Knots and Hitches
There are a few knots and hitches patrollers use each day, however in a rescue or lift evacuation scenario, there are several that may be required. Therefore one of the primary skills beyond proficient skiing and medical care, is knowledge of knots and hitches. Know and be proficient with each of these, practicing routinely.
Figure 8 - used for tying static rope to T-seat.
Figure 8 on a Bight - used for tying static rope to T-seat.
How to tie a Figure 8 On A Bight
Directional Figure 8 - used in the Stokes Litter system.
How to tie a Directional Figure 8
Clove Hitch - used to attach Halloween rope to bamboo when creating chicane or a rope wing.
Clove Hitch on a Bight - used to tie line shooter to static rope to raise over haul rope in a lift evacuation.
How to tie a Clove Hitch on a Bight
Alpine Butterfly - used to anchor the Stokes litter to the chair bale when removing a patient from the chair in a lift down situation.
How to tie an Alpine Butterfly
Water Knot - used to tie two pieces of webbing together, typically in the Wrap-3 Pull-2 anchor.
Fisherman’s Knot - used to tie two pieces of Halloween rope together.
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Girth Hitch - used to create an anchor on a static rope during lift evacuation.
Trucker’s Hitch - used to tie up boundary rope and securing toboggans vertical on the rack.
Tensionless Hitch - used for rope rescue.
How to tie a Tensionless Hitch
Wrap-3 Pull-2 - used to create an anchor around a fixed point with webbing and water knot in rescue scenario.
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Prusik Knot - used in the Z-drag system as a safety feature of the system as well as when lowering a guest off a chair following rope ascension.
Munter Hitch - used to rappel during self evacuation in a lift down situation.
Munter-Mule Hitch - used for tying off a belay system during ascension/guest rescue.
How to tie a Munter-Mule Hitch
Daisy Chain - used to store webbing and easily untie for use.
Waist Harness - used to lower guest from a chair following rope ascension for lift down.
Chest harness - Used to secure a guest to the static rope and lower from the chair during lift evacuation.