Ropes 6 Search Rope Flashcards
What other tool should be used in conjunction with the search rope if available?
1.3 The Thermal Imaging Camera (if available) should be used in conjunction with the search rope. The officer can evaluate conditions and monitor the member’s progress. Do not become dependant on the Thermal Imaging Camera, it is an electronic device and can malfunction.
How long is the search rope?
2.1 The Search Rope is made of either 5/16th inch diameter white nylon or a 7.5 mm diameter Kernmantle design. The rope is 200 feet long with a snap hook at each end.
Due to shrinkage and the installation of the distance and directional knots the nylon search ropes may be short by how many feet or more?
2.3 Note: Nylon search ropes shrink over time due to many reasons, with moisture and temperature being the most common. Due to this shrinkage and the installation of distance and directional knots, nylon search ropes may be short by 25 feet or more.
What are the distances of the directional knots?
What are the distances between the the directional knots?
How many inches is the directional knot before the distances knots?
- KNOTS
3.1 A series of knots are used to identify direction to and distance from the tie off point.
3.2 The intervals of the distance knots are 25 feet apart.
3.3 A single knot is tied at 25 feet, two knots tied at 50 feet, three knots at 75 feet, four knots at 100 feet, five knots for 125 feet, six knots for 150 feet and the last set of seven knots for 175 feet.
3.4 Spacing between the distance knots is approximately six inches. A single direction knot is located 18 inches before the distance knots when traveling in the direction of deployment. This knot will always be closer to the tie off or exit.
3.5 By tying these knots in the rope, the actual length of the rope will be shorter than 200 feet.
Note: The 25 foot distance knot will not have a direction knot.
What MUST a unit do when deploying the rope?
5.1 When a unit deploys the search rope they must notify the Incident Commander (IC).
How many feet off the ground shall the rope be mantained while deploying it?
5.6 The rope should be tied off at intervals to help keep it taut and off the floor. The rope shall be maintained approximately one to two feet above ground. This will keep it out of water and make the rope easier to find. When changing direction or grade, the rope shall be tied off. This allows the member to traverse the same ground when exiting.
When a search is interrupted and the search team has to exit what are the 2 things they can do with the rope?
5.9 If a teams search is interrupted (e.g., low air, victim removal), tie off the line and leave the bag with the remainder of the rope. Another unit can continue the search using this rope.
5.10 If there is nothing to tie off to, take a few wraps around the bag with the rope and leave in
place.
