Cool Tree Rescue System

[Travis Forsman]

Seeing Dave Cantrell's tree rescue kit at last weeks CPC meeting got me interested in upgrading my own "piece of twine" kit. I decided to consult my father who is an expert arborist and soon to be professor of an OSU tree climbing course for biologists. Yeah I know what you are thinking... where was that class when I was in college? His recommendation was this device by Rescue Response of Sisters, OR. http://www.rescueresponse.com/store/product1050.html . I have one coming in a couple weeks and look forward to practicing some descents with it. The thing I like most about it is that it is autolocking and you could probably repel (ungracefully) with one arm in the event of an injury. Just thought some of you out there might like to see the product video.

 

Travis

 

 

[Travis Forsman]

Some more info

http://www.rescueresponse.com/store/Sterling_F4_Escape_Device_Systems_Kits_Decent_Control_STF4.html

[David Cantrell]

I like the escape device, the video is cool, but it sure is expensive. Here is a link.

 

http://www.rescueresponse.com/cgi-rescueresponse/sb/productsearch.cgi?storeid=*22b72c8b62e0537fcb5c6015a557841c5ffd5a

[Travis Forsman]

Actually I just found out this is what was ordered for me... http://www.patrollersupply.com/equipment/item_3950.asp

 

Its a smaller version of the F4 descender called the F3. For some reason its not on their online catalog but the price is a bit more affordable and you can use it with 6.8mm rope, which is a much nicer size rope to put in an kit.

 

[R Brewer]

[Erik O]

FYI travis, repelling with one arm is quite difficult; it becomes even more difficult when you don't have the ability to use your feet, i.e.. suspended from your wing across a canopy of tree's.  To give a bit of background on myself for those who don't know,   I spent 15 years climbing and have climbed iconic peaks all over western north america from Half Dome in Yosemite to The Chief in BC.   As a heli-ski guide in Alaska, we spent a lot of time rigging systems to pull people from crevasses and you could say I've done plenty of rope work in my years.     

While devices like this will make it easier to get down, most pilots lack a clear understanding of the primary issues they would encounter should they be stuck in a tree.  The primary issue is the anchor.  Plenty of climbers have died because they failed to properly secure the anchor.  If your lucky enough to be able to get to the trunk, then your golden, if your suspended, this kit will leave you lacking.  I would recommend that every pilot who has a tree kit, also include:

1- 2' sewn sling

1- 4' sewn sling

1-10' tubular webbing

3-4 carabiners.

Weight less then 2lbs. and you'd be amazed at what you can do with these.  

the 10' of webbing, you can tie it into a make shift harness, 3 carabiners can be made into a rappel device in case you drop yours.  

Furthermore, I'd have to do some checking, but if my friend still works there, perhaps I can get some time in the Clackamas Community College gym where they have aid climbing set up to the rafters.  We could get a group together and go through going from hanging in your harness to setting up a anchor from your wing and getting onto rappel.  

Erik

[Ancil Nance]

There are many descenders out there, but the LetMeDown sure seems like the best 'cause it sits on the rescue rope ready to go with no fuss. If one tests the method ahead of time it is easy to determine number of wraps needed and size of cord for your weight class. Lack of moving parts means it is safer and it can be controlled with one hand, even just two fingers. 

Has anyone had a problem with LetMeDown? I haven't, in tests. 

http://www.cascadeparaglidingclub.org/pages/treeres.php

The most simple by far is the belay plate / belay link for use with 8mm and larger line.

http://www.mudgrubs.com/store/show/88-CAMP-Ovo-Belay-Plate

The least expensive is the Munter hitch on a locking 'biner. This item takes some practice and intelligence to use when flustered and stuck in a tree, however.

No matter what device or method used it should be practiced at least once a year to keep the synapses clicking in the correct patterns.

On Aug 13, 2012, at 4:56 PM, Travis Forsman wrote:

Actually I just found out this is what was ordered for me... http://www.patrollersupply.com/equipment/item_3950.asp

 

Its a smaller version of the F4 descender called the F3. For some reason its not on their online catalog but the price is a bit more affordable and you can use it with 6.8mm rope, which is a much nicer size rope to put in an kit.

 

[Bill Briskey]

Now that would be a good experience.

[Steve Forslund]

 I think you would have to plan on spending a lot of time in the trees or rescuing many pilots to get this elaborate, 8 mm is very heavy. I have gotten a quite a few pilots and or wings out of trees. Stu's set-up http://www.cascadeparaglidingclub.org/pages/treeres.php works great and is light and compact. I have also just used a biner, rope and munter hitch and even resorted to climbing spurs on a tall tree.

Even if you don't have a tree kit in your harness carry a braided (not twisted) line with a weight on the end. Some say dental floss, have you ever tried lowering dental floss through a bunch of branches and pull up a rescue rope? A few dyneema slings (2' seems short to me) to secure yourself weigh nothing and a couple biners give you more options.

Keep cold beer(nothings free) and a rescue kit in the car, radio charged and fly with friends if you plan on going into the trees. Oh and call Erik I'm busy and just a hobbyist.

SF

[Travis Forsman]

This is just another mouse trap... Everyone is out to make the best one. 

This one was attractive because of several features; works with 6mm rope, auto locking for hands free positioning, is stored on the rope in the ready position next to an eyelet anchor point (which I am having sewn into my rope) , and is easily attached to whatever with a carabiner. I also realize a this would be hard to brake without a second hand, but with a leg wrap and foot brake you might be able to decend well enough to get down without further injury. The thing about cross country flying is you just can't count on your radio. Batteries die, terrain prevents communications, and a spot locator might be complete overkill... if you don't have a plan b you could sit there long enough to put yourself at risk of exposure... I like the idea of being as prepared as possible to save my own ass.

I fully agree a piece of spare webbing or rope would be a nice to addition to any kit and would give you many more anchor options, and with the minimal weight increase it just makes sense.

The most important thing is to practice with whatever system you chose and to make sure it works effectively.

I know the CPC has had tree rescue clinics in the past, and I admit I haven't been to one to see all the possible mouse traps, but I think this might be a viable option to add to the list. I'll try to bring it to the next one for a full trial...

Till then, go big, go far, fly safe.

Travis