Use of the AZTEK Kit Pg. 1 Use of the AZTEK Kit Introduction: It has often been said that necessity is the mother of all invention. Truly, when thinking of technical rope rescue, nothing could be more true. The reliance on specialized gear and equipment is a subject with which many rescuer shave struggled over the years as they approach this subject. There is many times a gentle balance in what we carry to the top or bottom of a true rope rescue venue. Too much specialized gear and the much offending wheelbarrow rescue will ensue where metric tons of rope and equipment is needed to perform even the most rudimentary rescues. Once an instructor friend of mine grumbled in observing the inordinate amount of time it took a team to amass the prodigious amount of pre-rigged gear Why don t these guys go out and buy a commercial size wheelbarrow to cart their colossal amount of gear around?. Part of this when in doubt, bring it all and use it all over-building philosophy stems from a lack of confidence in their own rigging abilities. These wheelbarrow rescues may be intrinsically safe, but they are typically, so incompetently slow, that the safe and timely extrication of the victim becomes unjustifiably compromised. We have joked at times (and sometimes nobody laughs) that if the patient is not removed from their perilous position soon, they will starve to death, to say nothing of their sustained injuries! AZTEK use #1: Travel restrict device to prevent rescuers from falling AZTEK use #2: Positioning where one or more AZTEKs are used to hold a worker in position On the flip side of this, some times we are so equipment poor that we are ending up tying pieces of webbing together from scrap to make a suitable anchor or constructing a small mechanical advantage from cordalette and non locking carabiners. If the rescuer is honest, and they have been in this business long enough, manifestations of both extremes have surfaced at differing times in ones rope rescue career.
Use of the AZTEK Kit Pg. 2 Both of these conditions both of these extremes can lead to partial or total paralysis of the team. By this, I am not referring to physical paralysis, but to the actions of the team to perform the rescue at hand. In one hand with the proverbial wheelbarrow, the rescue team, or the individual rescuers on it are rendered useless until the wheelbarrow arrives. In other words we might as well view the person or persons suffering from a lack of necessary rope or gear as tourists. Living in a tourist destination spot we do here at RTR, we know what tourists do. They stand around and observe the natural beauty of the area. Rescuers can do the same thing when they are incapacitated by the lack of needed gear. Even accessing a critically injured victim a short distance below to stop a profusely bleeding wound is beyond the capability of many rescuers because the means of that access is curiously missing from their harness. Unless they happen to show up when the wheelbarrow does, there is little to do except observe (like the Sedona tourist). In my experience, many rescuers arrive before the rest of the team and the wheelbarrow. Unless they happen to carry enough to gain Basic materials used in the construction of the minimalist mountain rescue version of the AZTEK access, they are tourists. It is with utmost respect that I submit to the reader that this is totally unacceptable during a true emergency. While the term tourist is taken as a humorous nomenclature for one unable to do anything for lack of a better option, it should not be sought after or honored. Rescuers should be able to arrive, assess, and go to work about the task of rescue. Conversely, if the rescue team arrives and the individual rescuer is not able to function due to a marked lack of needed gear to put together a safe system, they too are tourists until more stuff arrives to remedy the situation. Tourism is tourism, regardless of what is the actual cause of inaction. The results are the same, meaning that the patient remains in their predicament until more rope an equipment is thrown into the mix externally. What to Carry and What To Not So, these extremes beg the question, what should a rescuer carry with them as a default before opening the cargo door during a rescue and dragging out the wheelbarrow. In other words, WHAT should be on the harness? Three important essential maxims of rope rescue rigging and equipment use should be: 1. Keep it simple Always default to the simplest common denominator to perform the given task 1 2. Keep it efficient Make sure that the system is going to make the best use of your efforts. Use equipment that can multitask and is not specialized. 3. Keep it light Too much mass on the back will slow you down. Go light. 1 Not to be confused with training with some sophistication to unsure that the team is prepared for the worst.
