2.4 Specialist rescue techniques
2.4 Specialist rescue techniques
The following chapter discusses a number of potential tree accident types or casualty injuries , and suggests response techniques for each .
Rescuers should always choose simple and safe techniques where possible before embarking on complex or unfamiliar rescues .
2.4.1 Pole-top rescue
Pole-top rescue describes the process of rescuing a climber who is stuck or injured at the top of a stump with no suitable anchor point above them .
Pole-top rescues can be challenging for vertical rescue climbers as there is little working space above the casualty to attach slings or perform any lift , and the techniques and environment are both unfamiliar .
Nevertheless , the whole process of pole-top rescue can be broken down to a sequence of comparatively simple techniques .
Pole-top rescues require each step to be performed as exactly as possible . With the limited working space available , any loss of space caused by sloppy knot tying or redundant karabiners will make the rescue significantly harder to perform .
The rescue process described below assumes that a single rescuer will begin ascending the pole using spur climbing techniques . This rescuer takes their usual rescue spur climbing equipment ( 2 x adjustable lanyards plus a climbing rope with Sparrow or similar rescue descender ), as well as an additional main line , pulley and karabiner .
The remainder of the team begins attaching a lowering device to the base of the tree , or creating a butt block setup with an additional anchor and haul system .
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