Low Angle Rescue

Operations Level
Presented by: Mukilteo Fire Department
 Contents
• Standard Operating Guideline
• Low Angle
• High Angle
• Equipment Review
• Skills Review
• Practical Application
 Low Angle Rescue
Standard Operating Guideline
Low angle shall be defined as any angle that is less than vertical;
or an angle or incline in which a rope or system failure would
not result in the rescuer falling to his/her death or sustaining
serious injury.
Personnel trained, to the Operations level, in low angle rescue
may attempt to gain access to patients in low angle situations.
This access will be limited to those actions necessary to stabilize
and/or treat the patient. Packaging and extrication of the patient
shall be done with the assistance and direction of the Technical
Rescue Team.
Operations level personnel shall employ the following guidelines
when faced with a low angle rescue incident:
1. Request a technical rescue response from dispatch.
2. Initiate the Incident Management System (IMS)- including the
establishment of a staging area for incoming units and personnel,
as well as the implementation of the passport accountability
system.
3. Isolate the scene and deny entry to prevent further danger to
victim(s), personnel and bystanders.
4. Gather information:
Low angle –vs- High angle
Number of victims
Specific victim information
Possible or potential injuries
Reason for rescue situation
 Location of victim(s)
Last seen or heard
Rescue –vs- recovery
Most logical access to victim(s)
5. Establish an equipment area in close proximity to the access/retrieval point.
6. Ensure that all personnel working within 5’ of the edge are secured to an
anchor with a “travel-limiting device”.
7. Locate and establish a safe anchor point from which to rappel using one of the
following anchors
3-bite
Multi-wrap
Anchor strap (1 or 2 carabiner method)
 Direct Tie
8. Gain access to the patient utilizing an 8-plate rappel, bringing
all necessary equipment to secure the patient to the mainline.
9. Safety-check all rope systems prior to loading them. Begin at
the anchor point and work towards the rescuer.
10. Assist the Technical Rescue Team as directed, staying within
the scope of Operations level training. Tasks to include:
Identify and locate potential anchor points
Acting as a haul team member
Assist in the rigging of raising/lowering systems
11. Keep all unnecessary communications to a minimum during
rescue operations.
Please note that only “life safety” rope and equipment shall be
used for any low angle rescue operation.
 High Angle Rescue
Standard Operating Guideline
High angle shall be defined as any angle that is vertical or near
vertical; or any angle or incline in which a rope or system failure
would result in the rescuer falling to his/her death or sustaining
serious injury.
No attempt shall be made by operations level personnel to gain
access to a victim in a high angle rescue situation.
High angle rescue shall require personnel trained to the Technician
level to perform any attempts at rescue.
Operations level personnel shall employ the following guidelines
when faced with a high angle rescue incident:
1. Request a technical rescue response from dispatch.
2. Initiate the Incident Management System (IMS)- including the
establishment of a staging area for incoming units and personnel, as
well as the implementation of the passport accountability system.
3. Isolate the scene and deny entry to prevent further danger to
victim(s), personnel and bystanders.
4. Gather information:
Low angle –vs- High angle
Number of victims
Specific victim information
Possible or potential injuries
Reason for rescue situation
Location of victim(s)
 Last seen or heard
Rescue –vs- recovery
Most logical access point to victim(s)
5. Establish an equipment area in close proximity to the
access/retrieval point.
6. Ensure that all personnel working within 5’ of the edge are secured
to an anchor with a “travel-limiting device”.
7. Identify and locate at least two independent and secure anchor
points to be used for the mainline and belay line.
8. If possible, lower a rope to the victim only if it appears that they
have a harness on and they are able to follow directions. Direct the
victim to clip an already tied-in carabiner to a safe location on their
harness.
9. Assist the Technical Rescue Team as directed, staying within the
scope of Operations level training. Tasks to include:
Serving as a haul team member
Edge position
Rope management
Securing of rescue site

