F = 0,25 M

M

M1

M2

GENERAL RESCUE PRINCIPLES

I n f o r m a t i o n i s n o n-e x h a u s t i v e. R e f e r t o t h e o t h e r p a g e s a s w e l l a s t h e I n s t r u c t i o n s f o r U s e a n d t e c h n i c a l m a n u a l s. T e c h n i c a l t r a i n i n g i s e s s e n t i a l.

Example of access from below

Example of access from above Progress-capture pulley for hauling

Example of counterbalance

Upward Downward

Horizontally

1. Accessing the victim

Accessing the victim can sometimes be complicated. Rope access

techniques are used in these cases. When access is possible from

above, rescuers use rope descent techniques. If an access rope is

in place, rescuers can ascend the rope using handled and ventral

rope clamp techniques. In other situations, rescuers are obliged to

use climbing techniques to reach the victim.

Inert suspension in a harness, even for a short time,

can cause serious physiological harm.

In the event of an accident, it is important to respond

quickly with the appropriate technique.

Self-Rescue

On sites where the main access could be cut off by fire,

people must be ready to quickly evacuate the building.

They have evacuation kits. These kits are either portable or

installed permanently on the structure. When there is no existing

anchor, a hook-based system can be used. In both cases, teams

must be regularly trained so they don’t panic in the event of a fire.

On-Site Rescue

When a worksite is being set up, the company must establish

a risk prevention plan (inventory of risk situations):

1. It must protect the personnel from falls from height.

The solutions chosen, whether collective or individual,

must protect the team members while they work.

2. In the event of an incident, the company must be prepared with

rescue systems for accessing, releasing, and evacuating the victim.

These solutions are established with:

- Ready-to-use rescue kits, adaptable to many situations

and simple to use

- Personal equipment for the worker at height

(solution requiring experienced and well-trained teams)

In both cases, the teams undergo regular training,

so they can respond quickly in the event of an accident.

Technical Rescue

Technical rescue teams must be able to respond quickly

in any situation. They must choose the quickest,

most effective way to access the victim.

- When access is easy or possible by motorized means,

they can easily transport the rescue equipment

- In more difficult access situations, they may use rope access

techniques from above or below, and their equipment will be

lightweight and versatile

- Finally, a helicopter can be used when victim access is

complicated and/or remote, for example in the mountains

Cable Lift Evacuation

Cable lift evacuation operations follow an evacuation plan.

Rescue kits are put together to meet the specific needs of

each operator.

3. Evacuating the victim

Downward, the evacuation is done with a descender. This is the

easiest technique currently in use. When downward evacuation

is impossible, the victim is evacuated upward or horizontally.

Upward, rescuers use either a counterweight or hauling technique.

Horizontally, one or more ropes are tensioned. One rope is used

for the carriage, another is used as a backup belay, and another

to move the litter.

2. Releasing the victim

Raising

This involves using a mechanical advantage pulley system

in order to easily raise the victim. A rescuer working alone uses a

mechanical advantage system to reduce effort. The disadvantage

is that a long rope is required. If there are enough rescuers, a lower

mechanical advantage is used to speed up the operation.

Counterbalance technique

This is a counterweight system. The rescuer is on one side,

the victim on the other. The rescuer unweights the rope on the

victim’s side by pulling upward. The victim ascends and the rescuer

descends. The advantage of this system is that it is easy to do

with little equipment. Engaging the counterweight is the step that

demands the most energy. After that, it is important to be careful

to keep the system under control. Beware when there is a

significant weight difference between the rescuer and the victim.