Offthe Edge withRescue Tripods
Haveyou heard the phrase "living on the edge?" We're sure youhave. It's a philosophy that many people employ in their daily livesas a means of keeping things exciting. But when it comes to aconfined space rescue scenario, living on the edge is the last thingyou want. Instead, you want safety and assurance. You want a rescuetripod or in davit that will get you out of a tight situation asquickly and safely as possible.
Tounderstand what we're talking about here, think of hoisting a largerock out of a hole with nothing but a rope and a couple of friends.If you picture that in your mind you'll undoubtedly see the ropedragging on the edge of the hole as you pull up. This friction cancause the rope to wear and fray, and possibly even snap during yourpull. While that's not a problem for a large rock, it's a big problemfor a human victim.
ArtificialHigh Directionals
Rescuetripods are sometimes known as artificial high directionals. Thisdesignation comes from the fact that they present the pivot point ofa rope and pulley system at a centred location, 7 to 8 feet above theopening of an access hole. This type of arrangement is artificial inthe sense that the natural pivot point if such a device were not usedwould be at the edge of an access hole. Using the previous example,without the use of a rescue tripod or davit system the pivot point ofa rescue line would also represent its weakest point.
Bycreating this artificial pivot point rescuers are able to lowerworkers into a confined space area and lift victims out in the safestway possible. There is no danger of friction between rope and edgeand therefore, a greatly reduced likelihood of a rescue linebreaking. The rescue tripod also offers a much more controlleddescent of rescue workers and ascent of victims - primarily becausethere is less friction in pulley system and the winch draws the ropeat a consistent speed. With the proper use of a tripod and otherequipment victims trapped in confined spaces are offered the safestpossible extraction.
ProperTraining Required
Aslightweight and easy as rescue tripods are, they should not be usedcarelessly. It is critically important that rescue workers beproperly trained in confined space rescue methods before attemptingto use a tripod in a rescue scenario. Without proper training victimscan be injured or possibly killed. The same can be said for confinedspace rescue davits, harnesses and lanyards, and even basketstretchers.
Inthe hands of a trained crew a rescue tripod can mean the differencebetween life and death. Fortunately, they are extremely commonplacein this day and age. Most fire departments and rescue units have atleast one in their possession; some have multiple units. They areextremely portable, lightweight, and easy to store and use.