Serving as a belayer on a single person load

Equipment gathering and supply
10. Keep all unnecessary communications to a minimum during
rescue operations.
Equipment Review
 Rescue Rope
• 12.5mm or ½”
• 9000lb Rated
• 200’ Length
• Meets NFPA 1983
• If inspected after each use
and with proper record
keeping rope may last up to
10 years
• Inspect after each use and at
least bi-annually
• Correctly fill out Rope
History Card after each use
and Inspection
• ID Tag required on both
ends of the rope
 Carabiners
• 9000lb Rated
• Steel- Locking
• Use long axis only
• DO NOT side load
• If dropped from 6’ or
greater remove from service
and send to Station 25 Side Loaded
Loaded
• (A-shift) with an Carabiner
explanation – including Long-Axis
Date, From Whom, What
Happened and Unit #
Rescue 8 with Ears
• 9000lb Rated
• Aluminum or Steel
• Steel will have less friction
than the aluminum
• If dropped from 6’ or
greater remove from service
and send to Station 25 with
an explanation- including
Date, From Whom, What
Happened and Unit #
Seat Harness
• 2” Flat Webbing- 6000lb
Rated
• D-Ring 5000lb Rated
• Overall rating for harness is
5000lbs
• One Size Fits All
• Parachute type buckles- do
not require back-up knots
• 10 Year Life
• NFPA 1983 Compliant
• Contrasting Stitching to Aid
in Inspection
• Inspect after each use and at
least bi-annually
 Anchor Strap
• 1” or 2” mil spec
webbing
• Minimum breaking
strength of 4000lbs and
maximum of 6000lbs
• Straps with D-rings are
rated at 5000lbs
• 10’ Length
 Prusik Loops
• Two Sizes
• 4’5” and 5’6”
• 8mm Cord
• Breaking Strength of 3300lbs
• Joined with a Double Overhand
Bend and pre-tensioned
• Do not untie prusik loops
• Used as a rope grab device for
Hauling, Belaying and as an
attachment to the Stokes
• When used as a 3-Wrap Prusik it
will slip at 1000-1200lbs
Webbing
• Three Lengths
• 5’- Green
• 12’- Yellow
• 20’- Red
• 1” Tubular Webbing
• 4000lb Rated
• Other sizes not carried
on the engine company
• 15’ – Blue
• 25’- Black
• 30’- Orange
 Rope Bag
• Double Ended
• Ensure that rope is
knotted, with Figure 8
Stopper knots, prior to
stuffing
• MUST have Rope
History Card attached
• Lifetime Warranty- If
damaged please return
to Station 25 for repair
or replacement
Saddle Bag
• Used for storing rescue
Software and
Hardware
• Please remove from
Rope Bag prior to
opening pouches
• Same Lifetime
Warranty applies
Edge Protection
• Used to prevent
damage to rope
• Protects rope where it
moves over an edge
• Two styles
• Rope Sleeve
• Canvas
 Miscellaneous Equipment

Rope History Card

Rope Rescue Gloves

Skills Review
 Knots and Bends
Please tie a Figure 8
Stopper Knot
 Knots and Bends

Please tie a Figure 8 Follow Through

Please note that a Safety Back-Up is NOT required when

tying the Figure 8 Family of Knots
 Knots and Bends
Now a Figure 8 on a
Bight
Knots and Bends
The Bowline
• While this knot is not
taught at the
Operations level- If
you are a “Bowline”
person it is allowed
• Please note that a
Safety Back-up is
required on the
Bowline
 Knots and Bends
The Waterbend

