Basic Tree Aerial Rescue for First Responders

This will be a 3-day course where students will spend 4 hrs in classroom lecture and 20 hrs in the field performing hands on skills. Students will combine ANSI Z133 industry-based techniques along with NFPA 2500 best practices to perform safe, yet rapid, rescues of persons trapped in trees. Students will utilize gaffs and lanyards as well as SRS techniques to effectively gain access to victims, setup final anchor points, and finally perform pickoff style rescues. Students will have experienced instructors in the tree with them providing guidance as the student performs rescues on live victims (other students). When students are not actively involved in live victim rescues, they will learn how to utilize throwline to setup canopy and basal anchors for rapid ascent to reach designated positions in neighboring trees (also guided by an instructor on the ground). Final assessments will include students climbing 60 or more feet in the tree. To be noted, tree climbing is physically taxing, and a decent baseline physical fitness is strongly advised. Pre-requisites: Students are required to have successfully completed a Rope Rescue Operations level course prior to participating.  Required Equipment: Gloves Optional Equipment: Harness with side D-rings, helmet, safety glasses