settings such as the Tetons. Additionally, the Jenny Lake ranger cadre is a very experienced crew of practitioners
RfR Specialty Techniques – Ouray, Colorado
Our recent spring open enrollment offering of RfR Specialty Techniques included a diverse group of practitioners. We had folks from mountain rescue teams, special operations community members, and even a participant from the Danish navy. Topics and techniques explored included: a detailed discussion of artificial high directionals including the construction
Avalanche rescue course
This past week in Silverton, several members of the Rigging for Rescue instructor cadre got the unique opportunity to participate in an avalanche rescue course instructed by Swiss avalanche rescue guru Manuel Genswein. It was a “pro” level course designed for ski patrollers, forecasters, and mountain rescue personnel intent on
Waterfall Ice Workshop
We just wrapped up our first RfR Waterfall Ice Workshop for 2016. We had a diverse group of participants from the US and Canada. The Canadians from Newfoundland continued to remark how “amazing” it was that we had yet another day of Bluebird sunny weather. And we continued to inform
ITRS wrap-up and some food for thought
It has been a little more than a month since we returned from attending the International Technical Rescue Symposium in Portland, Oregon. This year featured a variety of excellent presentations on topics ranging from Two Tensioned Rope Systems, to sharp edge testing, Prusiks, how dirt may affect your rope, and
Bad Ass Pencil
The early season ice climbing sendfest continues unabated with another day in Eureka. On Wednesday, the objective was Stairway to Heaven. The climb was super fat and the ice very sticky. Yesterday, Jim and I made a return visit to Eureka with the intent of climbing Hoser’s Highway. We had
Pike ‘n Pivot technique
This is a re-publication of a previous post on Pike ‘n Pivot technique. There was a video issue on the old post. Pike ‘n Pivot is a technique developed by Rigging for Rescue in the mid 1990’s as a method for negotiating a 90 degree edge transition with no high
Early season ice in the San Juan’s
The ice climbing conditions in the San Juan’s are excellent for this time of the year. We have had colder temps this late autumn and a steady cycle of storms to coat the backcountry in powder. Recently, Kevin and I sampled the local classic Dexter Falls. We may have even
The whirlwind that was autumn, 2015
As I write this entry I find it very hard to believe that we are into December already. Time marches by at the same rate for all, but it definitely feels like it moves along faster when you are busy. This past autumn had Rigging for Rescue instructors all across
Huntington
On May 18, a long-standing project of Mike Gibbs and Erik Weihenmeyer came to fruition with a successful ascent of Mt Huntington in the Alaska Range via the West Face Couloir route. Erik and Mike were joined by Rigging for Rescue instructor Dave Shuman. Erik is one of the world’s
New Research – Aramid Fiber Friction Hitches
At long last we have managed to get our recent research on aramid fiber friction hitches up on our own website. This research was conducted over the course of multiple testing sessions spread out over approximately 18 months. The testing was limited to two aramid fiber friction hitch make/models: the
