Roger: 0:02

Talking Trees with Lily and Jad. Welcome to this episode of Talking Trees. Today we're diving into a technical guide that details the procedures and safety measures for rescuing tree climbers. This comprehensive document covers rescue planning, essential preparation and the training of rescuers. Preparation and the training of rescuers. It explores various rescue techniques, including MRT and SRT systems, and provides a step-by-step process from assessing the situation to handing over the injured person to emergency services. Let's unpack these critical insights together.

Jad: 0:43

Welcome back everyone to the Deep Dive. You know, today we're climbing high into the canopy.

Lilly: 0:48

Oh yeah.

Jad: 0:48

To explore tree rescue techniques.

Lilly: 0:51

Right.

Jad: 0:51

For all of you professional tree climbers out, we've got a whole stack of expert guides and resources here.

Lilly: 0:57

Right.

Jad: 0:57

Really focusing on what to do when things go wrong up in the branches.

Lilly: 1:01

And you know, it's not just about the technical skills right, it's got to be having a plan, understanding your equipment and being able to think clearly under pressure.

Jad: 1:11

For sure, for sure. So before you even touch that climbing rope, you need a rescue plan.

Lilly: 1:16

Right.

Jad: 1:16

What kind of factors go into creating a solid plan?

Lilly: 1:20

Well, you've got to consider the tree itself.

Jad: 1:23

Oh yeah, of course.

Lilly: 1:24

What are the hazards? Is it a dense canopy? Are there dead branches? Then there's the equipment Right. Do we have everything we need for a potential rescue and, maybe most importantly, who is our designated rescuer?

Jad: 1:37

Okay, so the rescuer is it always somebody on the ground?

Lilly: 1:40

Not necessarily Okay. Sometimes it makes more sense for climbers to be each other's backup.

Jad: 1:45

Yeah.

Lilly: 1:46

Especially if they're working in the same tree.

Jad: 1:48

I see.

Lilly: 1:48

Think about it If someone gets injured on a high branch, you want a rescuer who can get to them quickly and efficiently.

Jad: 1:57

Yeah, that makes sense.

Lilly: 1:58

Yeah.

Jad: 1:58

So climber proficiency, equipment, resources, even the tree structure they all come into play when you're deciding who can handle a rescue.

Lilly: 2:06

Exactly, and something these guides really emphasize is the concept of self-rescue. Every climber should be thinking what if I need to get myself out of a jam?

Jad: 2:15

So knowing basic rescue techniques and maintaining good rope positioning are like your personal insurance policy up there.

Lilly: 2:22

That's a great way to put it. It's about empowering yourself to be part of the solution.

Jad: 2:26

Right.

Lilly: 2:27

Not just waiting for someone to come to the rescue.

Jad: 2:29

Okay, let's get into the nitty gritty. Okay, what are some of the rescue scenarios a climber might actually face?

Lilly: 2:35

Well, the guides break it down into a few types. Okay, first, there's the scenario where the climber's fall protection system is still intact. They call this rescue method A Right no damaged ropes, no tangled gear.

Jad: 2:47

Sounds pretty straightforward.

Lilly: 2:48

Yeah.

Jad: 2:49

What does a rescue look like in that case?

Lilly: 2:57

The rescuer would ascend to a secure anchor point above the climber in trouble. Okay. They connect to the climber, assess their condition and then they descend together using the climber's existing system. Smooth and controlled, okay, but what happens when the climber's existing system?

Jad: 3:05

smooth and controlled, okay, but what happens when the climber's system is compromised?

Lilly: 3:08

Right.

Jad: 3:09

Say, a rope is damaged or the harness is malfunctioning. Yeah, it's got to be more complicated.

Lilly: 3:14

Absolutely. The guides call this rescue method B. Okay, Now the rescuer still needs to reach the climber and secure them, but because their system isn't reliable, they have to connect them to the rescuer system.

Jad: 3:27

I imagine that involves some serious weight transfer and friction management you got it.

Lilly: 3:33

The rescuer system needs to be robust enough to handle the load of two people. These guides even suggest adding extra friction to the rescuer system. It makes the descent smoother and safer.

Jad: 3:46

Okay, that's a great tip. Now we can't forget about single rope technique.

Lilly: 3:50

Ooh, yeah, or SRT Right.

Jad: 3:52

That adds another layer of complexity, doesn't it?

Lilly: 3:54

It sure does. See in SRT the climber's rope is static. Attaching a casualty directly to it with a friction hitch can cause all sorts of problems. The hitch might slide down, bind up, even interfere with the rescuer's gear.

