Rescue U, Philadelphia, PA Videos

You know its hot outside... Ever seen water evaporate in front of your eyes 125’ up on a stack? Two members of our cadre, Aaron & Tom used a combination of modern technology, science, chemistry, education and experience to decide that it was too hot for training on that smokestack. We recently completed a Tower & Crane Rescue Class in State College, PA. (Photos to be posted later this week). One of the scenarios involved a multipitch rescue atop a 250’ smokestack. We have worked and trained on smokestacks before that were in operation, but never like this. We did conduct a pre plan of the site prior to training but you never really know what you’re getting into at a live site until you train. Luckly we were able to relocate to another venue to complete the training, but this did allow for a learning moment: - What is your rescue plan with this type of hazard? - Do you have the PPE and equipment to work in high heat environments? - Are you even going to climb the ladder? - Your aerial apparatus will not reach the top and your only solution is to climb, are you ready for this?

WARNING: You are about to see 1/2” rope being used, don’t be alarmed. We promised more information and images about the new CMC CAPTO so here we are. We recently used it in a special class Rescue U is delivering for a Police High Angle Rescue Team. More about that class later. Let’s focus on the CAPTO. They were able to install it on rope while still managing dropped prevention. They reduced the use of pulleys, carabiners and remotely reset the 3:1 using small messenger cord. This reset is nothing new for the industry but the soft shackle makes remote resent that much easier. Interested in learning more or want to see one up close? Hit us up at [email protected]

So, speaking about posting videos and photos from educational activities… This class, Rescue the Rescuer from Ronin Safety & Rescue was designed to train rescue technicians on what to do when things go wrong and potentially fail, including thinking beyond “Plan A” and addressing catastrophic failures, recognizing potential failures, and knowing how to correct potential issues. This was a demonstration of a failure. Students were able to see a fall protection lanyard shock absorber catch during a demonstration of a fall using a mannequin with appropriate weights to simulate 1kN. Many of these students had never seen such drop testing, nor had they seen devices slip or de-sheath rope. Two demonstrations were performed using two of several devices available in the class. The purpose was to show students what happens when devices slip or de-sheath rope. There were many other things discussed about how these devices are designed, failures, etc. based upon manufacture data – this was simply one small part of that overall training provided. We do agree that use of the term “testing” wasn’t the best choice. But we do feel that these types of evolutions in training bring significant value towards learning what those failures can look like. How are we to train and develop critical thinkers without the ability to do so? Slip vs desheath vs catastrophic failure are all valuable to know.

CMC CAPTO Testing: Updated with results. CRIC failed at 7kN, slipped around 8kN CAPTO slipped at 9kN, no rope failure. Both were tested on the old version of the CMC G11 Backyard testing in the Ronin Safety & Rescue Rescue the Rescuer class in Philly hosted by Rescue U These tests may not accurately represent the limitations of the equipment. The testing was for training and education purposes only and not meant to test compliance with applicable standards.

SKYLOTEC CRIC Testing. Updated with results. CRIC failed at 7kN, slipped around 8kN CAPTO slipped at 9kN, no rope failure. Both were tested on the old version of the CMC G11. Backyard testing in the Ronin Safety & Rescue Rescue the Rescuer class in Philly hosted by Rescue U These tests may not accurately represent the limitations of the equipment. The testing was for training and education purposes only and not meant to test compliance with applicable standards.

Yesterday kicked off the first Ronin Safety & Rescue Rescue the Rescuer class in Philly hosted by Rescue U. Day one was at our training center, the rest of the week is on the Battleship, NJ. We have a few of our members in the class and asked for some awesome photos to post, the video is what they sent…. Stay tuned, we’ll get photos.

We don’t want to keep beating up the same subject but a few posts ago we talked about wind and how that can impact the rescue plan. We also received some off line feedback and questions about that subject. The readings in this video were from a job and our team had to take action and shut it down. Wind speeds were causing great concern and once it continued to hit the threshold they had to make the call. If you don’t think wind is an issue with swing stage scaffolding simply search YouTube for “scaffolding blowing in the wind” and share your thoughts with us. Our teams don’t take chances and just because we are standing by doesn’t mean we take unnecessary risk.

Members of Med-Tex made the trip to Oriskany, NY and the New York State Preparedness Training Center for the 2022 New York State Technical Rescue conference. This was the first event in two years and training covered a variety of topics applicable to technical rescue. One program was delivered by Highnovate - rope access innovation that presented some of their new rescue solutions and technology including the use of drones for rope work. A lot of good information will be coming back to Philly to make our jobs easier.

Rescue Connection LIVE!
Kevin Lunnie will join us to talk about their testing on the use of a Prusik Bypass on Control Lines. This was recently presented at the 2021 International Technical Rescue Symposium (ITRS) and we will talk about the results of the testing with photos and data to share for all.

Rescue Connection LIVE!
Harken is a name synonymous Rope Access & Rescue. We know them for products like the LokHead Winch and CMC Clutch By Harken. Sean Cogan will join us to talk about Harken products how they can be beneficial in every rescue cache. We will also discuss Rescue & Rope Access Competition and the value of these events for the Technical Rescuer or Rope Access Technician. What can the Fire Service/SAR Community learn from competitions like GRIMP and why we compete.

Rescue Connection LIVE!
Chris "Shaggy" Williams & Stephanie "Funk" Hyatt from Vertical Integrity will join us from Texas to talk about “Uncomplicating the Complicated” and how they are taking a simple approach to a simple problem. Having competed in International Rescue & Emergency Care Association (IRECA) rescue competitions and with backgrounds that include Rock Climbing, Confined Space, Rope Rescue and Mechanical Engineering why not learn how to do more with less!

Happy Independence Day from Med-Tex Services.

Rescue Connection LIVE!
Join us for our one year anniversary of Rescue Connection LIVE! as we welcome Jason Butterfield from Working the Rescue (our first guest), Micah Rush from Peak Rescue (our last guest of the year) and the Sales and training folks from Petzl. Topics include the new 2021 Petzl products, what's being taught in the field, feedback from the folks using the equipment for Rescue & Rope Access. Join us to engage the manufacturer and the people who use this gear in real world. Get their insight and get your questions answered!