All rescues require some stamina, but this rescue has some unique physical challenges. In order to execute it, you will need to ascend or descend to the casualty, and then work against gravity to physically lift them high enough to disengage the teeth of their ascending device while both of you are in suspension. From there, you will eventually descend with them to the ground.

Depending on your size in relation to the casualty’s, a counterbalance pick-off may not always be possible. In order for this rescue to be approved as part of a site’s rescue plan, the L3 supervising tech must ensure that, should any tech on the team (recognizing all of their sizes and/or abilities) require rescue, there is an easily accessible and appropriately certified tech on the team that will be physically able to perform it. There are other options for lighter technicians rescuing heavier technicians, but these must be understood and planned for in the initial rescue plan. We can go over a number of different ways to pick a casualty during your week of training.

During your IRATA Assessment, L2 and L3 certifying techs will be asked to demonstrate competence performing a mid-rope rescue of an ‘unconscious’ casualty who is suspended on an ascending device.

This can be done one of two ways (your assessor will only require you to demonstrate one of them, but we will of course teach you both):

• You perform the rescue from a separate set of ropes.
• You perform the rescue using the casualty’s own set of ropes.

As we practice this manoeuvre during your training week (and when you demonstrate it on assessment day), one of your colleagues will be acting as a casualty and feigning immobility. If you’re playing ‘the casualty’, remember to move your legs frequently to prevent the onset of the symptoms associated with suspension intolerance.

Additional resources to check out:

TACS 6.8.3 for the source material for this blog.

ICOP Part 3, Annex G for more information on suspension intolerance.

TACS 9.6.3-9.6.4 for a full list of major and minor discrepancies.

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This is part of an ongoing series, where we’re breaking down IRATA’s syllabus and clarifying exactly what ‘demonstrating competence’ and ‘demonstrating awareness’ means, and what will be expected of you on assessment day. As an IRATA L2 certifying tech, you’re expected to be fully competent with the L1 Syllabus. To return back to the IRATA L2 Study Guide or IRATA L3 Study Guide, click below: