The article did not adequately address the most important issue to be considered prior to initiating a rope rescue: Are we capable of ensuring, as much as is reasonable, the safety of the rescuer and victim during such an operation? If the answer is no, we shouldn`t go over the edge. A system that contains a critical point that will cause total system failure when it fails is inappropriate to use when supporting human loads.
A rope rescue requires the rapid creation of a rescue system consisting of human and nonhuman components under stressful conditions that will enable us to vertically and/or horizontally move our rescuer to a victim and then remove them from danger. A single-rope technique (SRT) rope rescue system, like a chain, is only as strong as its weakest link. The weak link can be many things: A rescuer may lose his grip, a descent device can be rigged improperly or incapable of supplying enough friction for a two-person load, the rescuer can become incapacitated, an anchor point knot can be improperly tied, a rope may be cut against a sharp edge by “wall walking,” or any other point in the system can fail. Despite these possibilities, many rescuers still insist on using SRT rescue systems.
Mistakes or failures similar to the ones listed above occur relatively infrequently during rescues and training; however, when they do occur, not only is the rescuer (who evidently has accepted the risks associated with SRT operations) exposed to danger, but the victim may be exposed to even greater danger than the original hazard. When a system is expected to support a live load, the system must be capable of surviving the failure of a single point. A two-point, double-rope system (double-rope technique or DRT) significantly reduces the chance a catastrophic system failure would occur as a result of one point`s failing within the system. To meet the criteria for a true DRT system, two separate rope systems must be protecting the rescuer and victim: the primary rescue system for positioning and rescue and a belay system used only to stop a fall if the primary rope system fails….
Rope rescue needs to be approached deliberately but swiftly, utilizing systems designed to reduce the hazards to the rescuer and victim as much as practical. Rope rescue systems should be developed by personnel with an understanding of the physical laws at work on them and within them. The systems should then be tested to see if they follow valid scientific methods and will perform in the manner expected in an actual emergency. The systems shown in the article are still popular in the fire service….They are dependent on the individual, both in personnel and in software and hardware.
The strength of the fire service, and sound rope rescue systems, is teamwork. What one individual or point may be unable to handle, the other members contribute. If the systems shown in the article fail at any point, including the rescuer, the rescue ends….As professionals, we cannot afford to continue risking our rescuers` and victims` lives by going it alone with single-rope technique.
Jack Markey
Firefighter/Rescuer
Department of Fire and Rescue Services
Frederick County, Maryland
Kenneth J. Brennan responds: Regarding asking, “Are we capable of ensuring…the safety of the rescuer and the victim…,” my article emphasized the cognitive and psychomotor–and not the philosophical or affective–components needed for the evolution….Department policies must spell out when and how rope rescues are to be carried out….Prudent thinking would exhaust all avenues before attempting a rope rescue from a burning building–using interior stairwells, fire towers or escapes, aerial apparatus, and ground ladders are some examples. In a moment`s notice, all of these avenues can become inconsequential for a variety of reasons. Our last resort is up on deck!
Three rope-rescue situations come to mind:
1. To egress off or from a structure when all avenues have been exhausted or would require too much time to get in place (SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST).
2. To rescue a fellow firefighter who is in a world of #*!*.
3. To rescue a civilian who can`t egress on his/her own and all other avenues are no good. This is not to say a firefighter can`t rope down to a civilian and comfort and protect in place. This may prevent a jumping situation.
We in the fire service are risk managers and must make decisions, sometimes at a moment`s notice. Many of these risks can be lessened by preparing beforehand. Purchasing the correct equipment, training with it, and closely supervising the operation can make these risks tolerable….
….Should we use a single rope technique or double rope technique while performing rescues?…Mr. Markey is correct when he says a system (chain) is only as strong as its weakest link. If you lose your anchors or the rope fails, you can have a fatal accident. Our choice would be influenced by whether a technical or fireground rescue is in-volved. Technical situations involve confined space, water, ice, heights, and below grades. The popular contentions are, we`ll have “some” additional time to set up; the setup will be in an area of relative safety prior to entering the danger area; and we`ll have additional human resources. The fireground rescue scenario involves ever-changing conditions and operating parameters. Once the organization decides to operate in an SRT or a DRT mode, you have to be proficient and feel comfortable with it. This discussion focuses only on one- and two-man loads while egressing with a personal harness. Hauling and lowering situations require DRT systems.
The single-rope technique is popular in the fire service for a variety of reasons: minimal setup and operation are required, one rope bag easily can be carried with all other roof equipment, [it is] less complicated to operate, and [there is] trust in the components (NFPA-compliant)–to name a few.
