competency assessment lesson plan - washington county

Special Operations Rescue Paramedic – LRO

Land Rescue Operations – Competency Guide (LRO) 5-09

Competency Assessment Lesson Plan

Topic: Ropes, Knots, and Anchors Time Line: 4 hour Materials: PPE Individual knot cords Rescue equipment White board Animated (CD) instructional guide References: Objectives: At the conclusion of this ca-lesson, the participant will:

• Have basic knowledge of the rescue knots and rigging techniques used in Washington County LRO field operations

• Know the tensile strength ratings and safe working load (SWL) calculations for ropes and webbing utilized

• Demonstrate the ability to tie the following knots and understand their general application(s):

o Square knot o Figure 8

� Figure 8 on a bite � Figure 8 follow through

o Double Fishermans o Prussik Hitch o Water knot o Butterfly o Bowline

• Demonstrate the ability to rig a “hasty harness” on a patient or rescuer

• Demonstrate the ability to rig the following anchor sytems o No knot anchor o Webbing wrap (3 pull 2)

Special Operations Rescue Paramedic

Land Rescue Operations - Competency Guide (LRO) 5-09

PPE Requirements: All LRO Paramedics should wear appropriate clothing for objectives. Typically long pants, boots and shirt are required. LRO Paramedics should wear helmets, gloves, and appropriate harness to meet objectives. Knots

• Square Knot: WCEMS will utilize this knot to tie off a webbing used “hasty harness”. The square knot should be finished so that the tails are on the same side (top or bottom) of the knot. IF the tails are opposed the knot will not bear any weight.

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• Figure Eight Knot: The foundation knot for the special operations program at WCEMS. This is the foundation for the family of 8 knots. Do NOT confuse this knot with the overhand knot.

o Figure 8 Follow Through (tracer): Used to form a secure loop around a fixed object. Most off applied to anchoring quick rappel lines, or anchors on top of structures when carabiners are in short supply.

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o Figure 8 on a bight: Used to form a secure loop in the end of a rope. Do not

confuse this knot with an overhand on a bight. This loop is the primary knot for LRO Division Paramedic to tie into their harness and to anchor using no knot anchor systems.



• Butterfly Knot: The butterfly knot will be the knot of choice for the LRO Division when tying a midline knot for load purposes. This knot is preferred due to its bi-directional capability – meaning when tied properly the butterfly knot can be loaded and pulled in either direction without adversely effecting the integrity of the knot.

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• Double (or Triple) Fishermans’ Knot: Used to form a secure continuous loop in a rope or cordage. It will primarily be used by the LRO Division to make prussik loops. It can be used for tie off purposes as well if needed. Just remember when loaded it is a very difficult knot to untie.

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• Water Knot: Used for joining two ends of webbing together. Only use this knot with Webbing.

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• Bowline: The bowline is used to tie a loop in the rope that will not slip or decrease in size

when placed under a load. Typically used to connect to a patient extraction device such as a SKED during but has multiple uses.

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• Prussik Hitch: A friction knot that is essential to the LRO Paramedic functioning in this

austere environment. It will be used primarily as an emergency ascending technique as well as progress capture device. Remember due to the heavy friction when utilized during heavy loads the prussik cords should be inspected after each use and discarded if damaged.

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“Hasty” Harness

o The Hasty Webbing Harness enables a temporary lifting harness seat to be constructed from a piece of webbing strapping. This harness should be utilized on patients needing extracted that may not be immobilized on a stretcher, backboard, etc… It can also be utilized for a quick rescuer harness should there be a need.

o Utilize approximately 20’ of webbing.

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Anchor Systems

• No Knot Anchor Technique

• Wrap 3 – Pull 2:



Patient Packaging: Proper patient packaging is of the highest priority for the LRO – Paramedics. The patient must be properly safeguarded against further injury either from the rescue itself or improper movement and have the ability to be treated during rescue phases. It is the LRO – Paramedics responsibility to ensure these goals are met. Low Angle Rescue Operations (General Litter Concepts):

Steep Angle Rescue Operations are defined as greater than

Score Justification

0 Did not perform task;performed task with serious safety issues or ony under absolute direction of the preceptor

1 Performed task safely and effectively, but required some coaching

2 Performed task safely and effectively; no instruction needed

KNOTS 0 1 2

Simmple Figure 8

Figure 8 on a bight

Figure 8 follow through

Double Fishermans

Prussik Hitch

Water Knot

Butterfly

Bowline

Harness 0 1 2

Ability to safely deploy and utilize department level III Harness

Ability to utilize a "hasty harness"

Anchor Systems 0 1 2

No knot anchor system

Webbing wrap (3 pull 2)

Patient Packaging 0 1 2

Places "hasty harness" onto patient

Places helmet, eye, and other PPE onto patient as required

Places patient onto immobilization device (OSS, Miller halfback, long board)

Places patient appropriately into evacuation device (SKED/Stokes)

Secures patient in such fashion as to still be accessible for continuing medical care throughout rescue

Considers patient injuries when packaging patient

Assures rescuer tender line

Assures patient safety strap

Additional Comments

competency assessment lesson plan - washington county

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