1 2 3

Begin by forming an overhand

bend in one end of the webbing
then, with the opposite end of
4 5 the webbing follow through
Please note that a Safety Back-up your overhand bend so that
is not required when the tails are when finished the two ends are
at least a palms width in length opposite from each other
 Anchors
The 3-Bight
• Begin with a length of
webbing and tie a
waterbend into it
• Next, wrap your
anchor, ensuring that
your knot/bend is
running up one of the
sides and place a
carabiner through the
two looped ends
 Anchors
Multi-Wrap (Wrap 3- Pull 2)
1 • Using webbing, wrap your
anchor three times
2 • Tie a waterbend to join the
ends
• Pull the two pieces of
webbing away from the
anchor, ensuring that your
watrerbend is located on the
load side of the anchor to
reduce the force on the knot
3 and aid in untying later.
 Anchors
The Direct Tie-In
• Tie the beginning step of
your Figure 8 Follow
Through before wrapping
your anchor
• Wrap the anchor
• Complete your Figure 8
Follow Through Knot
• Again,the Bowline is
allowed if tied correctly
Anchors
Anchor Strap
• 1 Carabiner Method
• Wrap your anchor and
connect the two ends, with
or without D-rings, using a
carabiner
• Ensure that the angle
created by the two sides of
the webbing is less than 45
degrees
• If greater than 45 degrees
use the 2 Carabiner method
Anchors
Anchor Strap
• 2 Carabiner Method
• Use the same process as
described in the 1 Carabiner
method
• Once connected, with a
carabiner, simply slide the
strap to one side and place a
second carabiner into the
system to act as your
attachment point for the
rope
 Rescue 8 with Ears
Rigging Run a bight of rope up and through the back
of the 8-Plate. Ensure that the “running” end
of the rope is on your Right if you are Right
handed; and to the Left if you are Left handed

Pull the bight around the bottom of the 8-Plate

Attach the 8-Plate to your Carabiner,

ensuring that you lock the gate.
 Rescue 8 with Ears
Rappelling

Pictured is the “maximum

friction” position. In this
case a “R” handed person
on rappel has his “R” hand
behind him and on his hip.
The left hand is placed
under the 8-Plate, to aid in
braking and rope control. To reduce the friction, and increase the speed of
descent, while on rappel simply move the brake hand
away from the body. For “R” handed rappel your hand
would come off the hip, out and forward
simultaneously
 Rescue 8 with Ears
• Lock-Off Tie-Off
• In most instances the Low Angle
rescuer should be able to remove
him/herself from the line once they
have reached the patient. If due to
angle, slope or other concerns you
must remain attached to the
mainline you must use the lock-off
tie-off as a means of securing
yourself to the line and ensuring
that you will remain at the 1
necessary point on the line to
perform your work
• Directions are for “R” handed
rappel
• Once stopped,move the “L” hand
over to the running portion of the
rope; to act as a brake
• Now move your “R” hand forward
and in front of the “L” hand,
grabbing the running portion of 2
the rope
 Rescue 8 with Ears
Lock-Off Tie-Off
• Now, return your “L” hand
to the 8-Plate and with an
underhand grip grab the 8-
plate, squeeze the rope 3
running around the bottom
and rotate the 8-plate to
the “R”
• At this time bring your
“R” hand forward, with
the rope, wrapping it
around the back of the 8-
plate and capturing the
standing portion of the
line- Pull back towards
your body once the 4
standing line has been
captured
 Rescue 8 with Ears
Lock-Off Tie-Off
• Repeat the previous step
so that you end up with
two complete wraps that
have captured the standing 5
portion of the rope
• Now pull up a length of
rope, from the running
end, form a bight and feed
it through the bottom of
the 8-plate
• Finish by tying an
overhand safety to the
standing portion of the line
• You are now locked-off
and tied-off 7
6
3- Wrap Prusik
Begin by
placing the
knot of the
prusik loop
onto the rope.
1 Wrap the 2
prusik onto
the rope three
times, then
pull off-
center so that
your knot
ends up
running up
3 one of the 4
sides, as
shown
The Emergency or Hasty Harness
This harness may be tied
using either red (20’) or
yellow (12’) webbing.
The yellow webbing
allows the harness to be
completed with a
carabiner only, while the
red webbing requires a
square knot and a safety
back-up to complete.
Please note that the
yellow webbing may not
fit all individuals while
the red should be long
enough for most all sizes
of people
The Emergency or Hasty Harness
To tie the harness:
• Tie a water bend into a
length of webbing and place
the knot in the “small” of
the victim’s back- creating
a “3-bight” around the 1
victim (1)
• Allowing the bottom loop
to hang down behind the
victim, reach between their
legs and bring the loop
forward to a point even with
the “3-bight” loops in your
hand (2) 2
The Emergency or Hasty Harness
3
• Once even with your
front loops reach in
from the outsides and
grab the loop that is
now running through
4
the victim’s legs (3)
• Begin to pull tension
on the webbing, by
pulling from the
bottom of the loops
(4), until snug against 5
the victim’s waist (5)
The Emergency or Hasty Harness
• At this time, if you have
used the yellow webbing, 6
you may simply connect the
loops with a carabiner to
complete your emergency
harness (6). (Red webbing
users will need to tie off
their excess webbing with a
square knot and safety
back-up)
• The square knot is formed
by tying two overhand
knots in a specific order.
Begin by placing the piece 6a
of webbing in your “L”
hand over the piece in your
“R” hand (6a) and tying an 6b
overhand knot (6b)
The Emergency or Hasty Harness
• Now, take the piece of
webbing in your “R” hand
and place it over the top of
the piece in your “L” hand 7a
(7a) and tie the second
overhand (7b).
• The subsequent tightening
of the knot should result in
the formation of a “V”
7b
shape; thus letting you
know that the knot has been
tied correctly