Use of the AZTEK Kit Pg. 3 So, what is specialized equipment? Specialized equipment is any piece of equipment used for a specific task or tasks. An example might be like a trilink. Tri-links are great for triple loading situations and for other things where bi loading is not indicated, but the tri-link is in itself specialized. If we brought one of these along (or even two) they would definitely go in the wheelbarrow and not on everyone s harness! There are ways to remedy the need for a tri-link and thus not have to carry one in the wheelbarrow. Wheelbarrows come in differing sizes too. Remember that the wheelbarrow for a wilderness mountain rescue team may, by necessity, be smaller than the one used by a well funded industrial plant emergency response team. What is good for a team here in Sedona, Arizona may not be the best for a team in Wichita, Kansas. Remember that it is hard to criticize someone when you have not walked a mile in their shoes. Varying degrees of specialization exist as well. For instance, a rigging plate is seen by many purists out there as a specialized piece of equipment (indeed, some call them anti-rigging plates). While you may or may not agree with this assessment, you must admit that there are as many ways to eliminate the need for such plates as there are people on your team. 1989 Ropes That Rescue rope rescue course on Camelback Mountain with Phoenix Fire Department TRT. Notice the use of edge restraints and general blood bath approach to getting rescue package up over a difficult edge. This is pre edge kit introduction What does all of this mean? If you ARE going to carry things you think you need on your harness to hold the tourist syndrome at bay, make dog-gone sure that this item you carry will foot the bill for a multiplicity of uses. The less it can be applied as the virtual panacea for all rigging situations, the farther back it should be placed on the priority list of things to carry. Personally, I have a certain amount of stuff I carry which I feel is essential. But I must admit, when I go to the cause at the end of the day, I perform a kind of triage of the things that I am considering. More often than not, I end up with a few trusted versatile items that I know will get me out of trouble in the end. One for sure is the AZTEK. So, if you carry nothing away from this discussion than this: Carry something NOT specialized on the harness that can be used in a plethora of applications. At this point people are wondering what could be THAT versatile that it could be used in so many places. Which leads me to the introduction of the AZTEK kit.
Use of the AZTEK Kit Pg. 4 Historical Developments of the AZTEK Today, the AZTEK is used in North America and also has a sound entrenched following in Australia and New Zealand. These are due, in part, to the teaching of the AZTEK though courses taught by RTR over the past decade. The kit did not always start off as it is today. The evolution of the AZTEK is an interesting one to say the least. At One End of the AZTEK: Travel Restrict/Fall Arrest Over a decade ago, the first use for the kit was as a strict travel restrict to keep rescuers from falling off the edge. This in itself was pretty ground breaking as there was considerable consternation encompassing this topic with rescuers who did not think they needed to be tied in at all. The problem had arisen in the past of trying to find a way to keep those in the hazard zone 2 from falling, especially when the litter was leaving the top or approaching the edge from below. We used many differing ways to do this but it all involved a complicated and somewhat burdensome nest of rope and anchorages for all those involved; sometimes as many as four or five people might need to be tied off securely. Problem is, many times this required that all needing this protection would tie to the same rope or anchor. If one fell, they would invariably try and pull everyone down with them. It was generally considered undesirable and a solution was sought. The edge kit became a standard here in Arizona and was popular with many mountain rescue teams and Sheriff s SAR. Use #1 for the AZTEK then is quite basic and today finds itself on one side of the AZTEK kit system. On the second side, or opposite side, we have another tool called the set of 4 s (SOF s), a name we borrowed from the linemen. The AZTEK complete in its double zipper hip pack where each compartment has SOF s and travel restrict Both ends of an AZTEK kit with the SOF s on the left and the shock absorbing travel restrict/fall arrest end on the right At the AZTEK Opposite End: Mechanical Advantage System At the opposite end of the AZTEK from the travel restrict is a small multi-use mechanical advantage (MA) that can be used for personal or system loads during a rescue. Pulleys used 2 The hazard Zone is the area within roughly 2m (6 ft.) of the edge or any exposure
