Adam Zebrak’s account of the Rochester, NY, Fire Department’s recent enhancements to their rope rescue techniques provides valuable insights for any rope rescue team. One powerful moment Zebrak highlighted was when a team member, suspended on rope during a recovery, remarked, “You know, all this BS training has really paid off.” This sentiment underscores the value of rigorous training and ongoing improvement, a principle we at Sutro Group deeply value. After each call, the Rochester team critically assessed the operation, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. This practice of reflection and continuous learning is essential for refining techniques and enhancing safety protocols, something we routinely implement at Sutro Group through regular debriefs and training sessions.
Challenging conditions and reconnaissance
The call came at 2 a.m. for a person who had fallen into a 120-foot-deep void. Initially thought to be a cliff’s edge, it was discovered to be an old, concrete roof section. The deteriorating structure, covered in vegetation, added complexity to the rescue. The site, part of an abandoned hydroelectric plant next to the Genesee River and a 100-foot waterfall, posed significant challenges. Early reconnaissance confirmed the situation as a recovery, with the victim located 100 feet down, folded over a steel I-beam. Initial access required careful planning and establishment of reliable anchors due to the structure’s precarious state.
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Communication and rescue techniques
Adequate lighting was challenging in the remote location, making headlamps essential. Communication proved difficult with the noise from a nearby waterfall and a passing freight train. The team resorted to whistle commands for clear and immediate communication in noisy environments. The rescue employed a two-rope system: a dedicated main and a separate belay. The first rescuer’s descent was managed with a descent-control device (DCD), allowing them to focus on the task without worrying about their belay. On reaching the victim, the rescuer navigated around hypodermic needles, opting for a litter basket for safe extraction. The operation blended rope rescue and rope access techniques, showcasing the value of cross-discipline training, a practice Sutro Group advocates through our integration of rope access and confined space rescue training.
Ascending and skill application
The ascent involved careful positioning and use of adjustable litter systems. The second rescuer’s ability to “walk” up the void shaft, thanks to recent training, highlights the importance of continuous skill development. The operation concluded successfully with both the victim and rescuers safely recovered. The success of the Rochester team underscores the importance of adopting new techniques and continually reviewing traditional methods. Innovations such as multipurpose rope-travel devices and two-tensioned rope systems (TTRS) have proven beneficial. Zebrak’s account is a testament to the power of rigorous training and adaptability. By incorporating diverse training scenarios, including those in complete darkness or with alternative communication methods, teams can better prepare for the unexpected, an approach we rigorously follow at Sutro Group.
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Embracing change and continuous improvement
The article concludes with a call to embrace change and challenge established systems. Any team member should be able to suggest improvements, fostering an environment where new ideas are welcome and evaluated on their merit. Continuous training, critical assessment, and openness to new techniques are key to ensuring safety and efficiency in rope rescue operations, principles that Sutro Group firmly believes in and practices. For more insights and detailed accounts of our operations and training programmes, visit Sutro Group.
Contact us to discover how our Rope Access and Rope Rescue services could benefit your business:
info@sutrogroup.co.uk
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