Low Angle and Ladder Slide Flashcards
What is the angle range for a low angle rescue?
15 - 45 degrees off the horizontal plane
This angle classification is crucial for understanding the risks associated with low angle rescues.
What is the angle range for a steep angle rescue?
45 - 65 degrees off the horizontal plane
Steep angle rescues present different challenges compared to low angle rescues.
What is the angle range for a high angle rescue?
65 - 90 degrees off the horizontal plane
High angle rescues require specialized techniques and equipment due to the steepness.
Name one common type of low-angle rescue conducted by VR Technicians.
Road Crash Rescue (RCR) with motor vehicles down embankments
Other examples include rescuing a fallen hiker.
What are some risks to identify during the size-up of a low-angle environment?
- Degree of incline/slope
- Stability of ground/terrain and footing
- Weather and ground conditions
- Distance from level ground to casualty
- Equipment required to be transported to casualty
- Consequences to rescuers in an uncontrolled fall
These factors help assess the safety of the rescue operation.
What is the minimum number of rescuers recommended for a low-angle rescue?
Three
This allows for better weight distribution and management of the stretcher.
What are the three levels of risk categorised by rescue technicians in low-angle rescues?
- Low angle, low risk
- Low angle, moderate risk
- Low angle, high risk
Each level has specific conditions and required safety measures.
Describe the low angle, low risk classification.
Angle off horizontal plane is up to 45°, and losing footing results in minor injuries
A fixed handline may be used to assist movement in this environment.
What characterizes the low angle, moderate risk classification?
Angle off horizontal plane is up to 45°, and losing footing results in severe injury
A single-rope system must be used at minimum.
What defines the low angle, high risk classification?
Angle off horizontal plane is up to 45°, and system failure could result in death or catastrophic injury
A two-rope system is mandatory in such environments.
What is the primary method for transporting an ambulant casualty in a low-angle rescue?
Assisted walk-out
This method can involve safety belays or self-management techniques.
What is the purpose of using a sling or tube tape in a low angle/low risk untethered stretcher carry?
To reduce the weight of the rescue load on the rescuer’s hand/arm/shoulder
This minimizes unequal load transfer to the rescuer’s torso.
What is the stretcher trolley used for in low-angle rescues?
To assist with all low-angle stretcher carry rescues
It requires manual control and does not have shock absorption.
What is a single-rope stretcher carry used for?
To secure and protect the stretcher from sliding back down the terrain
It can also assist with ascents when rigged properly.
What is the importance of using a two-rope system in low angle/moderate risk rescues?
To secure all rescuers operating on terrain that does not meet POC requirements
This increases safety in unstable environments.
What is the AZTEK system used for in stretcher carries?
Allows stretcher carriers to adjust their attachment points and maintain mobility
This flexibility helps reduce load transfer to the rescuer.
What should rescuers avoid when attaching a cow’s tail to the stretcher?
Cross-loading the carabiner at the attachment point
Proper attachment ensures safety and reduces risk during the rescue.
What is the role of the litter attendant in a rescue?
To control the litter and reduce the weight transferred to the rescuers
They may create handles with tape or sling for better control.
What is the danger of using a short clipping method for attachment?
It provides limited assistance and can lead to direct load transfer to the rescuer
This method should only be used when no other options are available.
What is a critical consideration when lowering a loaded stretcher?
Rescuers may have to crouch unnaturally, risking injury
Proper technique and equipment are essential to prevent strain.
What is the ladder slide technique used for?
To control the descent of a casualty using an extension ladder, basket stretcher, and cordage pack
It is limited to environments where the ladder can be set up at an angle not greater than 60°.
What equipment is required to perform a ladder slide rescue?
The following equipment is needed:
* Long extension ladder
* Basket stretcher
* Four rescuers
* LVL 1 cordage pack (includes 25mm pre-sewn sling, 3 LRLs, 3 carabiners, 1 belay device)
A minimum of two rescuers must access the casualty with specific equipment.
What are the first steps to attach a main line to the stretcher?
- Attach a 50m LRL to the head of the stretcher.
- Wrap the LRL around the head of the stretcher 3-5 times.
- Tie Figure 8 on the bight in the tail.
- Tie an Alpine Butterfly approximately 500mm from the head of the stretcher.
- Attach with a carabiner.
A Figure 8 Follow Through can also be used.
What is the purpose of a tagline in a ladder slide rescue?
To control the movement of the stretcher during a short haul or hoist operation.