Use of the AZTEK Kit Pg. 5 should be of the best quality bearing and rated for two person loads 3. This MA consists of a prerigged pulley system, or Set of 4 s (SOFs) This 4:1 or 5:1 pulley system (depending on how it is rigged) uses two mini double sheave pulleys rigged between 33 and 50 4 of 8mm or 9mm rope at the opposite end from the shock absorber/fall arrest system. Why so many options? Some teams like a smaller SOF s and others like a larger rope. Basically the option is offered as a matter of preference. Remember our simplicity/efficiency theme on the use of equipment? RTR has always championed, when possible, use gear that provides multiple uses. The AZTEK s double end exemplifies this theme. Out of one zipper of a side pouch the rescuer is provided immediate edge protection, and from a second zipper of the same pouch the rescuer/rigger can deploy this mini MA (SOFs) in a multitude of rigging applications, including hauling systems, tensioned back-ties, tensioned guying for artificial high directionals, dynamic brake racks, and dynamic directionals (approximately an 8 throw when using the full 38 ). Four AZTEKs being used in Seattle Fire Dept training at Port Cranes in 2006 with Ropes That Rescue Ltd. Three of the AZTEKs are the SOF s used as guying for the gin pole and the other at lower right is a dynamic directional. Photo form RTR collection 2005 3 A new special pulley has been designed and manufactured specifically for the AZTEK by Rock Exotica of Utah. Most pulley that are this small are only rated for single person loads. 4 Personal preference depending on location used and other factors
Use of the AZTEK Kit Pg. 6 Vertical Transportation System Especially in the urban/industrial setting, the AZTEK provides a means of safe rappelling, ascending, and belaying. This option is extremely valuable to the rescue endeavor in making rapid patient contact. 9mm rope is more than adequate for single person rappels. The belay can easily be provided by a second AZTEK. Ascending and self rescues are possible with the AZTEK by manipulating the shock absorber, or by hitching the 9mm rope onto a larger diameter host rope. In addition to rappelling and ascending, the 5:1 (SOFs) end of the extended AZTEK is the perfect primary attachment device for a litter attendant, allowing very rapid and easy vertical adjustments. By repositioning the 6mm ratchet, the personal SOFs can be transformed into a 4:1cd scoop line for the foot end of the litter. Use # 4: SINGLE PART RAPPEL An AZTEK being used by a rescuer with a small brake rack. Allows descent up to the amount of available rope. Notice AZTEK belay provided by second person on top Use # 5: TWO PART RAPPEL An AZTEK being used by rescuers to descend with no other equipment in place and no friction device. (able to descend half the distance of their available rope) Method allows rapid access to bottom of drops. Prusik shock absorber (above, left side) provides added measure of safety just above Munter hitch on harness positioning ring. Two part rappels on the AZTEK use no other equipment however there must be a smooth hand rail or anchored carabiner to run the cordalette around. Above, Keith Thorne at Seahawk Stadium in 2005
Use of the AZTEK Kit Pg. 7 Assembling the Expanded AZTEK Although the Extended AZTEK is made up of very simple components, the assembly method and knot craft is highly evolved. It is extremely important that user fully understand this process. the Components of the Expanded AZTEK The central component of the AZTEK is a 3 5 to 50 of 8 or 9mm static cordalette. Do not use dynamic rope. Use a rope manufactured by Sterling Ropes Inc. that utilizes a factory sewn attachment point loop. This sewn version is substantially stronger than tying a knot. Two Mini Double Sheave Pulleys with a minimum rating of 22kN should be used. The carabiner at the fall arrest end of the kit should be an auto-lock type that allows for quick attachment. My favorite as of this time is the Salewa Attac. This carabiner is rated for side loading up to 12kN, and an overall rating of 33kN. Two 7mm Mallion Rapide Screw-links are used, one for the attachment point at the becket of the pulley, and one to the end of the shock absorber loop. Note: Some rescuers are using a small bolt to attaché the cord to the becket and thus eliminating the extra gain of the screw link. If using a screw link, make sure it is the shortest available and also rated for human loads. The ratchet for the SOFs is made from approximately 32 of 6mm accessory cord. Again, a factory sewn version by Sterling Ropes Inc. is highly recommended.
