Elevated Anchor Systems Archives

Patient Packaging and Litter Handling Floating the litter

Floating the Litter Using an A-Frame and Gin Pole Trackline

Lance Piatt / Anchors, Arizona Vortex, Artificial High Directional AHD, Elevated Anchor Systems, Litter Operations, Mainline Systems and Operations, Minimalist Mountain and Climber Rescue, Portable Anchors, Twin Tension Rope System, Twin Tension Rope System Clutch, Two (Twin) Tension Rope Systems / 253 Comments

Floating the Litter Using an A-Frame and Gin Pole Trackline Steep angle litter work represents one of the most challenging scenarios in high-angle rescue operations. The primary challenge lies in ensuring patient contact and visual oversight while navigating challenging terrain. These conditions often necessitate the use of a carefully chosen and highly functional system to […]

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Understanding Anchor Systems for Rigging and Rescue

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Anchors, Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Personal Competencies, Portable Anchors / 4,319 Comments

Understanding Anchors: Part 1 of a Two-Part Series Anchors form the foundation of any rigging or rescue system, providing stability and safety for lifting, performing work, or executing rescues. Whether constructed from natural elements like trees and rocks or artificial components like bolts and beams, the integrity of an anchor system is paramount. This first

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Bombproof Anchors in Rigging

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Anchors, Elevated Anchor Systems, General Rigging / 112 Comments

Bombproof Anchors in Rigging: A Comprehensive Guide When it comes to rescue and rigging operations, anchors are the cornerstone of a successful and safe system. Among these, bombproof anchors stand out as the gold standard, particularly when paired with artificial high directionals like the Arizona Vortex Multipod. However, understanding what makes an anchor truly “bombproof”

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Rescue Rigging Anchors

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Anchors, Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Horizontal Rigging, Technical Learning / 30 Comments

Rescue Rigging Anchors: Why They’re Essential In the world of rescue and rigging, anchors are the cornerstone of every system. We’re often taught that anchors are the most important part of the operation, but the reasons behind this importance are not always crystal clear. Let’s dive into the fundamentals of anchor systems and why they’re

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Removable Anchors for Rescue

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Anchors, Elevated Anchor Systems, Tom Wood, Vertical Rescue Solutions / 176 Comments

Removable Anchors for Rescue and Rigging Removable anchors have revolutionized the rescue and rigging industries, providing unmatched safety, flexibility, and ease of use. These anchors, like those produced by ClimbTech and PMI, allow rescuers to establish secure anchor points on various surfaces—including horizontal, vertical, and overhead—without compromising the integrity of the setup. Their reusability makes

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Arizona Vortex Easel Leg A-Frame

Lance Piatt / Blog, CMC Rescue, Elevated Anchor Systems, Portable Anchors / 8 Comments

Arizona Vortex Easel Leg A-Frame: Key to Versatile Rescue Scenarios The Arizona Vortex is an essential tool for high-angle and technical rescue teams, prized for its adaptability across various configurations. Among these, the Easel Leg A-Frame is particularly effective for edge transitions, enabling safe and efficient lowering and raising of loads. This configuration provides stability

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Arizona Vortex Sideways A-Frames

Lance Piatt / Blog, CMC Rescue, Elevated Anchor Systems, Portable Anchors / 36 Comments

The Versatility of the Arizona Vortex: Sideways A-Frames In technical rescue operations, adaptability is critical. The Arizona Vortex excels in offering versatile configurations, including the Sideways A-Frame, which addresses challenging edge conditions and uneven terrain. Unlike the traditional easel leg A-frame, the Sideways A-Frame can be deployed in narrow spaces or environments with uneven surfaces,

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Highline Overview A Case Study

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Equipment, Highline Rigging / 3,960 Comments

Highline Overview A Case Study Highline Overview A Case Study is about preparedness – an advantage in the world of rescue and rigging—it’s an absolute necessity. In rescue operations, being unprepared can lead to critical failures, limiting options and endangering lives. The NFPA 1670 underlines this point with its stringent requirements for hazard analysis and

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SMC Vector Gin Pole

Lance Piatt / Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Twin Tension Rope System, Two Rope Offsets / 36 Comments

Lightweight Solutions for Backcountry Rescue When it comes to backcountry rescue, weight and portability are critical. The SMC Vector Gin Pole offers an elegant solution, designed for scenarios where the simplicity and ease of setup are as important as functionality. In this overview, we explore the unique features and applications of the Vector, showcasing how

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Managing Friction in Rope Rigging

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Anchors, Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems / 251 Comments

Managing Friction in Rope Rigging Friction is an omnipresent force in rope rigging systems, one that can either work to your advantage or become a significant obstacle. In technical rescue and rigging operations, understanding and managing friction is essential for safety, efficiency, and long-term equipment care. This blog explores the role of friction at anchor

