In a ravine: full scale deployment of a rescue team
Downward evacuation Context
The evacuation of persons using ropes requires highly-trained, specialized teams. The techniques used are different according to the type of rescue (urban or alpine environment, gorges, etc.).
Techniques
Lightweight techniques using a descender to evacuate a single person.
More substantial techniques that put into place separate descent and back-up systems.
The selection on anchor points, the distribution of forces across these points and the installation of devices are crucial aspects.
Checking the systems: before putting a system into operation, complete checking of the whole installation is essential; if the rigging is simple and well-organized, checking is very rapid.
Counerweight technique
Upward evacuation Context
Upward evacuation is a team enterprise, requiring perfect coordination. It relies on more complex techniques than are required for downward evacuation
Techniques
If access is easy: use of heavy equipment such as a mechanical winch.
If access is more difficult: use of a hauling system built from lightweight pulleys.
In extreme cases (confined spaces, extreme height), the use of counterweight techniques allows optimization of the quantities of ropes and equipment.
A few safety rules:
redundancy: all systems must be backed up.
checking the systems: before putting a system into operation, complete checking of the entire installation is essential; if the rigging is simple and well-organized, checking is very rapid/
