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Tacoma Intermediate Rock - FT 3 - Self Rescue

Field trip: Intermediate Rock Module

Tacoma Intermediate Rock - FT 3 - Self Rescue - Mountaineers Tacoma Program Center

Technical rescue skills to save you and your partner when things go wrong!

Contacts

Gregg Gagliardi
Gregg Gagliardi
Primary Leader
  • Easy

Clubhouse 8am

Field trip scope and sequence:

Skills are taught and assessed using a drill. The drill starts with the leader lowering the victim to the base then belaying the follower from a top belay directly off the anchor in guide mode. Students work in teams of 3 (or 4) rotating through each of three roles: rescuer, victim, observer(s). Each station is managed by an instructor.

Rescue drill:
1. Rescuer lowers “victim” to the base using a redirected plate lower
2. “Victim” lower is converted to a belay off the anchor in guide mode
3. “Victim” climbs halfway up the pitch and stops (simulating difficulty ascending)
4. Rescuer releases the loaded device and then lowers the “victim” a few feet usimg a Load Strand Direct (LSD)
5. (“Victim” simulates an inability to climb any further)
6. Rescuer assists the “victim” with a drop-loop raise and raises them to within 10-15 ft of the top of the cliff
7. Rescuer converts the drop-loop raise to a 3:1, raises the victim a few feet
8. Rescuer converts the 3:1 system to a 7:1 system and raises the “victim” a few more feet
9. (Simulated rock fall injures the “victim”)
10. Rescuer escapes the belay, retrieves their device, descends on rappel to “assess” the “victim”
11. Rescuer ascends the rope back to the belay
12. Rescuer performs a counterbalance rappel to the “victim”
13. Rescuer descends to the base with the victim on a counterbalance rappel
Route/Place

Mountaineers Tacoma Program Center

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  •  6 medium to large locking carabiners
  • 6 non-locking carabiners
  • 2 cordelettes
  • 4 double-length runners
  • 2 prussik loops (autoblock), or 1 prussik loop and a Tibloc
  • Guide style belay plate (BD ATC, Petzl Reverso) (Gri Gri or other assisted braking devices not allowed)
  • Harness
  • Helmet (required for the field trip)
  • Leather or other durable work gloves
  • Approach shoes or hiking boots with good tread
  • 10 Essentials
  • One 60 meter climbing rope for every 3-person team
  • Rope must be at least 9.0 mm but no greater than 9.5 mm
Trip Reports