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Tripod English Reeve Setup

Lance Piatt / Blog, Confined Space Rescue, Elevated Anchor Systems, Mainline Systems and Operations / 160 Comments

Elements of a Tripod English Reeve The Tripod English Reeve setup is a cornerstone in technical rescue operations, combining strength, stability, and adaptability. This rigging configuration is highly versatile and can be adapted to various environments, from confined spaces to high-angle rescues. Its ability to manage loads efficiently and provide robust support makes it indispensable

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CMC Rescue CSR2 Pulley System

Lance Piatt / CMC Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Elevated Anchor Systems, Equipment, General Rigging, Mainline Systems and Operations, Portable Anchors, RRG Gear Review / 124 Comments

CMC Rescue CSR2 Pulley System: Worth Another Look The CMC Rescue CSR2 Pulley System represents a significant advancement in efficiency and reliability for confined space rescue and rope access operations. Its patented locking mechanism and cutting-edge design make it an exceptional choice for lowering and raising heavy loads in demanding environments. With UL Classification to

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ClimbTech’s removable anchor bolts

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Anchors, Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, RRG Gear Review, Vertical Rescue Solutions / 34 Comments

Understanding and Using ClimbTech’s Removable Anchor Bolts Removable anchor bolts are an innovative solution for temporary and reusable anchor systems, offering flexibility and efficiency in rigging applications. ClimbTech’s removable anchors stand out as a reliable and practical choice for professionals in rope access, rescue, and construction industries. Key Features of ClimbTech’s Removable Anchor Bolts

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Petzl Coeur Pulse Removable Anchor System

Lance Piatt / Anchors, Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Petzl / 154 Comments

Petzl Coeur Pulse Removable Anchor System The Petzl Coeur Pulse Removable Anchor System represents a cutting-edge approach to temporary anchoring in rope access, rescue operations, and climbing scenarios. This innovative anchor system offers an excellent combination of reliability, reusability, and ease of installation, making it a valuable addition to any professional or recreational

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Rigging Multi-Point Anchors

Lance Piatt / Anchoring, Anchors, Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems / 129 Comments

Rigging Multi-Point Anchors in Rope Rescue Building anchor systems is a foundational skill in rope rescue that demands both practice and experience. Simplicity and complexity in anchor systems are not just technical challenges—they are measures of competency. Achieving competency requires time, focus, and a commitment to understanding the principles of anchor rigging. When to Use

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Tracking Skate Block System

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Dynamic Directional, Elevated Anchor Systems, How-To Concepts, Mainline Systems and Operations, Principles of Learning, Skate Blocks / 11 Comments

A Quick Look at the Tracking Skate Block System A tracking skate block system offers a simple, efficient, and reliable method to move people or loads from top to bottom without diving deeply into complex calculations. While no rigging system can bypass the need for understanding safety margins and proper deployment, the trackline skate block

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Building Your Rigging Quiver

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Safe Practices, Team Competencies / 8 Comments

Building Your Rigging Quiver We all want the best—a stellar life—but what does “best” even mean? Marriage, kids, friends, jobs, cars, houses… those are the easy answers. But peel back the layers, and you’ll see most of us are struggling to define what “best” truly looks like for our own lives. Here’s the truth: we

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Working on the Horizon Line

Lance Piatt / 5th Class Litter Raise, Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Portable Anchors, Two Rope Offsets / 6 Comments

Working on the Horizon Line: Seeing What Lurks Below When rescue teams are called into action, split-second decisions can determine the outcome of an operation. The challenges of steep terrain, unfamiliar environments, and critical patient conditions often converge at the “horizon line,” the boundary where rescuers transition from observation to action. This article delves into

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English Reeve System in Highline Rigging

Mark Pfeifer / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Confined Space Rescue, Dynamic Directional, Elevated Anchor Systems, RRG Gear Review / 182 Comments

Insights Into Gear: The English Reeve System and Control Side The English Reeve System is a critical configuration in advanced highline rigging, offering operational flexibility and enhanced load control. Unlike its counterpart, the Norwegian Reeve, this system employs a continuous rope running the full length of the highline, paired with a 6:1 compound mechanical advantage.

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SMC Vector Monopod

Jason Ilowite / Blog, Elevated Anchor Systems, Portable Anchors / 6 Comments

SMC Vector Monopod: Revolutionizing High Directional Rigging The SMC Vector Monopod is a cutting-edge tool in the world of rigging, designed to meet the demands of high-directional operations with unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. A modern alternative to traditional high-directional setups, the Vector Monopod provides rescuers and riggers with a lightweight, portable, and highly adaptable solution

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