ABOUT THE course
The vertical rescue course is perfect for climbers of all levels of experience from recreational top rope climbers, lead climbers, experienced climbing guides and group leaders such as outdoor recreation and education facilitators, climbing club leaders and youth program leaders.
Realistic scenario based training in self-rescue and rescue of your climbing partner incorporating a series of possible scenarios.
Self Study – Pre Course Requirements
All Trainees will be required to Download and Complete the required documents for your course.
All of our courses have a set of Study and Exam Materials that are required to be completed Prior to the Practical training phase. www.paci.com.au/guides.php
Day 1 – Abseiling Skills – Self Rescue Skills
Identify safe access to and egress from the pitch
Determine descent and ascent route appropriate for conditions
Select anchors and assess condition, including performance under likely load and stability of surroundings.
Rig or establish multiple anchors, ensuring equalisation and minimise potential for shock loading.
Rig ropes to minimise effects of rope stretch and rub points and to allow efficient descent and ascent
Rig to minimise impact on the natural environment.
Select and tie appropriate knots, and rig ropes suitable for load and function within the belay system.
Set up anchors and ropes to allow for a rescue
Select an abseiling and belay system suitable for the abseil, environmental conditions and participant.
Establish a belay from which belayer is independent of the system.
Establish a belay that maintains safety of belayer and abseiler
Choose a belay device suitable for the natural surface conditions and belayer
Determine need for, and establish, back up belay systems.
Minimise risk of cross loading and mis-alignment of carabiners.
Complete ABCDE safety checks according to organisational procedures
Construct an use Improvised Harness from tubular tape webbing
Day 2 Self Rescue Cont…
Descend and ascend a pitch using single rope techniques.
Attach and adjust belay equipment to self and tie knots suitable for the established belay system
Descend and ascend a fixed rope efficiently, using and adjusting techniques suitable for circumstances.
Safely approach, avoid or negotiate hazards to descend and ascend in a controlled manner.
Utilise techniques and equipment to adjust the single rope rig.
Choose optimum position and complete safe and efficient changeovers between descending and ascending.
Use techniques that minimise damage to equipment and the surface during activities.
Determine need for self rescue, assess situation and identify suitable techniques to resolve.
Carry out complex self rescue and negotiate obstacles I.e. Knot Bypass – while maintaining personal safety according to organisational policies and procedures.
Anticipate hazards and utilise techniques to approach, avoid or negotiate throughout self rescue.
Implement extrication techniques to release from compromised situation.
Maintain personal safety throughout rescue operations.
Day 3 Mechanical Advantage – Hauling Systems and Lowering Systems
Identify situations requiring the use of mechanical advantage systems and determine the type of system required according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures.
Identify rescue techniques for complex situations and select a technique according to the degree of urgency, resources, rescuee status and personal ability.
Assess the situation and identify suitable obstacle avoidance or extrication procedures according to organisational policies and procedures.
Establish communication with rescuee and provide clear and concise instructions and information throughout the rescue.
Operate a rescue system, demonstrating lowering and raising procedures to recover conscious persons in single pitch situations,
Maintain personal safety throughout rescue operations.
Day 4 – Complex Vertical Rescues in a Simulated Multi Pitch Environment.
Identify immediate hazards and assess risks to self and others.
Assess the complex vertical rescue situation and select and co-ordinate a suitable rescue method according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures .
Communicate directions to other members of the group.
Identify situations requiring approach from above or below and apply approach procedures for the situation.
Operate a rescue system, demonstrating lowering and raising procedures to recover conscious and unconscious persons in simulated multi pitch situations, With the assistance of others
Perform patient extraction from a fixed line approach from above
Perform patient extraction from a fixed line approach from below
Maintain safety of self, others and rescuee throughout rescue operations
Day 5 Assessment Phase
Trainees to perform skills alone and unaided
Complete reports on defective and or faulty equipment
If competency has been achieved trainees will finalise assessment verification documents and learner questionnaires.
Successful Candidates will receive a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment
SKILLS LEARNED
- Belay skills (escape belay under load)
- Assisted abseiling techniques
- Retrievable abseil descents
- Knot bypass techniques
- Re-anchoring or Re-belay skills
- Fixed rope climbing skills (slide and grip hitches up and down a fixed rope)
- Suspended patient extraction
- Lowering systems
- Mechanical advantage skills (hauling systems)
