REMS-1 Rope Rescuer

 80 percent of the time rope rescue is having to deal with steep angle, 40 to 60 degrees of elevation. Anything less than 40 degrees is considered low angle and is probably going to be a carryout with possibly the assistance of a simple tagline. Any terrain above 40 degrees is generally considered in the rescue service as a team-based/two-rope (main and belay) system. Team-based refers to any rope system that is controlled by a team of at least three and usually more when considering a haul team needed for raising systems. The team controls all movement of the main and belay rope systems. The rescuer is fully dependent on the team for main and belay control. Most REMS operations are in this 80% realm of team-based, steep angle work. Any person entering a REMS team can be very functional by obtaining a good grasp of the 80% skills specified throughout this course. 

  At the completion of this class, the participants should be able to:

1. · Describe the physical principles which underlie knots, anchors, and mechanical advantage.
2. · Construct natural anchors that can accept the expected loads and maintain safety ratios.
3. · Rig and operate natural and timber-artificial high directional anchor systems. 
4. · Rig and operate appropriate backup rope systems (belay lines/fall protection systems).
5. · Safely descend, ascend, a vertical rope.
6. · Perform a four-man steep angle rescue.

Rope Rescue Equipment:

1. Properly rig and operate team=base equipment as prescribed in the class

 Complete basic knots:

1. As prescribed in the class

Anchor rigging concepts including:

1. Single Point Anchors
2. Fixed Multipoint Anchors with Webbing and/or Accessory Cord
3. Single-Point Back-Tie Techniques
4.  Introduction to Elevated Anchors, including Natural, Structural, and Artificial

Belay Line concepts including:

1. The use of the Petzl ASAP and ASAP Lock
2. Belaying with the Petzl I’D
3. Twin-Tension Systems

Mainline concepts including:

1. The use of the CMC Clutch, and the Petzl I’D
2. Lowering to a raise changeover 
3. Simple and Compound Mechanical Advantage Systems
4. Edge Management  

Steep Terrain Team-Base Rescue:

1. Complete multiple steep angle operations with minimal manpower.