Jad: 4:08

Yikes. So how do you work around that with SRT?

Lilly: 4:11

The guys offer a couple of options. One is for the rescuer to ascend using their SRT system.

Jad: 4:17

Okay.

Lilly: 4:18

But then they set up a temporary anchor above their friction device, then they use an additional separate rope system, almost like a mini MRT setup, to reach the casualty.

Jad: 4:28

Ah, so they basically switch over to a system that allows for more controlled lowering.

Lilly: 4:32

Exactly From there. They can either use that separate rope system to perform a method B rescue or connect the casualty to their original SRT rope and go with a method A rescue OK, Depending on the situation and the casualties.

Jad: 4:46

Condition OK, so we've covered scenarios where lowering is possible. Right, but what if the climber is stuck somewhere they can't be lowered from, say wedged in a tight fork or caught in a tension system?

Lilly: 4:58

Good question. That's where lifting or hauling techniques come in.

Jad: 5:01

Okay.

Lilly: 5:02

The guides mentioned, using basic climbing systems.

Jad: 5:04

Yeah.

Lilly: 5:04

But sometimes you need a more complex setup. Imagine using pulleys and ropes to actually hoist the climber out of a tricky spot.

Jad: 5:12

I'm starting to see why a well-thought-out rescue plan is so crucial. You need to be ready for anything.

Lilly: 5:18

Absolutely, and there's another technique called a counterbalance rescue.

Jad: 5:22

Okay.

Lilly: 5:23

Where the rescuer actually uses their own weight to help lift or move the casualty short distances.

Jad: 5:29

Like a human counterweight.

Lilly: 5:31

Exactly. They secure themselves above the casualty, create a temporary anchor and then connect the casualty to their system. By carefully descending, they use their own way to offset the casualties.

Jad: 5:43

Oh, I see.

Lilly: 5:44

Allowing for some controlled movement.

Jad: 5:46

That's a clever technique. What other rescue methods should we be aware of?

Lilly: 5:50

One more that comes up frequently is the belay rescue. This is where a separate belay line is set up specifically for the rescue above the casualty.

Jad: 5:58

So I'm picturing a line running from above the casualty down to an anchor and then to the climber.

Lilly: 6:04

You got it. Someone on the ground can carefully lower the climber down.

Roger: 6:09

Okay.

Lilly: 6:09

Using either a mechanical device or a friction hitch system with added friction for extra control.

Jad: 6:14

Wow, this is a lot to take in, but it's clearly crucial information for anyone working at height.

Lilly: 6:19

It is, and throughout any rescue, keeping the casualty upright to maintain their airway and keeping them under control to prevent further injury is paramount. Yeah, the guides even suggest using both the rescuers and the casualties' equipment to achieve this.

Jad: 6:33

That's a great point. You really need to be able to think on your feet and adapt to the situation.

Lilly: 6:37

Absolutely. And there's one more critical point that guides Ray's dealing with suspected spinal injuries.

Jad: 6:42

That definitely adds another layer of complexity.

Lilly: 6:44

It does. They emphasize extreme caution, working closely with emergency personnel whenever possible and prioritizing the ABCs airway, breathing and bleeding control.

Jad: 6:54

It makes sense.

Lilly: 6:54

Yeah.

Jad: 6:55

You don't want to exacerbate an injury by moving someone incorrectly.

Lilly: 6:58

Right, and once the immediate rescue is complete, there's still the handover to emergency services to think about.

Jad: 7:03

Yeah.

Lilly: 7:04

Clear and concise communication is key.

Jad: 7:06

So things like the climber's, location of the tree, the nature of their injuries, any relevant medical information it all needs to be relayed accurately and efficiently.

Lilly: 7:15

Precisely and don't forget the post-accident procedures Preserving the scene, notifying management, documenting everything it can be crucial for investigations and preventing future accidents.

Jad: 7:27

There's so much more to tree rescue than I initially realized. It's not just about getting someone down. It's about doing it safely and effectively, with a deep understanding of the techniques and potential complications.

Lilly: 7:39

Could have said it better myself Preparation, knowledge and a commitment to safety at every step.

Jad: 7:43

You know, as we've been discussing these different scenarios and techniques, I've been thinking about the mental side of things. Oh yeah, it's got to be incredibly stressful for both the rescuer and the person being rescued.

Lilly: 7:54

Absolutely. One of the guides actually addresses this subtly. Okay, when discussing rescue method A Remember that's when the climber system is still usable Right, they recommend that if the climber is conscious, the rescuer should involve them in the process as much as possible.

