Summer wrap-up
The summer RfR season proved to be a whirlwind. We traveled near and far working with a variety of rescue teams from very different backgrounds and mission profiles. Continued areas of participant interest included: pros and cons of Two Tensioned systems and how/when/why to apply them effectively use of the VT Prusik in rescue systems as both a rope grab and a fall arrest device optimization of the overall team and managing human factors Rigging for Rescue principals Kevin Koprek and Mike Gibbs are slated to present new information to the rescue community on the above topics at the upcoming International Technical Rescue Symposium to be held in Albuquerque, NM in early November. For several years now, we have been conducting drop tests incorporating live device operators. These tests have included a variety of devices, systems, and rope tensioning approaches including the VT Prusik, ATCs & Scarabs with Prusik backups, and the MPD. We look forward to sharing the results.
Today at Rigging for Rescue…
Day four of the Waterfall Ice Rescue Workshop featured a multi-pitch lower in the Skylight climbing area. Kevin took some photos of the operation from the top of the second pitch. Enjoy! Troy Couture leading pitch 1 Mike Kingsbury topping out on pitch 2 Moving the load down the upper pitch After the station transition, moving the package down the lower pitch
Paint it Black
Members of Rocky Mountain Fire and West Metro Fire collaborated for a Rigging for Rescue seminar in Ouray last month. Part of the curriculum included a multipitch lower off of the Alimony Wall in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Home to the biggest walls in Colorado, the Black Canyon is a true gem. Kudos to the seminar participants who executed this exercise in good form.
