Tree climber rescue class for fire/rescue personnel

AaronO

AaronO

Location
Jackson, Michigan
As a firefighter of 12 years, I have been on a few rope related rescues. A fairly big portion of the rescues have been people stuck in trees. Most of these rescues have been picked off with a ladder truck. However, some we could not get a truck in the area. Also, most of these people were NOT professional arborist, but rather the weekend warrior, or a very unprofessional tree service.

I find this to be quite normal around Michigan, as I have asked firefighters all over the state and country. I also find there to be a big gap in techniques and understanding between fire/rescue and Arb work.

On my days off at the firehouse I teach firefighters different rescue techniques for Michigan State University. Seeing there to be a lack of knowledge in rescuing people in trees, I'm trying to gather info to put together a Tree climber rescue class for firefighters. So I have a few questions

1. What's the most common climbing system (Ddrt, split tail, open or closed systems or SRT)?
2. What are some of the rescue issues you are seeing in the field?
3. Are most flip lines being used in the field wire core? And are they releasable under tension?

Thanks for your time and I'm sure I'll have more questions for you
 
Aaron,

This sounds like a good thing you are doing to bridge the gap. I think preferred systems and whatnot are probably pretty subjective and very somewhat between companies and regions but here is my best guess

1.I would bet the most common climbing systems is a closed Ddrt system, but I would assume if most rescues are homeowners and more unprofessional companies they are probably using an open Ddrt system ala Blakes or taut line hitches, not to say only only people that are not professional use these but from my experience these are the systems mostly learned on and a lot of the old school guys don't want to change or learn something new. I think generally you will only see SRT from the most experienced group.

2. In Arboriculture most injuries occur on the ground from struck by's, other things you are going to see are chainsaw cuts, handsaw cuts which can be just as bad and potentially more dangerous. People getting pinned, slip and falls, I think animals and dehydration are also pretty big reasons people tend to get stuck.

3. I don't think there is any real answer to this. A lot of guys love wire core, the same amount hate them. I know some people that use a regular rope lanyard for prunes and a wire core for removals. They are releasable if they have a knot adjustment, not a mechanical like a minicender or something.

hope this helps
 
Aaron, you should contact North American Training Solutions, a training company in GA that has instructors across the world. They have been working toget more firefighters involved in the process since tree rescue is a rather specializte high angle situation. Also make the effort to attend a local TCC and watch the aerial rescue event. The Illinois TCC is coming up in a few weeks. definitely worth it.
 
Tcia also has literature for first responders I believe. This first class I tought in the fd was about 10 years ago and was pretty well received. I mailed cd copies to anyone who asked here on the buzz. Who knows where the master is now but if your not a tree climber talk to one in person. Watch them work and get some realistic insight.
 
Thank you all for the responses. I have been hanging around the Michigan TCC to get more info and also I have been climbing for a few years now. I'm new in the trees , however it's more recreation for me. I come from a rope access and rescue back ground.

I will also check out the info at the TCIA and contact the North American training solutions. That should be great info! I have also contacted Dr. John ball and done a little work with him and arbormasters.

Any bit of info is great!!
 
AaronO said:
As a firefighter of 12 years, I have been on a few rope related rescues. A fairly big portion of the rescues have been people stuck in trees. Most of these rescues have been picked off with a ladder truck. However, some we could not get a truck in the area. Also, most of these people were NOT professional arborist, but rather the weekend warrior, or a very unprofessional tree service.

I find this to be quite normal around Michigan, as I have asked firefighters all over the state and country. I also find there to be a big gap in techniques and understanding between fire/rescue and Arb work.

On my days off at the firehouse I teach firefighters different rescue techniques for Michigan State University. Seeing there to be a lack of knowledge in rescuing people in trees, I'm trying to gather info to put together a Tree climber rescue class for firefighters. So I have a few questions

1. What's the most common climbing system (Ddrt, split tail, open or closed systems or SRT)?
2. What are some of the rescue issues you are seeing in the field?
3. Are most flip lines being used in the field wire core? And are they releasable under tension?
Thanks for your time and I'm sure I'll have more questions for you
Click to expand...

How ironic.
We just had a training for this.
The most common TRT rescue is a 'pick off' followed by 'trapped/pinned'.
NATS did our training and did a superb job. I highly recommend them.
We did a presentation for a local TRT Team last October and it was very well received.
Kudos for doing what you're doing. I applaud you.
 
Thanks Norm,
Thats what I am finding when I talk to other firefighters. My guys have responded to both of those types of rescues. The trapped/pinned is one of the more interesting. Im going to try to explain but perhaps butcher the terms however the person was trying to cut down a large section of leaning spar, maybe 24 to 30 inches in diameter and about 10 ft long. he apparently did not make the correct cut because the spar split or pealed and the spar pulled him in towards the tree pinning him by his flipline. Another interesting rescue would be a spar rescue say 40 foot up in a place we are unable to get a ladder truck.
 
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