The Complete Rescue Tripod Kit

A rescue tripod and its accessories are some of the most important tools any rescue unit can have in its arsenal. They are ideal for confined space rescue scenarios requiring quick and easy access as well as stable and safe removal of victims. However, an incomplete rescue tripod kit will not be as effective as it could be in some situations. When you're assembling your kit there are some things you should be sure to include. Below is a list of those things along with a brief explanation.

A Quality Tripod - Obviously, the most important component to a rescue tripod kit is the tripod itself. Make sure it is made of quality materials and can withstand at least several thousand pounds of pull force. Better quality tripods include extra anchors at the top in order to stabilize them with straps for webbing; they also have feet plates with holes so that the tripod can be anchored to the ground with pegs.

Winch System - Your winch system is probably the second most important component of your rescue tripod kit. Winches can be manually operated or motorized depending on your needs. Regardless, a good winch should have a built in fall arrest system as well as a friction break. The friction break prevents the winch from going into free-fall under a heavy load.

Life Line - In order to make successful rescues you'll need some sort of lifeline. Many or rescue teams use galvanized cable because of its strength and dependability. However, in some situations galvanized cable is inappropriate. Instead, you might want triple bound nylon rope. Perhaps the best way to stock your kit with lifeline is to include several different types.

Straps and Webbing - In some rescue scenarios you'll have no need to stabilize your  tripod system with any external straps. But in the case that you ever need to, you don't want to be caught without that capability. Keep on hand a collection of straps and webbing that can be used to further stabilize your tripod when necessary. High quality nylon straps should be sufficient in most cases.

Lanyards and Harnesses - If a rescue harness can be used in a particular situation it will be much easier than using a basket stretcher. Harnesses consist of two loops to slip the legs into, shoulder straps, and a midsection strap that ties it all together. A harness is connected to the lifeline with a lanyard and carabiners. Be sure your harnesses and lanyards are high quality construction with the ability to handle heavy loads.

If you assemble a quality rescue tripod kit you'll be well on your way to helping those in need during confined space rescue operations. However, the last component to the equation is proper training. While you're assembling your kit you might also think of materials that might make training your people a bit easier. You can find training materials in several different media options including DVDs, audio files, and written materials.