Jad: 8:13

That's a really interesting point. I can see how it would be helpful, practically, yeah, but also it keeps the climber occupied Right, potentially reducing their anxiety.

Lilly: 8:22

Exactly yeah. It shifts the focus from feeling helpless to being an active participant in their own rescue.

Jad: 8:29

Right.

Lilly: 8:29

That sense of teamwork and control can make a huge difference in a high stress situation.

Jad: 8:34

Now let's talk about equipment for a moment. Okay, you mentioned earlier that equipment used for regular climbing might not be suitable for rescue scenarios.

Lilly: 8:42

Right.

Jad: 8:42

Can you elaborate on that?

Lilly: 8:44

Sure, one of the big things the guides emphasize is the issue of two-person loading. A lot of climbing equipment is designed and rated for the weight of a single person Right. When you add the weight of a second person the rescuer you're putting significantly more stress on that equipment.

Jad: 9:00

So a carabiner that's perfectly safe for one person? Yeah, might not hold the combined weight of two.

Lilly: 9:08

Precisely, and it's not just carabiners.

Jad: 9:11

Okay.

Lilly: 9:11

Ropes, harnesses, even friction hitches Right. Everything needs to be carefully assessed to ensure it can handle the extra load of a two-person rescue.

Jad: 9:20

The guides also mention that friction management becomes especially critical in two-person rescues. For sure. What's the reasoning behind that?

Lilly: 9:27

Well, think about how a friction hitch works. When it's supporting the weight of one person, it generates a certain amount of heat due to friction at a second person, and that heat increases dramatically.

Jad: 9:40

Because there's more weight pressing down, creating more friction.

Lilly: 9:42

Exactly. This can actually damage the rope over time and even cause the hitch to bind up, making the descent jerky or even impossible.

Jad: 9:52

So how do you mitigate that extra heat and friction?

Lilly: 9:56

The guides recommend incorporating additional friction management techniques for components into the rescue system.

Jad: 10:03

Things like adding an extra wrap to your friction hitch Yep, or using a device specifically designed for higher loads.

Lilly: 10:09

Exactly. The goal is to distribute the friction more evenly Right Prevent excessive heat buildup and ensure a smooth, controlled descent.

Jad: 10:16

Right Prevent excessive heat buildup and ensure a smooth, controlled descent. That makes a lot of sense. It's all about anticipating these potential challenges and having the knowledge and the right equipment to address them safely.

Lilly: 10:25

And that brings us back to the importance of training and practice.

Jad: 10:27

Yeah.

Lilly: 10:28

You need to be so familiar with your equipment and rescue techniques that in a real-life emergency you can react quickly and confidently.

Jad: 10:36

Speaking of training, one guide recommends practicing rescue scenarios at least every six months.

Lilly: 10:41

Okay.

Jad: 10:41

They even suggest simulating authentic situations as much as possible. Right, what would that look like in practice?

Lilly: 10:47

Let's say you're practicing a rescue from the end of a limb Right. Accessing the casualty in that position is going to be much more challenging Right Than, say, if they were hanging near the trunk.

Jad: 10:57

Yeah.

Lilly: 10:58

So practicing that specific scenario is invaluable.

Jad: 11:02

Right, because different locations in the tree will present different challenges.

Lilly: 11:05

Exactly, or you might practice dealing with a scenario where the casualty has a chainsaw with them.

Jad: 11:11

Oh yeah.

Lilly: 11:11

What do you do with that tool during the rescue?

Jad: 11:13

Right.

Lilly: 11:14

These are the kinds of things you need to think through and practice beforehand.

Jad: 11:17

And it's not just about the rescuer right Right. The guide also mentions role-playing, the handover to emergency services.

Lilly: 11:24

Yes, that's a crucial step that often gets overlooked in training. Yeah, being able to clearly and concisely communicate the situation to paramedics or firefighters can have a huge impact on the outcome.

Jad: 11:36

Things like the climber's exact location in the tree.

Lilly: 11:39

Yeah.

Jad: 11:39

The nature of their injuries, yeah, any relevant medical information. It all needs to be relayed effectively.

Lilly: 11:45

It's about ensuring that seamless transition of care, even in a chaotic situation.

Jad: 11:51

These guides are incredibly thorough.

Lilly: 11:53

They are.

Jad: 11:53

They even cover post-accident procedures like preserving the scene, notifying management and documenting the incident.

Lilly: 12:01

It's all about learning from these incidents and taking steps to prevent future accidents.

