Rescue For You

I truly enjoy getting to work alongside the many groups of people and teams I train. Just recently, I was invited to do a confined space training with an amazing crew. Upon my arrival, they showed me the two rescue systems they bought online and needed training on how to use. I could quickly see these were pre-built systems and very limited in their uses. Being the gear junkie I am, my mind was racing to all of the different gear choices that I could have set them up with; I could show them “this” and “that” and how to do the same jobs more efficiently…AND…I had to stop! We’ve all played the shoulda-coulda-woulda game, and it’s never a fun game to play. So I reassessed their gear situation, in my opinion, their gear was limited, and after some reflection, it was exactly what THEY needed.

We went to their working sites and trained for their site-specific rescue, using their gear. I learned a valuable lesson through this, which is why I’m writing about it. No one really cares how cool my last cert was or all the ninja skills I could teach them using different equipment. This rad team, just needed to know how to get the rescue done as a team, using their own equipment.

This relatively small realization was pivotal for me because I reflected on the purpose behind different teams’ training. Some teams want the latest new gadget or technique that’s going to change the game or put this team above everyone else. And let’s be honest, I eat that stuff up! I love gear, new gadgets, and I LOVE showing cool new tricks and techniques. But, that’s not what everyone needs. A team should evaluate their purpose behind the trainings, and think about what would be the best use of their resources (time, money, space, and people). Are the rescues going to be relatively simple or complex, and then I tailor the training to the teams’ needs. In the end, it is our job to make the workplace safer, and while I enjoy every aspect of rescue, sometimes a team doesn’t need the whole cookie. Just a couple bites.

My gear-mance: The ASAP and ASAP Lock

 You read that right, I have basically fallen in love with the Petzl ASAP.  Why you might ask?  It is simply one of the most versatile pieces of rescue gear on the market.  It was first introduced to the Rope Access world, and due to its versatility and user-friendly design, it quickly moved into every aspect of rescue, including confined space, backcountry, and industry to name a few.  Any piece of equipment that can span all the various forms of rescue immediately has my attention.  Not only is this piece of gear adaptable, but it also has two different options.
Now let’s talk about safety because that’s why we’re all here! This ingenious invention has allowed teams to run safer trainings and rescues with fewer people.  You need training on how to use these to their full capability, and to learn the limitations of the ASAP (just ask at your next training, we can customize part of a class using these).  You will quickly see, however, that it is one of the easiest, most useful pieces of rescue gear.  I have found it can take “most” of the human error out of belays.  I like to refer to it as my second instructor when I’m teaching because I know this fool-proof design won’t make errors, as I’m watching the other safety dynamics such as technique and rigging during a busy class.   It also passes the BCCTR Belay Competence Drop Test (as do many more products which I will discuss in later blogs) and seems to be a backcountry “must” with high lines, wenches and small teams working to make safe rescues.