Report Number: 05-0000057
Report Date: 05/27/2005
Event Description
Witnessed an incident where a firefighter performing a High Angle rescue on a stranded rapeller. Rapeller was 200' down a 300' rock bluff. Rescuer correctly anchored a 7/16" stranded lay rope and rapelled down to the same height as the stranded rapeller. Rescuer was about 6' away laterally from the rapeller and attempted to pendulem swing over to the rapeller. When this swing occured the stranded rope caught a sharp rock and severed the rope causing the rescuer to fall 100' to his death.
Lesson Learned
No policy in place for the correct type of rope and edge device.
Improper equipment supplied for rescuers.
Poor training on procedures for High Angle Rescue.
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