Pole-top rescue setup 1 : ground lowered . The setup below should be the ‘ default ’ option for vertical rescue teams to perform pole-top rescue .
A The rescuer chokes their climbing line as high as possible onto the trunk using a running bowline . The bowline should be set so that it ‘ cinches ’ when the tail is pulled toward the
casualty .
B The rescuer keeps their descender ( CT Sparrow or similar ) set on the line . They are now protected from slipping due to gaff-outs or casualty movement .
C A lowering pulley is installed as a floating anchor just below the running bowline using an inline clove hitch or similar knot . Note that if space is tight , it is critical to get this knot as high as
possible . If necessary , the pulley can be discarded and the line set directly through the karabiner to save space .
D The main line is set through the pulley and attached to the casualty .
E The ground team must install a suitable lowering device onto the standing part of the main line . They can now use the device to take slack out of the line and secure the casualty .
F
A separate belay line is installed and connected . A static belay line with an auto self-belay is pictured , but could be replaced with a top belay , twin-tension system or separate belay line .
The rescuer can remain at height or descend with the casualty using their descender and a single lanyard .
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