Key to belay system options Icon Belay system Applied practice example
Twin Tension Rope System .
A ‘ mirror system ’ of the system shown in the diagram . Also known as Dual Main or Dual Capable Twin Tensioned Rope System ( DCTTRS ).
Top belay .
The rescue climber controls a separate belay line with a device secured to a top anchor .
Ground belay .
A separate belay line is controlled by team members on the ground .
Auto-belay .
The casualty is attached to an independent static belay line using an auto-belay device .
Self-belayed .
The casualty manages their own belay device whilst being lowered on a primary rescue system .
Shared belay .
The rescuer descends with the casualty , who is connected to one or more of the rescuer ’ s devices .
Two identical butt-block lift-and-lowering systems are used . Tension is matched through both systems simultaneously during both lifting and lowering .
The rescue climber attaches a top pulley for a butt-block lift-and-lower system . The rescuer also belays the casualty with a second rope run through a belay device attached to the top anchor .
The casualty will descend on their own system , but a second system is installed through a top anchor with a belay device attached to the base of the tree to provide an independent belay line .
The casualty is lifted and lowered using a single butt block system . A separate static line is attached to the top anchor and the casualty is connected to this line with an auto-belay device .
A conscious casualty is lifted and lowered using a single butt block system . Their climbing system is intact , and as they are lowered they belay themselves by managing their original system .
The casualty is lifted and lowered using a single butt block system . The rescuer descends with the casualty , with the casualty connected by a textile sling to the karabiner of the rescuer ’ s belay device .
Important note :
In order to simplify the system diagrams , many key safety elements have been omitted . For example , both the casualty and the rescuer are frequently shown without a second safety line or second lifesupport attachment point .
The systems shown should not be trained , practiced , or implemented without the addition of a belay system , which can be either a twin of the system illustrated or a redundant safety line .
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