John Voinché, Tribalco group executive, recently facilitated an enlightening discussion with Russell McCullar, a distinguished Mississippi State Fire Academy instructor and FEMA’s Tennessee Task Force 1 specialist. Their exchange, occurring during a recent conference, provided a brief yet insightful look into McCullar’s profound thoughts on technical rescue, showcasing a wealth of knowledge and innovation. Join us for a glimpse into the mind of a true rescue historian and learn about the principles, myths, and game-changing devices that have shaped the face of rope rescue in the last 25 years.
What Makes a Great Rescuer?
Russell McCullar: Over the course of my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with diverse groups from all walks of ropework. One of my favorite groups is Tier 1 and Tier 2 SOF units. I admire how good operators are just as resourceful with the best weapons and equipment available as they are with their hands, ingenuity, and imagination. The same can be said of a great rescuer. A great rescuer should be fluent in modern devices and techniques, including various descenders, high-directionals, and all things vertical. On the other hand, a great rescuer should be comfortable working with less equipment and austere conditions, embodying that “can-do” ingenuity spirit.
The Truth vs. Myth of a 15:1 Safety Factor
Russell McCullar: The question of the 15:1 safety factor comes up all too often. I authored an article on the topic, “The Importance of 15:1,” to help point people in the right direction so that they might draw their own conclusions. In the wake of two line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) suffered by the FDNY in 1980, a group from the IAFF first publicly recommended a 15:1 factor of safety. It was further codified when published in the four-page first edition of NFPA 1983 in 1985. The idea was that a rope or connector should be 15 times stronger than a 300 or 600 lb. load in its raw manufactured state. This required a 9,000 lb. . minimum break strength (MBS) rope for two-person loads. This standard came when little was known about the residual strength of ropes when they were shock-loaded and subjected to the elements during a rescue. These numbers were meant to give guidance to rope and hardware manufacturers.
The verbiage would exist in three subsequent editions of 1983 until the 2001 edition was published. 15:1 hasn’t been standard for over 20 years now. It was never meant to be an on-site safety factor for teams.
Also gone are myths such as 1-time use rope, 1-person vs. 2-person ropes, and carabiners. These things are even less critical today due to the robust certification requirements and third-party testing the manufacturers are subjected to. Two-person loads are safe and acceptable on T-rated devices and aluminum carabiners, among many other things.
Average Joes and the other guys might benefit from robust steel connectors, G-rated rope, and heavier gear. This is because they train infrequently and need more capacity to calculate forces and loads in the field. They are also the truckies that can even break a ball bearing. Great rescuers can create a solution with lighter-weight equipment and systems because they better understand the forces at hand and the limitations of the equipment. The equipment is certified by a third party and used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The Most Versatile Rescue Knots
Russell McCullar: This is a fun topic and has become a passion of mine. For the Average Joe’s and the Truckies mentioned above, you can’t go wrong with a figure of eight on a bite, butterfly knot, Prusik hitch, and Munter hitch. These knots solve the 95% solution and could be paired to two or three. They are strong, have a long history of testing and use, and can be quickly inspected for safety from a distance. You can attach, lower, belay, and attach loads mid-line. There are only so many issues these knots cannot address on most cookie-cutter rescue systems.
As for versatility – I am a massive fan of the bowline family of knots. Under the venerable knott-ologist Pat Rhodes, I learned how wide varieties and uses there were for the bowline family. Pat stated there were just over 200 varieties between Common Use and Ashley’s Book of Knots. If I’m being particularly creative, I use about a dozen varieties in my rigging and can stretch to a little over 20. Kelly Byrne of Rescue 2 refers to these as boutique bowlines. They are certainly only appropriate for some teams, but I have found myself able to quickly create both end-of-line and mid-line anchors with the boutique bowlines. These anchors can be multi-point, utilizing varieties of the Portuguese Bowline or bowlines on a coil. The anchors can also incorporate a soft anchor plate with a forward-facing loop when the Yosemite retrace is done with a rope bite.
Our course’s bread and butter are the four knots mentioned above, but the bowline family is undoubtedly the most varied and versatile. And yes, it is acceptable as a life safety knot when appropriately tied, set, and safe.
Rescue Devices That Transformed the Game
Russell McCullar: In the mid-90s, we witnessed significant shifts in rope rescue equipment. Kirk Mauthner introduced the 540 belay, and Petzl’s groundbreaking I’D device hit the market. These innovations marked a departure from relying solely on equipment from caving and mountaineering communities. The 540 belay addressed shortcomings in belays that relied on tied hitches and human reactions, providing a more reliable solution. Petzl’s I’D device was a game-changer, entering the professional arena and influencing a wave of innovation.
Advice to Rescuers Navigating the Current Landscape
Russell McCullar: Rescuers must discern between genuine innovation and marketing tactics. The industry is dynamic, with both competition and innovation coexisting. Rescuers should critically evaluate new devices, ensuring they enhance operational capabilities rather than just following trends.
Meet Russell McCullar: A Rescuer’s Rescuer
Russell McCullar is a seasoned instructor and a passionate advocate for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in technical rescue. With his extensive experience, McCullar continues to inspire and educate rescuers nationwide, fostering a community dedicated to safety, innovation, and effective rescue operations.
Taking the Next Step Towards Safety Excellence
In the dynamic landscape of technical rescue, staying ahead is not just an advantage – it’s a necessity. Russell McCullar’s insights have provided a glimpse into the intricacies of rescue operations, debunking myths and spotlighting essential skills. Now, it’s your turn to take the first step toward enhancing your safety standards. Explore the comprehensive training, services, and equipment solutions Tribalco Rescue and Safety offers. Connect with us at 888.319.1190 or via email at quotes@tribalco.com. Elevate your rescue capabilities and ensure a safer tomorrow.