Snatch rescue — casualty in ascent mode

Before you start

Before implementing a rescue, confirm one is necessary by first attempting to communicate with the assumed casualty.

If it is deemed necessary, the Level 3 Safety Supervisor should first arrange for the emergency services to be notified to ensure they will be on site to receive the casualty upon completion of the rescue.

Rescue carried out from below

1. Ascend the casualty's safety rope with your back-up device on the casualty's working rope, and follow the same first 6 bullet points as for the snatch rescue (descent mode). The casualty should already be in a near upright position via his/her chest ascender attachment.

2. Attach your foot loop to the top of the casualty's chest ascender, then pass the foot loop through the rescuer's back-up device carabiner. An additional carabiner may be required depending on the type of back-up device and cow's tail/lanyard attachment method.

3. Stand in the foot loop and pull upwards on the casualty's harness. This will lift the casualty enough to enable his/her chest ascender to be disconnected from the rope.

4. Lower the casualty until he/she is suspended and follow the procedure as described previously.

Rescue carried out from above

Descend to the casualty and follow the procedures as described in the snatch rescue (descent mode) from-above section.