Introduction
Those of us who have had the privilege to train and work professionally as tree climbers know the thrill of hanging in a tree , chainsaw rumbling in hand , feeling secure in our skills and our gear , looking out at the view across the treetops . It ’ s easy to get lost in moments like that .
Sadly , for too many in our industry , a moment later , tragedy strikes . No matter how good we are , how good our gear , how secure we feel , one slip , one miscalculation , one loss of concentration , one unseen structural issue , one freak incident , and suddenly we are in desperate need for help .
… and yes , it can happen to anyone ! Our industry had the highest per capita fatality rate of any industry in Australia every year from 2013 to 2019 inclusive . Most of us in the industry know some of those who were injured or killed . I did , and some of them were the best in the business .
As thrilling as being up a tree can be , it can be equally challenging to get help when needed . That ’ s why this manual has been developed , and why we are so grateful for the rescue bodies that respond unhesitatingly when we need them .
This manual lays the groundwork for arboriculture and rescue organisations to collaborate more closely and develop better knowledge , techniques , and systems for those moments when we call for help . Our industry and its representative bodies stand ready to assist with knowledge and training to improve the skills of rescuers so that they can be safe and effective when they come to our aid .
I thank everyone who has contributed to , and uses , this manual . Let ’ s all get home safe every day .
Craig Hinton Chair of the Board of Directors ,
Arboriculture Australia Ltd .
Tree climbing incidents can require very complex rigging / rescues , frequently beyond the rescue skill set of the immediate tree crew . Professional Vertical Rescue teams must be aware of the integral components and challenges to effectively perform tree rescues .
Whilst most rescue organisations focus on both the wilderness and industrial rescue settings very well , there has been a large gap in most rescue organisations ' ability to respond to aerial tree incidents . My own experience , including 27 years as a Firefighter / Station Officer with the Hobart Fire Brigade and Statewide Coordinator of the Tasmanian Fire Service Vertical Rescue Team , along with my experience as a tree worker , has made me aware of how challenging it can be for rescue teams to access reliable information and training to support tree rescue capabilities .
This manual bridges that gap , describing tree climbing methods which are being undertaken multiple times a day in parks , residential backyards and reserves from the heart of the city to the remote bush . This book provides a compendium of skills and techniques that can be reviewed , updated and shared so that VR teams have a ' source of truth ' for reliable and applicable techniques . These are techniques that VR teams should train , practice and be equipped for to complement their current skill sets .
The authors of this manual have both worked in the tree industry for decades . Their combined experience extends across fire & rescue , tree rescue , arboriculture training and wilderness rescue . The combination of their vast teaching experience along with a passion for tree , wilderness and industrial rescues results in a comprehensive but easy-to-use manual which addresses the tree rescue void within most rescue organisations .
Stewart McKinlay Senior Station Officer ,
Hobart Fire Brigade , Tasmania Fire Service
© Arboriculture Australia 2022 - 1 -