A Simple Tool for Complicated Tasks: The Rescue Loop

by Jeffrey Pindelski
Created: April 8, 2009

Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

Two firefighters can use the loop to extend their reach while conducting searches.
Two firefighters can use the loop to extend their reach while conducting searches.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

The loop can be utilized in helping to move a firefighter or victim up a staircase.
The loop can be utilized in helping to move a firefighter or victim up a staircase.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

The loop can be used to establish handles and grab points to move downed firefighters.
The loop can be used to establish handles and grab points to move downed firefighters.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

Secured in a girth hitch, the rescue loops can wrapped around a downed firefighter's SCBA.
Secured in a girth hitch, the rescue loops can wrapped around a downed firefighter's SCBA.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

A piece of rubberized shrink wrapping can be applied over the knot to provide a gripping surface as well as provide protection for the knot.
A piece of rubberized shrink wrapping can be applied over the knot to provide a gripping surface as well as provide protection for the knot.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

Step 3: Once tightend, it forms a strong loop.
Step 3: Once tightend, it forms a strong loop.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

Step 3: Tighten both sides down to cinch upon each other.
Step 3: Tighten both sides down to cinch upon each other.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

Step 2: Repeat Step 1 with the opposite rope end.
Step 2: Repeat Step 1 with the opposite rope end.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

Step 1: Wrap one end of the rope over the other two times. The second wrap should cross over the first. Pull the working end through the wraps.
Step 1: Wrap one end of the rope over the other two times. The second wrap should cross over the first. Pull the working end through the wraps.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

Two firefighters can use the loop to extend their reach while conducting searches.
Two firefighters can use the loop to extend their reach while conducting searches.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

The loop can be utilized in helping to move a firefighter or victim up a staircase.
The loop can be utilized in helping to move a firefighter or victim up a staircase.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

The loop can be used to establish handles and grab points to move downed firefighters.
The loop can be used to establish handles and grab points to move downed firefighters.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

Secured in a girth hitch, the rescue loops can wrapped around a downed firefighter's SCBA.
Secured in a girth hitch, the rescue loops can wrapped around a downed firefighter's SCBA.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

A piece of rubberized shrink wrapping can be applied over the knot to provide a gripping surface as well as provide protection for the knot.
A piece of rubberized shrink wrapping can be applied over the knot to provide a gripping surface as well as provide protection for the knot.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

Step 3: Once tightend, it forms a strong loop.
Step 3: Once tightend, it forms a strong loop.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

Step 3: Tighten both sides down to cinch upon each other.
Step 3: Tighten both sides down to cinch upon each other.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

Step 2: Repeat Step 1 with the opposite rope end.
Step 2: Repeat Step 1 with the opposite rope end.
Photo by Jeffrey Pindelski

Step 1: Wrap one end of the rope over the other two times. The second wrap should cross over the first. Pull the working end through the wraps.
Step 1: Wrap one end of the rope over the other two times. The second wrap should cross over the first. Pull the working end through the wraps.
Photo by Jim Pelliterri

The prussik or rescue loop has traditionally been used in the high angle rescue field.
The prussik or rescue loop has traditionally been used in the high angle rescue field.
Photo by Jim Pelliterri

The prussik or rescue loop has traditionally been used in the high angle rescue field.
The prussik or rescue loop has traditionally been used in the high angle rescue field.

These are just a very few of the effective ways that a prussik or rescue loop can be utilized to make operating on the fireground safer or more efficient. When it comes to this regard, it is important that we remember that we are only limited by our imagination.

Please share any additional thoughts or uses for this simple but extremely versatile tool. The fireground is a very dynamic and dangerous environment. As with all aspects of firefighting, practice and training prior to an emergency will only increase our chances for success and survival. Are you ready for that challenge?

JEFFREY PINDELSKI, a Firehouse.com Contributing Editor, is a 18-year veteran of the fire service and currently serves as a battalion chief with the Downers Grove, IL, Fire Department. He is the Western Regional Director for the Fire Department Safety Officers Association and a staff instructor at the College of Du Page in Glen Ellyn, IL. Jeff is co-author of the text R.I.C.O., Rapid Intervention Company Operations and is a revising author for Delmar/Cengage Learning where he is also a member of their fire service advisory board.. Jeff presented the webcast Rope Essentials for Rapid Intervention and Survival on Firehouse.com and he has participated in Training & Tactics Talk and Training & Tactics Talk: Training Philosophies on Radio@Firehouse.com. To read Jeff's complete biography and view his archived articles, click here. You can reach Jeff by e-mail at firelt226@aol.com.

« Previous Page
1
2
3
Next Page »

Sign Up