V-shape
The Emergency or Hasty Harness
• Complete your, red,
webbing harness by
tying a safety back-up
on either side of your
square knot and
placing a carabiner
around the square knot.
(8)

Safety
8 Overhand
 Internal/External Lash
• The Internal lash (yellow
webbing) is meant to keep
the patient from sliding up
or down while in the
Stokes basket.
• The External lash (orange
webbing) is intended to
secure the patient into the
Stokes basket
Internal/External Lash
The Internal Lash
• Once the victim has been
placed into the Stokes
basket, with an emergency
harness in place, begin the
internal lash by girth
hitching a length of yellow
webbing around the
carabiner and running the
ends towards the victim’s
head
• Tie the loose ends around
the vertical posts of the
basket, above the level of
the head, using a round turn
and two half-hitches
Internal/External Lash
The Internal Lash
• Once both sides of the head
of the basket have been
tied, girth hitch a second
length of webbing around
the first and run towards the
foot of the basket
• Again tie off around the
vertical posts, near the
knees of the victim, using a
round turn and two half-
hitches
 Internal/External Lash
The Internal Lash
• The completed Internal
Lash
Internal/External Lash
The External Lash
• Using a length of Orange
webbing, supplied by the
Technical Rescue Team,
find the center of the length
and place it on the victim’s
chest.
• Begin to run the ends
around the vertical posts
and cross ends over the
victim’s body forming an
“X” at each cross
Internal/External Lash
The External Lash
• Once you have reached the
victim’s feet tie-off one end
of the webbing using a
round turn and two half-
hitches
• Tension the webbing
beginning at the secured
end and working yourself to
the running end
• Once all of the slack has
been removed from the
system secure the remaining
end with a round turn and
two half-hitches.
Internal/External Lash
The External Lash
• The completed
Internal/External Lash
Securing the Mainline to the
Stokes
Once the patient has been
secured, using the
internal/external lash, the
stokes basket must be
1 secured to the mainline.
To do this you must:
1. Begin by tying a figure
8 up from the end of the
line
2. Wrap the mainline over
the top of the bar, at the
2 head of the basket
Securing the Mainline to the
Stokes
3. Continue to wrap as you
3 move across the head of
the basket. Wrapping over
the top of the bar to form
multiple loops around the
head of the basket;
ensuring that you DO
4 NOT wrap around the
area at the center of the
basket. (See photo 4)
Securing the Mainline to the
Stokes
5
5. Once all loops have
been completed, across the
head of the basket,
complete the tie-off by
performing a follow
through of the figure-8
that you had used to begin
with. (See photo 6)
6
Please note that the line
being used is the same line
that the rescuer had used
to access the patient.
 Practical Application
Upon completion of this presentation please assemble
your Engine Company Rope Bag and practice the
following skills:
• Knots and Bends • Rappelling
• Figure-8 • 8-Plate
• Figure-8 Follow Through – Rigging
• Figure-8 on a Bight – Rappeling
• Bowline – Lock-Off Tie-Off
• Waterbend • Prusik
• Anchors – 3-Wrap Prusik
• 3-Bight • Emergency or Hasty Harness
• Multi-Wrap (Wrap 3 Pull 2) • Use both Red and Yellow
• Direct Tie-In webbing
• Anchor Strap ( 1 and 2 Crabiner • Tie onto yourself and to a crew
Methods) member

Contact your shift’s Rescue Tech if you need assistance.