Tree rescue manual | Page 42

Climb to access

Where there is no access for a rescue boom , EWP or crane , the rescue team must climb the tree to establish a top anchor and access the casualty .

Tree climbing techniques are discussed in detail in Chapter 3 of this manual .

Depending on the structure of the tree , the available anchor points , the skill of the rescue team and the position and condition of the casualty , a range of different techniques may be required to access the necessary locations in the tree ’ s structure .

In the image on the right , the casualty ’ s position stuck in the fork at the top of the tree prevents a top anchor being installed from the ground above the casualty .

The rescue team have accessed the tree by installing ropes from the ground to the highest available anchor point .

The rescue climber has proceeded past the first anchor point using spur climbing techniques to reach the casualty and begin the rescue .

The following techniques may be required to use tree climbing techniques for access :

Skills that may be required :

- 40 - © Arboriculture Australia 2022