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Video: Lifts & Shifts
In this episode Rich introduces some quick and simple rescue techniques for helping a partner who gets something jammed in their rappel device during descent. These methods, known as lifts and shifts, aim to remove weight from the rappel device to free the obstruction.
The techniques range from employing different mechanical advantage systems for lifting to using a releasable contingency to transfer the load to another rope.
Rich explains how to set up and use 2:1, 3:1, and 6:1 mechanical advantage systems, emphasizing the importance of using a separate rescue rope or isolating the rescue portion from a static rigging setup.
Please share your comments below the video.
Key Takeaways
- The primary goal is to remove tension from the rappel device to free the jam.
- A releasable contingency allows for easy load transfer to a rescue rope.
- Without a releasable contingency, lifting techniques (manual or mechanical) are necessary.
- Mechanical advantage systems (2:1, 3:1, 6:1) can be used for more efficient lifting.
- A 2:1 drop loop provides immediate doubled lifting power.
- A 6:1 compound mechanical advantage can be created by combining 2:1 and 3:1 systems.
- When using a static block setup, a separate rescue rope or isolation is necessary.
- No progress capture device is needed for temporary lifts.
Responses
These are great skills to have. While they are rarely needed, when they are needed they are really needed. In this video Rich is almost always using a backup rescue rope. Many do not carry a backup rope to save weight. There are many ways to perform a lift using a variety of materials. Think of the principles involved and see what you have on your harness or in your pack that would allow you to accomplish these lifts.