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WLSAR Training programme

Currently, registrations are requested via the member's listserve up to 8 weeks prior to an event. To register, reply to the Wellington Land SAR training co-ordinators.

However, by the end of May 2006, members should be able to register through this website.

If members identify training needs which have not been catered for in the current training schedule, then this should be discussed with the Wellington Land SAR training co-ordinator .

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Ropes

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Wellington Low Angle Ropes

NZLSAR reference

There is little reference in the 2nd edition of the New Zealand Land SAR Field Guide (Roger Curl, 2006. ISBN 0-473-04914-7 ). Rope use is referred to in Section 12 - Stretchers, p76. However, NZLSAR offers a number of ropes courses through SARINZ and Tai Poutini Polytech.

NOTE:

WLSAR uses a simple low angle ropes system. The systems taught by the SARINZ Foundation Ropes course differ to those used by WLSAR and are not compatible with the gear supplied in our ropes bags.

Expected competencies

  • Risk Management
  • Safety
  • Site Management
  • Familiararity with gear bag
  • Knots
  • Anchors
  • Communication
  • Setting up and using the system
  • Stretcher use

Notes for WLSAR low angle ropes course

This course runs on a Thursday night, when the knots are taught, and either a Saturday or Sunday, when members practice system set up in the field. You can download the following course notes here: A brief summary of topics is outlined below.

Risk Management

  • Aims / Boundaries
  • Search and locate in a steep angle environment
  • Controlling a stretcher safely on steep ground - low angle where stretcher needs securing but rescuers able to stand
  • Evacuate only if terrain suitable and within gear capability

Safety

  • Site Hazards
  • Team Safety & Welfare
  • Patient Safety

Site Management

  • Plenty of clear area to work in
  • Care in use of rope to avoid damage
  • Care in use of all other gear
  • Avoid debris falling onto patient

Gear Bag

  • 50 metre 11mm static rope
  • 2 x harnesses (rescuer & edge)
  • 2 x helmets (rescuer & patient)
  • 5 tape slings (approx 4 metres)
  • 4 x orange prusik cords
  • 1 short black prusik
  • 1 long prusik (spare)
  • 8 x screw-lock karabiners
  • 2 x pairs of gloves

Knots

  • Figure 8 on a bight (incl safety knot when on end of rope)
  • Double fisherman's (with safety tail)
  • Prusik
  • Tape knot (with safety knots)
  • Italian hitch
  • Tied off Italian with 2 half hitches
  • Tape sling improvised harness (tie on self and another)
  • Attaching sling to stretcher

Anchors

  • Always try to find a single BFT anchor
  • Tape sling to be double wrapped as low as possible
  • Tape knot away from karabiner and anchor
  • Angle of slings joining to ideally be between 45-60 degrees (always < 90, can be < 45)

Communication

  • Hand signals between rescue and edge person
  • Down - finger out and rotating, pointing down
  • Up - finger out and rotating, pointing up
  • Stop - palm held and still
  • Hand held VHF radios set on side talk mode

Stretcher Use

  • Clear a path line for the stretcher
  • Choose a suitable route

Site Map This page last modified December 7, 2007