Rope Rescue Operator & Technician Combo Course

Course Overview: 

This 7-day training will begin with the RRO portion and provide essential field rescue skills in a technical rope rescue environment. Participants will conduct multiple rope-based training exercises and scenarios, including day and night operations, which will build in complexity and responsibility. The second portion of this course, the RRT, is designed to take students from basic over-the-bank rescues to progressively more vertical scenarios. Students learn and practice such skills as preplanning, size-up and scene management, ascending and descending, belaying, mechanical advantage systems, lowering and raising systems, patient packaging and litter attending, tethers, and highlines. Each portion of the course will include leadership skills and decision making opportunities that will be integrated into the group dynamics, equipment logistics, and scene planning aspects of the training.   This course is accredited through Rescue 3 International and meets or exceeds the requirements of  “NFPA 2500 (formerly 1670) and NFPA 1006 Standards-Rope Operations – Rope Rescue Levels I and II”.   This course is designed to meet the needs of multiple industries including S&R, REM,  Structure Fire, Wildland Fire, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services, Park Service, Forest Service, Ski Patrol and Military.

Prerequisites:

• Minimum age: 18

Qualification:

• 3-year Rope Rescue Technician (RRT) – Rescue 3 International Accredited

Course Details:

1st Portion – 30-Hour RRO COURSE TOPICS:

• Rope handling and knots, anchor systems and construction 
• Identifying low vs. high angle terrain  
• Technical rigging principles 
• Equipment strengths/ Safety considerations
• Mechanical advantage systems 
• Ascending and rappelling 
• Raising and lowering of rescue systems 
• Patient packaging 
• Low/Medium/High-angle litter rigging 
• Edge transitions 
• Team dynamics and communications.  

2nd Portion – 30-Hour RRT COURSE TOPICS:

• Team dynamics and communications in a leadership role.  
• Advanced rope handling, knots, anchor systems and construction 
• Incident Management and Operational Logistics
• Low/Medium/High-angle litter rigging principles
• Guiding Lines, Skateblocks, and deflections
• Advanced Mechanical advantage systems 
• Vertical/Horizontal Litter Edge Transitions 
• Edge transitions using artificial high directionals 
• Raising and lowering with mirrored, twin-tensioned rescue systems
• Safety considerations in complex rescue operations

Class Format:

The didactic portions of the course will involve lecture style training in an indoor/outdoor environment while allowing for feedback from participants. Then, hands-on opportunities are provided for individuals to learn various components of technical rope rescue systems. This will be followed with integrated practical scenarios, case studies, and skills sessions.  Training days will run approximately 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM with a ½ hour break for lunch. Plan for dealing with outdoor conditions by bringing appropriate clothing layers, water and food requirements. In the even inclement weather, arrangements will be made to find appropriate training facilities…but there’s always the chance of getting surprised by weather. Be prepared. Course topics are predetermined, but will operate on a flexible schedule if needed to facilitate essential learning opportunities. 

Course Logistics: 

The course will be held in Rapid City, SD and training areas throughout the Black Hills. This area provides numerous rescue training opportunities and is a short drive from Custer, Hill City, Custer State Park, The Badlands and Mt.  Rushmore. Scenario locations and distances are within an hour drive. 

Location:  

• The course will be held in Rapid City, SD. 
• We will be primarily holding class at the Hansen-Larson Memorial Park / Founders Park in central Rapid City.

Travel:

• Address or the location is 23740 Storm Mountain Road, Rapid City, SD 57702
• Students are responsible for all travel to and from the teaching location. Nearest Airport:  Rapid City Regional Airport

Lodging: 

• NIM Medical has a contract with the Rushmore Hotel to provide discounts. Please schedule in advance and use NIM Medicals name to receive discounts. 

Food: 

• Grocery stores, markets, etc. are available a short drive from training site. Please pack a lunch.   

Class Schedule: 

DAY 0 (Arrival): 

DAY 1: 

DAY 2: 

DAY 3: 

DAY 4: 

DAY 5: 

DAY 6: 

What to Bring: 

• Notebook and pen 
• Sunglasses and/or protective eyewear 
• Personal technical rescue equipment if available (helmet, harness, gloves, locking  carabiners) 
• Water bottle 
• Light day pack 
• Headlamp 
• Waterproof outerwear–top and bottom 
• Light hiking boots or sturdy shoes 
• Clothing layers that allow you to be comfortable in a variety of conditions,  including a hat 
• Personal items and toiletries 

*List is not exhaustive, and students should contact NIM Medical with any questions. Cancellations made more than14 days in advance of the event date, will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made within 8-14 days will incur a 25% fee. Cancellations made less than 8 days of the event will not receive a refund.