Rescue "8" Descender Part 2 "How to Rig for Heavy Loads"

This video shows how to apply the rope to the device. The double wrap configuration can be used for heavy loads or when two people will be on the rope.(Remember,you can not add a second wrap once it is loaded) Two soft locks are then added and it is completely tied off with an overhand knot. The load is now held in place and all weight is transfered to the anchor. To much slack in the system could leave the person attached to it, funerable to a fall and could shock load the system putting excessive load and potential damage to any or all componets within system including the Persons harness ,rope and the anchor it self. The method shown is for a rescuer or victim being lowered from above .The person operating the "Rescue 8" has control of the rope and refered to as "The Belay".
The major advantage of this technique is that it adds more control and gives the rescue being lowered less to worry about, it also frees up their hands allowing the ability to navagate around obstacles and to tend to a victim.
Once the Victim is cared for and secured to the rescure's rope ,both can be rasied back up to the starting point or lowered to a safe area. This technique and any other rope rescue method if not done properly is dangerous. Do not attempt any technique, method or use, described in this video without proper training by a competent qualified person.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Belay
• Firefighter
• Pawtucket
• RI
• Rhode Island
• David Reed
• Figure 8
• Desender
• carabiner
• karabiner

[usardave]

it can be used for a live load but the bar rack is better because you can add or sub friction while under load

[abjrev]

wow, i did not know that it was possible to do this. im just imagining how much friction is created.

[usardave]

@abjrev A double wrap is used for a slower descent of heavy loads or for two people such as in a pick off of a victim. Once the victim is added the descent is much like that of a single wrap.

[Aglassact77]

I like your vid,

I would personally use a Stainless Kong "8" with longer tie offs for heavy loads though.

It's stronger, safer and virtually lasts way longer too...

[usardave]

@Aglassact77 Ya can't beat Stainless - I agree

Aluminum adds more friction and is lighter to carry. So if its being used within its load rating you good.

Stainless is more slippery weighs more but tends to be less likely to be damaged from general bangs and dingers

So Pros and Cons

[usardave]

The is no additional twisting added to the down side of the device. At max only a 3/4 twist or turn is added with the lock off and that drops out once the lock off is removed

[cafryrmn]

Interesting. I have been taught that a figure 8 plate is for a one person load only.  If you have a load with two persons, you need to utilize a brake bar rack. Would this this method be used with a live load or just a "heavy load"?

[ACFDHeavyRescue]

load that thing up with some weight and lower it.

[protraxion]

I USE A PETZL PIRAHNA

[afmis]

i like the whale fish