West Metro Fire

Rigging for Rescue recently traveled to Colorado's Front Range to work with a group of firefighters from multiple agencies around the state.  The course was hosted by West Metro Fire and was a great training with highly skilled participants.  Included in the exercises were difficult edge transitions with a vertically oriented litter, a deflection line, work with artificial high directionals, and a two-attendant moderate slope evacuation, as seen in the gallery below.  We can't wait to return in 2013!

New Location for 2012!

Many thanks to our friends at Las Vegas Metro PD SAR for working with us to now offer an open enrollment seminar in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area on the west end of Las Vegas.  Those of you who have had the good fortune to climb out at Red Rock Canyon will instantly recognize this as a world class technical rescue training venue.  As guests of LVMPD SAR we have access to the visitor center classroom, meaning we have just a short commute between the indoor classroom and the outdoor classroom. And with affordable flights into nearby McCarran International Airport and abundant lodging just outside Red Rock Canyon, this is sure to be a popular offering.  See you in Vegas!

Course dates: November 10-16, 2012

http://www.riggingforrescue.com/RfRtheSeminar.html
http://www.riggingforrescue.com/RedRock.html

Denali Climbing Rangers and 212th RQS

Another great training with Denali NP and the 212th Rescue Squadron.  This year's training took place out of the Serenity Falls Hut in Chugach State Park.

Update and Beyond, Ouray 2012

Once again, a great crew of participants traveled to Ouray, Colorado to attend a Rigging for Rescue Update and Beyond Seminar.  This seminar is open only to previous Rigging for Rescue seminar participants.  The next Update and Beyond Seminar will be held in Yosemite, California in October.  Check out our website for more information.

Difficult Edge Transitions

Difficult edge transitions are among the more challenging scenarios one may encounter rope rescue.  Occasionally, situations arise when a team must negotiate an abrupt edge with no high directional, and the patient condition does not allow for a vertical litter orientation.  In these circumstances, a smooth operation hinges on a strong and coordinated litter attendant, strength and technique from the edge personnel, and polished command and communication.

The clips below exhibit a well-executed difficult edge transition.

Creative Anchoring in Iceland

Mike has returned from his annual trip to Iceland, and has shared some great pictures including these "non-traditional" anchoring solutions. 

 

Cargo net anchor

 

Piolet as a pre-tension front tie

 

Rescuer as the back offset anchor in a compound 9:1

 

Dirt thread: this piece of webbing is fixed to a customized picket that isn't compromised by the girth hitch

Iceland Dispatch #2: A little work, a little play, a whole lot of sun

The RfR seminar in Iceland is in full swing. Recent exercises have included some moderate slope work as well as pickoffs.  And included in the rigging was a Petzl Goulotte piolet used as a pre-tension front tie - sweet!

Not to worry, Mike and the guys from ICE-SAR are finding time to relax, including a boat ride to Skrúður Island, home to a massive puffin colony and an extensive cave system.

The beautiful weather continues...do they even have sunscreen in Iceland?