Technical Rescue Spotlight: Friction - Friend or Foe?

​In this section we will look at edge difficult 90 degree edge transitions with a stretcher in the horizontal & vertical positions. An edge roller will always reduce friction making make haul easier (other manufactures are available) but perhaps on a lower we would require more friction by using an edge matt for example:

Horizontal Stretcher raises with an attendant.

​Attendant is attached by the long tails from a DAB or D-Bowline. Casualty on safety line with an ASAP as well (2nd POC)

For the horizontal edge transition raise its easier to not have the attendant on the lines at all making the haul easier at the top thought MA.

Getting the attendant to swap lines is easier, all they need to do is place a 3rd POC in the DAB loop so they can transfer the ASAP and ID over one at a time then remove the 3rd POC.

They are now free to assist with the controlled raise – they can assist from the side; edge persons can use the long slings or cord to assist in the raise ( x 3 ideal as one in the middle pulling the lines up)

The attendant can then ascend on the ID and Hand Jammer to the edge and up and over. There are other methods and equipment this is just one.

Vertical Stretcher raises with an attendant

​Attendant is attached by the long tails from a DAB or D-Bowline. Casualty on safety line with an ASAP as well (2nd POC)

For the vertical edge transition raise its easier to not have the attendant on the lines at all making the haul easier at the top thought MA.

Getting the attendant to swap lines is easier, all they need to do is place a 3rd POC in the DAB loop so they can transfer the ASAP and ID over one at a time then remove the 3rd POC.

They are now free to assist with the controlled raise – they can assist by attaching the Pike n Pivot lines (single or twin for redundancy) to the stretcher that were already attached.

The attendant can then ascend on the ID and Hand Jammer to the edge and up and over.

There are other methods and equipment this is just one.