Rope rescue operations involve multiple skill sets put together to accomplish the incident’s objectives. There are anchors, main line systems, belay lines and systems, patient packaging techniques and devices — all combined during the rope rescue incident.
Each of those components is practiced individually and collectively during training so that the responders are properly prepared when the call for service happens.
Unfortunately, the edge transition phase is one critical part of a rope rescue operation that is often missing from the training. This is probably one of the most difficult and challenging pieces of the entire operation, especially when working in remote areas and when there are no high points to make the transition easier.