3.1 Preparation for tree rescue
3.1 Preparation for tree rescue
Skill set
Tree rescue is a very specific skill set that takes years to master . The art of tree climbing is a trade and arborists take many years to achieve confidence , skills , and knowledge . Rope rescue technicians adapt well to the change of environment , but the following areas require significant skill maintenance to have a sound performing team .
• Identification of sound , safe and useful canopy anchors .
• Use of a throw line and Big Shot .
• Establishment of anchors for access and conversion to useful rescue anchors .
• Tree hazard identification .
• Access / ascending and movement in trees .
• Moving anchor points within a canopy .
• Spur climbing .
• Use of flip lines and movement horizontally in a tree canopy .
• Ongoing research into new techniques that arborists employ at work sites .
• Application of traditional vertical rescue techniques in this environment .
• Tree species knowledge .
Training requirements
Given that rope technicians generally do not spend time in trees , a significant investment in time must be given to skills in access and movement in a tree . It is important to train in different tree shapes , sizes , and species to continue to gain an ongoing appreciation of the skills required to conduct rescue .
One training tool is to set a ‘ bells ’ course . A bells course is several flags or bells hanging from branches high in a tree . Various rope skills are required to select an appropriate anchor and move toward the bell .
Vertical rescue team members are tasked to select an appropriate high point , access the tree and be able to move around the tree to gain comfort and experience at transitioning away from the trunk and into the crown substructure .
Spur climbing is often required to successfully rescue a stuck worker . This is particularly important when the tree has been dismantled to a pole . To find an appropriate tree for spur climbing , contacts with local arborists and tree companies may be necessary . Spurring damages the tree and can cause premature decline of the tree through infection . Spurring can be done on trees that are flagged for removal or have been partially dismantled leaving a pole behind . ( Caution here as they may be unstable in the base and will require sideways pull testing to ensure that they are safe . Sideways pull testing should be done with a 4wd to ensure they are strong enough for 2-person rescue ).
Spur training should occur with a top rope belay in the first instance , then without the belay , to ensure staff are able to successfully access a tree via this method . It is critical that staff also demonstrate that they can self-arrest whilst spurring .
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