Technical Rope Rescue Level I – Operations

At the completion of this program, students will demonstrate proficiency in team-rescue at the NFPA operations level on a variety of steep and high-angle terrain types.

Students will Learn:

• Hauling Systems – 3:1, 6:1 and 9:1
• Pulley Systems – simple, compound and complex
• Lowering Systems – with a break rack and scarab
• Anchor Systems
• Lowering Systems with a Litter
• Use of a Guiding Line
• Patent Packaging – with and without a harness
• Specialized Rescue Equipment – including discussions of Class I-III harnesses, chest harnesses, rigging plates, pulleys, swivels, edge protection, and tripods
• Improvised Rescue Equipment – waist and chest harnesses, high points, and improvised anchors
• Rope Climbing Techniques
• Belays – tandem prusik and mechanical belays
• Scene Management – command structure
• Helicopter Operations
• Physics of Rescue Systems on Anchors and on Equipment
• Rappelling Techniques
• Knots – figure-eight family, overhand, double-overhand-on-a-bite, bowline, double bowline, long-tail bowline, high tension tie-off, wrap-three-pull-two, and wrap-two-pull-one
• Bends – double-fisherman’s, water bend, double sheet bend, frost bend
• Hitches – prusik, and munter
• Load Releasable Hitches – radium-release

​Program Text: Technical Rescue Riggers Guide by Rick Lipke

This text may be purchased at the American Alpine Institute Shop or online.

Prerequisites

Mountain Rescue Association (MRA)

The MRA oversees a patchwork of volunteer and professional rescue teams in the United States and Canada. They develop standards and accredit local mountain rescue units in three disciplines: high-angle rescue, search, and snow.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

The NFPA is an organization devoted to “eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards.” To do this, the organization develops codes and standards for individuals operating within the fire service. These standards include operating practices for technical rescue teams.

American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA)

The AMGA oversees technical mountain guides in the United States. The organization credentials instructors and guides, while also accrediting guide services. The AMGA recognizes three disciplines with several levels of certification. The disciplines are Rock, Alpine and Ski. Each discipline has rescue components on which instructors and guides are tested.

International Technical Rescue Association (ITRA)

The ITRA is an organization that provides global recognition of technical rescue practitioners and instructors, across a wide range of rescue disciplines, including swiftwater, rope, boat, confined space and animal rescue.

Build Your Rope Rescue Skillset

This Operations Level Rope Rescue Course is just the beginning. American Alpine Institute offers multiple ways to build your skills and customize your training path:

• Level 1: Operations – Learn the fundamentals of rope rescue, scene management, and low- and high-angle patient evacuation.
• Level 2: Technician – Build on your Operations skills with more complex systems and problem-solving techniques.
• Level 1 + Level 2 Bundle – Take both courses together for a streamlined learning experience and a discounted price!  Save money while getting the most out of your rope rescue education.
• Self-Rescue for Climbers – Learn personal and companion rescue techniques for backcountry or remote environments.
• Advanced Mountain Rescue – Master high-end systems and techniques for complex rescues in rugged mountain terrain.

For the most complete and cost-effective experience, consider enrolling in the Technical Rope Rescue Comprehensive, which combines all four courses into a single 14-day program. This option gives you the best value and ensures you graduate with the full skillset needed to handle everything from simple operations-level rescues to the most advanced technical scenarios.