Learning the SPRAT Curriculum: Pick-off Rescue of Casualty while Negotiating Obstacles

Written by Josh Delefortrie | Dec 2, 2019 10:22:19 PM

The following are advanced rescues and require a high level of skill, comfort, and efficiency using rope access systems. If any of the rescues listed in this requirement are included in a site's Rope Access Work Plan, qualified team members will need to be accessible and capable of springing into action should the need arise.

During your SPRAT Evaluation, L3 techs will be asked to demonstrate two different pick-off rescues:

  1. A pick-off rescue followed by a descent with a casualty, while negotiating either a deviation or re-anchor.
  2. A pick-off rescue of a casualty who’s become stuck while switching from one rope system to another, during either a rope-to-rope transfer or a re-anchor (the casualty will not be placed at the lowest part of the re-anchor for this exercise). 
In addition to making sure that you can perform both of these rescues safely and efficiently, your SPRAT Evaluator will be watching to make sure that you:
  • Manage and prevent any excess slack from building up in the safety line (for passing a deviation)
  • Avoid tangles with the re-anchor loops (for passing a re-anchor)
  • Avoid the potential of an out-of-control swing by maintaining the appropriate number of connection points.
  • Avoid high interior angles.
  • Practice good casualty management and demonstrate an awareness of the dangers associated with suspension intolerance.

One of your classmates may take on the role of casualty, and feign immobility, so that you can realistically perform both pick-off rescues. If you're playing the role of 'casualty', please remember to wear a comfort seat and keep your legs moving to prevent the onset of symptoms associated with suspension intolerance. 

We'll go into further detail on all of the above during your training week. 

Additional resources to check out

9.9 of the SPRAT Evaluation Guidelines for the source material for this blog (this requirement is broken up into two separate sub-requirements on the SPRAT Technician Evaluation Form). 

9.9 of the SPRAT Certification Requirements for a concise evaluation summary of both rescues. 

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This is part of an ongoing series, where we’re breaking down the SPRAT Syllabus and clarifying exactly what will be expected of you on your evaluation day. To continue exploring this series and learn more about SPRAT's Technician Evaluation Form, please click below:

 
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