Bracing a branch
Where a casualty is situated on a compromised or structurally unsound branch , or where a compromised branch poses a risk to rescue operations , the branch should be braced if possible before the rescue proceeds .
A set of fours or any short mechanical advantage system can be used for this purpose . Once sufficient tension has been applied , the system should be ‘ locked off ’ and the rescue can proceed with the branch sufficiently secured . The brace can be installed directly ( left hand image above ), or bolted on to a length of rope that can be tied off on the branch remotely , for example be attaching the rope to the branch with a running bowline ( right hand image above ).
Caution .
If the compromised branch should fail during the rescue , the full load of the branch will be transferred to the top attachment point of the mechanical advantage system .
If the rescuer and casualty are also attached to this part of the tree they may be put at risk .
Skills that may be required : Technique
Description Evaluating tree anchors Chap . 2.3 Bracing a branch Pg . 204
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