Course Description
This 5-day Rope Rescue Technician course is for teams that are already running rope calls and need to handle the complex stuff: multi-pitch operations, AHDs, offsets, simple highlines, and scenarios where "just lower it" isn't an option.
You'll spend the week building and running advanced systems, solving ugly terrain problems, and leading small teams through high-consequence evolutions. The classroom time is minimal—just enough to frame the next block of work—then you're outside, rigging, troubleshooting, and running scenarios.
This course covers:
- Advanced anchor systems and artificial high directionals (AHDs)
- Directional offsets and simple highline-style systems
- Multi-pitch operations with system resets and changeovers
- Complex terrain: multi-edge, overhangs, and bad access
- Leadership and risk decision-making under pressure
This isn't about memorizing more knots. It's about understanding system logic, reading terrain, and making clean decisions when the call is hard and the margin is thin.
Core Skills & Objectives
Advanced Anchors & System Design
- Multi-point anchor systems with complex load distribution
- Artificial high directionals (AHDs): tripods, A-frames, gin poles
- System redundancy and failure planning
- Load calculations and safety factors
Complex Rope Systems
- Directional offsets and simple highlines
- Multi-pitch raises and lowers with system resets
- Integrated MA systems for complex terrain
- Edge transitions and multi-edge problems
Technical Rescue Scenarios
- High-angle rescue operations
- Confined space rope integration
- Multi-victim and extended operations
- Night and low-visibility operations
Leadership & Risk Management
- Lead rope rescue teams and task groups
- Make disciplined go/no-go decisions
- Coordinate with other rescue disciplines
- Develop and maintain team SOPs
Training Methods
- Short classroom blocks on advanced rigging theory, forces, and system design
- Intensive hands-on labs for AHDs, offsets, and complex anchor configurations
- Progressive multi-pitch scenarios with realistic terrain and time pressure
- Night or low-light evolutions (conditions permitting)
- Structured hot-wash after each evolution focusing on leadership and decision-making
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Prerequisites & PPE
Prerequisites
This course is designed to build from the ground up. No prior rope rescue experience required—we'll teach you everything you need to know.
Required PPE
- • Full rope PPE (harness, helmet, gloves)
- • Personal lanyards and cow's tails
- • Appropriate footwear and clothing for extended field work
- • Eye protection and headlamp
Compliance & Documentation
This course is designed to align with technician-level rope rescue competencies in NFPA 1006 and NFPA 2500, and to integrate cleanly with most agency task books and certification processes.
Students who meet performance objectives and scenario standards receive a Technical Rope Rescue Technician – 5 Day completion certificate outlining hours, major skill blocks, and scenario types. Final credentialing, sign-off, and deployment authority remain with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).