Vertical Rescue – Level 02
Vertical Rescue – Level 02
The Introduction to Rope Responder course run by Bill Proctor was so good that I signed up for the next level: Introduction to Rope Technician, a four-day training course.
On day one, we entered the world of artificial high directionals in earnest! We practiced rigging a gin pole in the “lab” and in the afternoon we crossed the road and set up a system that would allow us to move a litter from a low point to a high point across a small wet creek using the gin pole. We finished just in time before the heavens opened on us!
On day two we went to Mount York where we set up an A-frame to lower and raise a medic and stretcher. Bill introduced us to several rescue devices which we used with prusik minding pulleys. We finished the day with some bowline practice!
Day three saw us at Yellow Rock where we used two Arizona Vortex systems to lower and raise the litter and its attendant down a gully. We finished the day with a presentation on climbers anchors.
On day four, Bill had us rig a high line near Mount Boyce. We used the gin pole and some 700 m of rope… At the end, we all took turn being suspended in the air!
A great course! I learnt a lot and now I need to practice!
Further information on the ITRA courses can be found on the Safety Access & Rescue website (and no I am not paid to write this!)
