Frequently Asked Questions
What is “low angle” versus “high angle” rope rescue?
The steeper the ground, the more difficult and the more technical the rescue becomes. Ropes may have to be relied upon to gain access to the victim, to support the team members and the victims during the rescue and remove them from the rescue site.
Low angle rescue is considered to be terrain that has a slope angle from 15 to 35 degrees. The condition of the terrain will determine the need for and the amount of rope support required. Is it muddy? Are there loose rocks or other debris that would cause poor or slippery footing? How many rescuers are needed to transport the victim and stretcher to safety? Examples of low angle locations include: over-the-bank situations where a car has left a roadway and descended an adjacent slope.
Steep angle rescue is considered to be terrain that has a slope angle from 35 to 60 degrees. Again, the condition of the terrain will determine the level of technical expertise required to perform this rescue safely.
High angle rescue is considered to be terrain that has a slope angle of 60 degrees and higher. Rescuers are totally dependent upon the ropes used to keep them and the victims from falling and to gain access to and egress from the rescue location. Examples of high angle locations include: pipe racks, ledges, catwalks, tops of vessels, cranes, and water towers.
High angles are also found below grade level in ship holds, barges, confined spaces, tunnels, sewer and piping systems. Good, competent technical rescue skills involving ropes, anchoring and belaying systems, lowering and hauling systems and litter/stretcher work are going to be mandatory for the safe performance of the rescue team. High angle rescue operations involve unique hazards and require special training and equipment to be able to perform them safely. High angle rope rescuers are at a considerably higher risk of injury or death during training exercises and callouts therefore continual training and practice are recommended to keep skills sharp.
