Rope rescue is a subset of technical rescue that involves the use of static nylon kernmantle ropes, anchoring and belaying devices, friction rappel devices, various devices to utilize mechanical advantage for hauling systems, and other specialized equipment to reach victims and safely recover them. Technical rescue refers to those aspects of saving life or property that employ the use of tools and skills that exceed those normally reserved for firefighting and rescue. ... Nylon represents a family of synthetic polymers, a thermoplastic material, invented in 1935 by Wallace Carothers at DuPont. ... Kernmantle rope is rope constructed with its interior core (the kern) protected with a woven exterior sheath (mantle) that is designed to optimize strength, durability, and flexibility. ... As a nautical term, belaying refers to making a line fast to a cleat, pin or other fixed object. ... In British English, abseiling (from the German abseilen, to rope down) is the process of descending on a fixed rope. ... In physics and engineering, mechanical advantage (MA) is the factor by which a machine multiplies the force put into it. ...

Two primary categories of rope rescue exist: high angle urban/structural and wilderness/mountain rescue. There are significant differences between the two in both technique and equipment. As a rule, urban rope rescue involves heavier equipment and is of relatively short duration. Wilderness rope rescue involves lighter equipment with extended extrication times. Though there is significant overlap in techniques and concepts, the two skill sets are not considered interchangeable. What works in an urban environment may not work in a wilderness environment and vice versa.

In the USA, urban/structural rope rescue performed by professional rescue agencies such as EMS or fire departments is addressed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulation 1670, and certain disciplines such as confined space rescue may also be addressed by 29 CFR 1910.146 and 29 CFR 1910.147. In most cases, wilderness rope rescue is not specifically covered by such mandates (except in the case where the wilderness rescue is carried out by professional organizations that are otherwise covered). EMS may stand for: Organizations Eastern Mountain Sports, an outdoor retailer Edinburgh Mathematical Society Electronic Music Studios (London) Ltd, manufacturers of synthesisers European Monetary System, 1979 European Mathematical Society Environmental Middle School Engineering Music Society, Melbourne University Science and Engineering Physics and Chemistry Electromagnetic spectrum Ethyl methanesulfonate (or methanesulfonic acid... Firefighter with an axe A firefighter, sometimes still called a fireman though women have increasingly joined firefighting units, is a person who is trained and equipped to put out fires, rescue people and in some areas provide emergency medical services. ... The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a U.S. organization (albeit with some international members) charged with creating and maintaining minimum standards and requirements for fire prevention and suppression activities, training, and equipment, as well as other life-safety codes and standards. ... Confined space rescue is a subset of technical rescue that involves the rescue and recovery of victims involved in situations where there is a confined space, which is defined by OSHA as follows: Having limited or restricted means of entry or exit Is large enough for an employee to enter...

Rescue should not be attempted by individuals who have not been formally trained. Local rescue authorities may be able to provide information on rope rescue training, practice, and equipment.

External links

Emergency Management Academy of New Zealand provides rope rescue training Image File history File links EMANZ.gif Summary Icon for the Emergency Management Academy of New Zleand (http://www. ...