Every tree crew should have a plan, training, and dedicated equipment for performing an aerial rescue in case of an inured climber. The hazardous nature of tree work can create situations in which the rest of the crew must rescue or stabilize an injured team mate until EMS arrive. Aerial rescue is potentially hazardous in nature and proper training should be obtained. The gear on this page is specialized for use in rescue.
If you are looking for training in aerial rescue for arboriculture, visit Ascension Group Northwest for upcoming training opportunities.
Introducing the all-new CLUTCH, the latest evolution in rescue and rope access hardware that enables the technical rope professional to do more with less. This multi-purpose device was designed and engineered in collaboration by two companies with a collective 90 year history in rope management under heavy loads: CMC, a company with roots in rescue and rope access, and Harken Industrial, a manufacturing company with roots in high performance sailing.
Designed for intuitive, efficient operation, ease of use and optimal control, the versatile CLUTCH is suited to a multitude of rigging operations:
The wait is over - the Maestro has arrived! This descender with integrated progress-caputre pulley is sure to be a game-changer for rope rescue.
MAESTRO is a descender designed for technical rescue operations. It facilitates manipulation of heavy loads, forlowering or hauling, and may be used in both the primary system or in a back-up belay. This versatility allows rescuers toadapt to any situation they may encounter on the rescue scene. The ergonomic handle and integrated brake allow for comfortably controlled descent. Shifting from lowering position to hauling position is immediate, without the need to transfer the load. The integrated progress-capture pulley has a large diameter sheave mounted on sealed ball bearings,ensuring excellent hauling efficiency. The AUTO-LOCK system automatically locks the rope when the handle is not in use. Once locked, the rope can be taken up without having to manipulate the handle.
MAESTRO is a descender designed for technical rescue operations. It facilitates manipulation of heavy loads, forlowering or hauling, and may be used in both the primary system or in a back-up belay. This versatility allows rescuers toadapt to any situation they may encounter on the rescue scene. The ergonomic handle and integrated brake allow for comfortably controlled descent. Shifting from lowering position to hauling position is immediate, without the need totransfer the load. The integrated progress-capture pulley has a large diameter sheave mounted on sealed ball bearings,ensuring excellent hauling efficiency. The AUTO-LOCK system automatically locks the rope when the handle is not in use. Once locked, the rope can be taken up without having to manipulate the handle.
ISC HaulerBiner is a great, compact hauling/mechanical advantage system which is ideal for rescue pick-offs. Three pulley wheels are incorporated into each Karabiner, creating a compact and lightweight 6:1 or 7:1 Mechanical Advantage system. The HaulerBiner has a purpose designed progress capture cam, with an 'on/off' position.
The HaulerBiner can be used in a number of ways: As part of a pick-off system; on a structure, pull down on the system and achieve a 6:1 (theoretical) Mechanical Advantage; when suspended in a harness, the user can pull up on the system and achieve a 7:1(theoretical) Mechanical Advantage; with a D4/D2 Descender, as part of a short-haul/long-lower system; as a tensioning system for short/low load lines.
The HaulerBiner is supplied in a double pocket pouch, for easy deployment and storage on the user's harness.
The AZTEK elite system utilizes sewn cord products to create a mechanical advantage system. System contains two AZTEK Omni pulleys, 2 x 6mm sewn ratchets, and 2 Sterling SafeD carabiners. The AZTEK is contained in a compact hip-carry pouch. Creates either a 5:1 mechanical advantage or a 4:1 with a change of direction. Applications include lifting downed limbs, rescue, and more.
Petzl's JAG kit is ideal for aerial rescue kits. This haul kit is great for pick-offs, making a releasable anchor, or tensioning a system, thanks to its 4:1 mechanical advantage and excellent efficiency (sheaves with sealed ball bearings). The collapsed kit is very compact, making usage possible even if the distance to the anchor is very short - especially useful for lifting an injured climber if there is very little room to anchor the kit. The JAG system haul kit is quick and easy to deploy: it is ready to use thanks to the flexible cover that prevents any risk of tangling. The haul end is color coded for instant identification.
The Jag Pulley and progress-capturing Jag Traxion are also available individually for building your own set of 4s.
This compact set of 4s can be stowed anywhere and brought out when you need some additional power. Uses 8mm Sterling cord running on SMC Jigger Rescue Pulleys, with a bound prusik loop for progress capture. 700 lb WLL.
Contains 2 x SMC Jigger Rescue Becket Pulleys, 1/4 Quick Link, 2 x DMM Phantom Screwgate, 40' Prusik 8mm cord w/ Sewn Eye, 6mm x 12" Bound Loop Prusik.
This is a first-aid treatment device for staunching blood flow from traumatic wounds. A true compression bandage, used by medics and first responders around the world. Consolidates the numerous, currently used treatment equipment into a single unit. Combines: Non-adherrent Pad (won't stick to wounds), Pressure Applicator (apply direct pressure), Secondary Sterile Dressing (keeps the wound area clean/ maintains pressure), Closure Bar (close and fix the bandage at any point without pins, clips, tape, Velcro, or knots). Quick and easy application / self application.
Available as a kit with the bandage pouch, which includes Malice clips for secure mounting. Specify long clips (vertical mount) or short (horizontal mount).
The U-Rack utilizes Hyper bars which makes it easy to add friction or lock off the device. The rack dissipates heat excellently while still giving the needed amount of friction for long rappels. SMC tests their equipment in the user configuration which gives very accurate ratings. This rack is designed to run on ropes from 7-12.5mm and has a MBS range of 8kN to 22kN which corresponds with ropes you would use it with. At 9” x 3’ it is the most compact rack from SMC.
Buckingham’s Rescue Buck is ideal for aerial rescue training, made of heavy Cordura nylon, individual compartments can be filled with Buckmix (sold separately) to desired weight. Nylon retention straps are sewn to mid section to prevent body belt from sliding. 5’ 6” high. Each compartment has a zipper so that they can easily fill with weighted material, like Buckmix (see below). The Rescue Buck is popular with large tree companies, utilities, and government agencies which have need for a realistically weighted dummy for rescue training.