Rescue and Emergency Procedures Flashcards

A 3:1 (Z-rig) haul system is commonly used in rope access rescue primarily because:

Answer: It provides a 3:1 mechanical advantage, tripling the hauling force relative to input force

A 3:1 Z-rig triples the mechanical advantage, meaning three pounds of pull at the hauling end lifts one pound of casualty weight, making it feasible for a small team to raise a casualty.

When lowering an incapacitated casualty during a rope access rescue, the descending device should be:

Answer: Controlled and operated so descent speed remains slow and steady throughout

A slow, controlled descent protects the casualty from additional trauma and allows rescuers to stop at any time to adjust or address changing conditions.

What is a 'passing knot' technique required for during a rope access rescue haul operation?

Answer: Passing a knot through a redirect pulley or edge when raising a casualty whose rope has knots in it

A passing knot technique allows the team to transfer the load through a pulley or past a redirect point when a knot in the rope would otherwise prevent the system from operating.

When a rope access technician becomes unconscious while on rope, the IMMEDIATE priority of the rescue team is to:

Answer: Initiate the site rescue plan and reach the casualty as quickly as safely possible to prevent suspension trauma

An unconscious person hanging in a harness can develop life-threatening suspension trauma within minutes, making immediate initiation of the rescue plan the top priority.

In a rope access rescue, edge protection is critical during a haul operation primarily because:

Answer: The rope running over a sharp edge can be cut or severely damaged by the load and movement of hauling

Hauling a load causes significant friction and pressure on the rope at the edge, and a sharp or rough edge can cut through a rope under tension, causing catastrophic failure.

After completing a rope access rescue operation, the SPRAT site supervisor (Level 3) is required to:

Answer: Document the incident thoroughly, including causes, actions taken, and any equipment that was used or damaged

SPRAT standards require thorough incident documentation after any emergency or rescue to support post-incident review, equipment quarantine decisions, and regulatory reporting.

During a rope access emergency, all equipment used in the rescue operation should be:

Answer: Tagged, quarantined, and removed from service until fully inspected and cleared by a competent person

Any equipment subjected to shock loading, unusual stress, or emergency use must be quarantined and thoroughly inspected before being returned to service, per SPRAT equipment standards.