Tree rescue manual | Page 36

1.2 Tree rescue techniques

1.2 Tree rescue techniques

This chapter presents a range of techniques that can be implemented when performing a tree rescue .
The techniques are presented in a simplified diagrammatic format , with the intention that any rescue team can assemble a comparable system using a range of available components . The techniques can be used in isolation or can be combined to achieve more complex rescues .
A referencing table is included with each system to assist with locating detailed descriptions of the required skills in Section 2 of this manual .
The techniques are organised in the sequence that they would be applied during a rescue operation , starting with tree access techniques and finishing with techniques to evacuate the casualty . Sometimes relatively simple methods ( for example lowering the casualty on their own system ) are presented after relatively complex methods , in order to maintain this sequence .
START OF RESCUE
END OF RESCUE
1 . ACCESS TECHNIQUES
Getting to the casualty .
2 . CASUALTY LIFT AND MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES
Getting the casualty off their system and preparing them for evacuation .
3 . CASUALTY EVACUATION TECHNIQUES
Lowering the casualty out of the tree .
1 . Direct boom access
SIMPLE
COMPLEX
2 . Stationary boom high point access
3 . Crane access
4 . Climb to access
5 . Lateral movement
6 . Floating anchors
7 . Skate block ( for rescuer or as anchor )
1 . Butt block ( ground lift and lower )
2 . Redirected butt block
3 . Individual pick-off
4 . Branch-end rescues
a . Redirect main line
b . Lateral belay by rescue climber
c . Twin line offset variation
5 . Bracing a branch
1 . Lower casualty on their own system with additional belay
2 . Butt block ( ground lift and lower )
3 . Top-belay casualty
4 . Individual pick-off rescue
5 . Skate block ( casualty )
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