Resources

Know the Knots

At the basic level, here’s a selection of knots, bends and hitches that anyone working in high risk environments like swiftwater, surface ice or with rope systems should know. You should be able to tie them quickly and properly, and recognize them when others have tied them into systems.

  • the “Family of 8’s”
  • double fisherman’s
  • muenter

You should also understand the following concepts and systems:

  • tensile strengths of rope and webbing
  • anchors (simple to complex)
  • mechanical advantage (3 to 1, 4 to 1, pig rig)

Here’s one of our favourite online references for practicing your knots - the illustrations move!

Animated Knots by Grog

But our instructors all agree: don’t get caught up in the fancy stuff. Practice your knots so that you tie them quickly, and recognize them when others tie them, and you’ll be in a good position to maximize your learning during a course, or contribute to rope work on the job.

 

Courses

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Upcoming Dates

Sept 15 & 16

Swiftwater - Operations

Sep 25-27, 2010

Swiftwater - Technician (SRT I)

Sep 28-30, 2010

Swiftwater - Technician (SRT I)

Oct 8-10, 2010

Technical Rope Rescue - Operations

Oct 8-12, 2010

Technical Rope Rescue - Technician

Oct 12-14, 2010

Swiftwater - Technician (SRT I)

See full schedule

Wouldn’t you know it, last night at midnight we had a jumper off the bridge. The boy’s had him in the boat within minutes. Thanks to the training you provided us with, the call was very successful [7 hours after his department completed a Motorized Swiftwater Boat Operator course.]

Jason Milne, Captain, Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue

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what’s new?

New Law Supports Search and Rescue Groups

March 25, 2010—The Alberta Legislature passed Bill 6, the Emergency Management Amendment Act 2010, which supports search and rescue groups with liability protection when acting in good faith and enables communities to deliver emergency services regionally.

our approach

We believe training should be tailored to the specific needs of each client. While we teach all the skills and knowledge necessary for certification, we approach a course for emergency personnel in an entirely different manner than one for resource managers or outdoor guides.