High-Angle Rope Rescue Techniques
Questions and Answers Latest Version
Already Passed
What is the primary purpose of a belay line in rope rescue?
✔✔ A belay line is a backup safety line that protects the rescuer or victim in case the main line
fails.
Describe what a “knot pass” is and when it would be necessary during a rescue operation.
✔✔ A knot pass is a technique used to safely transition a rope system over a knot, typically
needed when using joined ropes that must pass through a pulley or descent control device.
What is a main line in rope rescue systems?
✔✔ The main line is the primary rope used to support and move a rescuer or load during a rope
operation.
Explain the function of a prusik in a rope system.
✔✔ A prusik is a friction hitch used for progress capture, backup belay, or ascending a rope.
1
,Why is edge protection used during high-angle rescues?
✔✔ Edge protection prevents rope damage from sharp or abrasive surfaces, increasing safety and
prolonging rope life.
What does “tensioned belay” mean in rope rescue terminology?
✔✔ A tensioned belay refers to a belay system where the belay line is actively tensioned to
mirror the movement of the main line, providing immediate backup support.
Describe the purpose of a mechanical advantage system.
✔✔ A mechanical advantage system reduces the amount of force needed to raise a load by using
pulleys to distribute weight.
How do you determine the direction of loading when building an anchor system?
✔✔ The direction of loading is determined by analyzing the anticipated pull on the system based
on the movement of the load and the placement of the anchor.
What is a “bombproof anchor” in rope rescue?
✔✔ A bombproof anchor is a highly secure and redundant anchor point capable of holding the
maximum potential force applied during a rescue.
2
,What is the difference between a static rope and a dynamic rope?
✔✔ A static rope stretches very little under load, making it ideal for hauling and rappelling. A
dynamic rope stretches more and is used where energy absorption is necessary, such as in
climbing falls.
Why is a load-releasing hitch important in rescue systems?
✔✔ A load-releasing hitch allows controlled transfer of load between systems or the safe
lowering of a suspended load.
Describe the role of a litter attendant in a vertical raise.
✔✔ A litter attendant manages the patient and litter during a vertical movement, ensuring patient
safety, balance, and communication with the team.
What is the difference between a low-angle and a high-angle rescue environment?
✔✔ Low-angle terrain has a slope that allows rescuers to maintain contact with the ground,
while high-angle terrain is steep enough that rescuers are suspended entirely on rope systems.
Explain why redundant systems are crucial in rope rescue.
3
, ✔✔ Redundant systems provide backup components in case of failure, ensuring the operation
remains safe and controlled.
What is a tandem prusik belay system?
✔✔ A tandem prusik belay system uses two prusik loops to act as a belay mechanism, providing
fall protection and arrest.
Why are load tests performed on anchors before use?
✔✔ Load tests verify the anchor’s ability to hold the anticipated load safely before being used in
a rescue operation.
Describe the function of a progress capture device in a hauling system.
✔✔ A progress capture device prevents the load from slipping backward during hauling by
locking the rope in one direction.
What is a twin tension rope system (TTRS)?
✔✔ A TTRS uses two tensioned main lines sharing the load equally, improving safety and load
control during rescue operations.
4
Questions and Answers Latest Version
Already Passed
What is the primary purpose of a belay line in rope rescue?
✔✔ A belay line is a backup safety line that protects the rescuer or victim in case the main line
fails.
Describe what a “knot pass” is and when it would be necessary during a rescue operation.
✔✔ A knot pass is a technique used to safely transition a rope system over a knot, typically
needed when using joined ropes that must pass through a pulley or descent control device.
What is a main line in rope rescue systems?
✔✔ The main line is the primary rope used to support and move a rescuer or load during a rope
operation.
Explain the function of a prusik in a rope system.
✔✔ A prusik is a friction hitch used for progress capture, backup belay, or ascending a rope.
1
,Why is edge protection used during high-angle rescues?
✔✔ Edge protection prevents rope damage from sharp or abrasive surfaces, increasing safety and
prolonging rope life.
What does “tensioned belay” mean in rope rescue terminology?
✔✔ A tensioned belay refers to a belay system where the belay line is actively tensioned to
mirror the movement of the main line, providing immediate backup support.
Describe the purpose of a mechanical advantage system.
✔✔ A mechanical advantage system reduces the amount of force needed to raise a load by using
pulleys to distribute weight.
How do you determine the direction of loading when building an anchor system?
✔✔ The direction of loading is determined by analyzing the anticipated pull on the system based
on the movement of the load and the placement of the anchor.
What is a “bombproof anchor” in rope rescue?
✔✔ A bombproof anchor is a highly secure and redundant anchor point capable of holding the
maximum potential force applied during a rescue.
2
,What is the difference between a static rope and a dynamic rope?
✔✔ A static rope stretches very little under load, making it ideal for hauling and rappelling. A
dynamic rope stretches more and is used where energy absorption is necessary, such as in
climbing falls.
Why is a load-releasing hitch important in rescue systems?
✔✔ A load-releasing hitch allows controlled transfer of load between systems or the safe
lowering of a suspended load.
Describe the role of a litter attendant in a vertical raise.
✔✔ A litter attendant manages the patient and litter during a vertical movement, ensuring patient
safety, balance, and communication with the team.
What is the difference between a low-angle and a high-angle rescue environment?
✔✔ Low-angle terrain has a slope that allows rescuers to maintain contact with the ground,
while high-angle terrain is steep enough that rescuers are suspended entirely on rope systems.
Explain why redundant systems are crucial in rope rescue.
3
, ✔✔ Redundant systems provide backup components in case of failure, ensuring the operation
remains safe and controlled.
What is a tandem prusik belay system?
✔✔ A tandem prusik belay system uses two prusik loops to act as a belay mechanism, providing
fall protection and arrest.
Why are load tests performed on anchors before use?
✔✔ Load tests verify the anchor’s ability to hold the anticipated load safely before being used in
a rescue operation.
Describe the function of a progress capture device in a hauling system.
✔✔ A progress capture device prevents the load from slipping backward during hauling by
locking the rope in one direction.
What is a twin tension rope system (TTRS)?
✔✔ A TTRS uses two tensioned main lines sharing the load equally, improving safety and load
control during rescue operations.
4