Use of the AZTEK Kit Pg. 8 The purcell used as a shock absorber is fashioned from approximately 8 of 6mm accessory cord. The example shown is also a factory sewn product of Sterling Ropes Inc. To complete this AZTEK kit, a duffel bag must be used to stow the gear. Although this aspect of the kit is not a critical as what s in it, what ever type of bag is chosen it should be comfortable while on the side of the technician, and afford quick and easy access to the components. We have played around with several different styles and I have found that a fanny pack with parallel doubled zippers works very well. The ability to remove the AZTEK without involving your harness is also beneficial. As stated earlier, the 3/2 prusik has proven to be the best adjustable hitch and at the same time provide realistic shock absorption. This hitch is used at 3 different positions, the SOFs ratchet, the shock absorber 9mm attachment point, and the shock absorber adjustable loop.
Use of the AZTEK Kit Pg. 9 In short, by sliding the host rope through the original loop of the hitch an uneven potential is created for a typically wrapped prusik hitch. It is essential that the 3 wraps of this prusik always be towards the load bearing end of the host rope. It is essential that the 3 wraps of this prusik always be towards the load bearing end of the host rope. This positioning is easily made possible by orientating the prusik loop with the host rope as shown in step 2. Simply follow the remaining steps to complete the ratchet. Again, by arranging the 3 wraps towards the connecting becket of the pulley, the ratchet will always point in the right direction without detaching it from the host rope, regardless if it is repositioned to meet any number of different applications.
Use of the AZTEK Kit Pg. 10 Assembling the Set of Fours 1 lay one pulley vertical and the other horizontal. This will produce the desired reverse reeve 2 Starting from the becket with the attached rope, weave the rope as shown 3 Arrange 3/2 ratchet as shown after second sheave with 3 facing the becket 4 Continue weaving the rope as shown careful not to cross the ropes or produce a twist 5 Set of Fours should look like this when complete 6 Different angle The best way to construct the SOF s is by using the technique that linemen use called the reverse reeve of a set of two blocks. This best accomplished in the following manner shown on this page. Note that one double sheave pulley is lying vertical and the other is horizontal, it makes no difference which is which. Start by connecting the 9mm to the becket of one pulley via a 7mm screw link. The rope can now be worked in an organized manner, alternating from pulley to pulley with no crossing of any legs. The 3/2 ratchet prusik of the AZTEK is used in one of two easily changed positions. For most applications, including personal attachments, i.e. litter attendant s primary attachment point, the ratchet is positioned on the 3rd leg in, on the pulley opposite of the initial connecting pulley. By using this prescribed method of rigging the double pulleys, the rope follows the natural path that is directed by each sheave. Each leg of rope alternating from sheave to sheave should end up extremely clean with no crossing of any legs.
Use of the AZTEK Kit Pg. 11 Assembling the Shock Absorber Shown in this example is the factory sewn shock absorber loop. Although the sewn version is stronger, the shock absorber loop may also be formed by using a double overhand bend with an 8 length of 8mm accessory cord. Start with an open palm (either hand) and spread the middle fingers. Place the large loop over the four fingers. While using the fingers as a guide, bring a bight from each side of the loop up and through the spread of the middle fingers (fig. 2). Continue this process until there is three additional wraps on one set of fingers, and two additional wraps on the other set of fingers (fig. 3). Take the two additional wraps, plus the original wrap from the two side and rotate these three sections of cord onto the other two fingers that contain the additional three wraps (fig. 4, 5, and 6).
Use of the AZTEK Kit Pg. 12 There should now be five complete wraps around two fingers (fig. 6). Pass the opposite end (small sewn loop) through the 5 loops, in the 2 side and out the 3 side (fig. 7, and 8). Dress the 3/2 prusik hitch as shown in fig. 9. When the shock absorber is complete, there should be large loops culminating at the 3/2 prusik. The 3 wraps of the 3/2 prusik must be oriented towards the bend or sewn connection. Dress the large loops so there are no unwanted twist. With the same knot craft technique used to attach the ratchet, simply follow the steps on this page to complete the 3/2 prusik that attaches the shock absorber to the 9mm host rope. The knot used to secure the carabiner to the 9mm rope is a triple overhand noose.
Use of the AZTEK Kit Pg. 13 1 Put end of shock absorber with 7 loop over end of cordalette 2 Begin wrapping with balance of shock absorber 3 After first wrap, should look like this 4 Wrap a second time just like the first 5 3/2 prusik should look like this when finished, with 3 side facing carabiner