Jad: 12:05

Right, it's not just reacting to the immediate emergency.

Lilly: 12:08

Right.

Jad: 12:09

But also contributing to a safer work environment in the long run.

Lilly: 12:12

And it's interesting that they even touch on the legal aspects of accident investigations. They advise climbers to cooperate with authorities, but they also caution against publicizing the accident on social media or sharing details with unauthorized parties.

Jad: 12:29

It really underscores the seriousness of these situations and the importance of maintaining professional conduct throughout the process.

Lilly: 12:36

It's a good reminder that, while we're talking about trees, this is a field with high stakes and real consequences. Well, said.

Jad: 12:43

You know, one thing that's really stood out to me throughout these guides is the emphasis on pre-planning.

Lilly: 12:48

Yeah.

Jad: 12:49

It's not just about having the skills and the equipment Right. It's about anticipating the problems before you even step foot in the tree.

Lilly: 12:56

Absolutely, and one of the most effective pre-planning strategies is installing a pre-installed rescue line.

Jad: 13:03

Okay.

Lilly: 13:03

They recommend this whenever possible.

Jad: 13:05

So this is like a dedicated line already set up in the tree.

Lilly: 13:08

Right.

Jad: 13:08

Ready to go in case of emergency.

Lilly: 13:10

Exactly it provides a quick and easy access route for the rescuer.

Jad: 13:15

Yeah.

Lilly: 13:15

Saving precious time in a critical situation.

Jad: 13:18

I can see how that would be especially valuable in a dense canopy.

Lilly: 13:21

Oh yeah.

Jad: 13:22

Where maneuvering around branches could be tricky.

Lilly: 13:25

Absolutely, or if the climber's injury is severe and a rapid rescue is needed.

Jad: 13:30

Right.

Lilly: 13:30

Having that pre-installed line can make all the difference.

Jad: 13:34

One guide actually says climbers should be prepared to justify why a pre-installed line wasn't included in their rescue plan. That's pretty strong wording.

Lilly: 13:44

It is. It really highlights how important they consider the safety measure Right. Of course, there might be legitimate reasons why it's not feasible in every situation.

Jad: 13:54

Yeah.

Lilly: 13:55

But it should always be a primary consideration.

Jad: 13:59

It's all about taking those extra steps to ensure a safe and successful rescue Right. Speaking of safety, these guides also stress the importance of clear communication during an emergency.

Lilly: 14:10

Yeah, you're right. They emphasize knowing the exact location of the nearest phone and making sure everyone on site knows how to use it and who to call. It sounds basic, yeah, but in a high stress situation it's easy to overlook the simple things.

Jad: 14:23

They also go a step further.

Lilly: 14:24

Yeah.

Jad: 14:24

And recommend that climbers be able to provide accurate location details like grid references or GPS coordinates.

Lilly: 14:32

That's vital for directing emergency services to the right location, especially if you're working in a remote area.

Jad: 14:37

It's like creating a roadmap for the first responders, yeah, so they can reach the scene quickly and efficiently.

Lilly: 14:42

Exactly. It's about eliminating any potential delays, when every second counts.

Jad: 14:46

For sure. So we've explored a wide range of rescue techniques and scenarios today.

Roger: 14:52

Yeah.

Jad: 14:52

But ultimately, knowledge is only powerful when it's put into practice Right. But ultimately, knowledge is only powerful when it's put into practice Right. Regular training, realistic simulations, a commitment to continually refining your rescue skills Yep, those are the keys to being truly prepared for anything.

Lilly: 15:08

Well said. Remember, safety isn't just a checklist.

Jad: 15:11

Yeah.

Lilly: 15:11

It's a mindset.

Jad: 15:12

So, as we wrap up this deep dive, we want to leave you with this question Okay, considering the various rescue methods we've discussed, what specific techniques or scenarios would you like to practice to improve your own rescue skills? Think about your strengths and weaknesses and the unique challenges of the environments you typically work in, and remember the best rescue is the one you never have to perform. Stay vigilant, climb safe and keep those rescue skills sharp.

Lilly: 15:37

Great advice.

Jad: 15:39

That's all for this deep dive. Thanks for joining us and until next time, happy climbing.

Roger: 15:46

Thank you for joining us for this important episode of Talking Trees. If you found today's discussion on tree climber rescue procedures valuable, make sure to subscribe and stay updated on future episodes. Your support helps us continue sharing crucial knowledge. We're grateful to have you as part of our community and we look forward to bringing you more essential insights next time. Until then, stay safe and keep growing with us.