Low/Steep Angle Flashcards
What angle is a Non-Technical Evacuation at?
Less than 40 Degrees
Which direction do bearers face during a Non-Technical Evacuation?
The direction of travel
What is the difference between a Litter Bearer and a Litter Attendant?
Litter Bearer - Not tied into litter, for non-technical situations, they face direction of travel
Litter Attendant - Tied into litter/system, for technical situations, 4 litter attendants max and 3 min, face the anchor
At what angle is Steep Angle defined at?
40-60 degrees
What is the responsibilities of a Route Finder?
One who goes ahead of litter to find best way out. Must stay well enough ahead to allow contact movement of litter but not compromise communication, clear debris, point out obstacles, mark path, and spot for anchors if necessary. Always have a route finder even if it means stopping and lowering the litter.
What angle is a Technical Evacuation at?
Greater than 40 degrees
What type of rescues are performed above 40 degrees?
High and Steep Angle
Pickoffs
Highlines
What angle is considered Flat Angle?
0-15 Degrees
What angle is considered Low Angle?
15-40 Degrees
Are ropes used during a Flat Angle rescue?
Only if exposure risk is present
What type of Lowering System is generally used for a Low Angle rescue?
Belay is generally used
What is a Brake Mule?
One who assists the rate and stability of Descent. This could include dynamic belay, or physical contact with the litter
What points of Etiquette need to be considered?
-No idle or inappropriate conversations
-Never complain or discuss personal hardship
-Maintain positive attitude
-Do not raise your voice unless absolutely necessary
-Talk to the PT and address by name
-Be compassionate
-Be honest
-Put yourself in their place
-Think of them as a loved one
-Even when unconscious, people hear and remember
What Victim Psychology considerations should you keep in mind?
-PT can feel guilty, sorry, embarrassed, scared, angry, violent, etc.
-Even if PT is totally at fault, console them
PT can feel claustrophobic, leave limbs free to move (if possible), elevate head of litter
What are the Hand-Off considerations you need to be mindful off?
-Try to get back as much personal gear as possible
-Medical: ensure PT records go with PT and new medical is briefed
-Litters don’t go into helicopters so think of how you should package your patient – lay blanket under PT so you can lift them out at transfer
True or False: CAMRA considers low and flat angle the same.
True - Both are covered by low angle operation guidelines
What additional tools can be used to aid in carrying the litter?
Litter wheel and webbing slings
If you need to pass the litter over an obstacle what is one method that can be used?
Caterpillar Pass
How do you form the litter attachment point at the front for a steep angle rescue?
One Green 20’ section of 1” tubular webbing is candy-striped through the head of the litter and is looped and finished with a water bed.
The loops are focused with an overhand knot at the center above the litter. Add a marlin spike to the overhand.
How do you connect the litter to the system for a steep angle rescue?
Updated
Form a double long tail bowline with 2 rescue locking carabiners and have the tails reach the bottom of the litter after F8 is tied. Attach both carabiners to green webbing at the front of the litter. Attach one green prusiks to each main line the connect each one to its respective carabiner on the long tail. Pull 1 feet of slack through both prusiks to form a fuse.
Updated
What is done with the tails of the long tail bowline when rigging the litter for a steep angle rescue?
They are clove hitched to a vertical post on the litter near the head. Keep chunky part of clove on the inside
What is one of the responsibilities of a side attendant for a steep angle rescue
One of the side attendants will need to be the treatment leader, normally the highest ranking medical on scene.
Does the size of a side attendant matter for a steep angle rescue?
It matters when selecting side attendants as they should be close to the same size.
How is a side attendant attached to the litter?
Using a long personal purcell prusik by basket hitching to the litter rung and clipping into your harness. Then take a personal prusik and hitching to the long tail and clipping that into your harness
How is a foot attendant attached to the litter?
Using 2 system/personal prusiks basket hitch one on the far left side of a vertical post at the foot of the litter and the other on the far right side of a vertical post at the foot of the litter. Clip both into your harness on the same carabiner. Clip the figure 8 on the long tail into your harness.
