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General rescue principles
Hanging immobile in a harness, even for a short time, can cause
serious physiological harm. In case of an accident, it is important
to intervene quickly with the appropriate technique.
Self-rescue
On sites where the main access could be cut off by fire, people
must be ready to evacuate the building quickly. They have
evacuation kits. These kits are either portable or installed
permanently on the structure. Where there is no identified anchor
possibility, these people can use a hook-based system. In both
cases, teams are regularly trained so as not to panic in case of a
fire.
On-site rescue
When a worksite is being set up, the company must establish a
risk prevention plan (inventory of risk situations):
1. It must protect the personnel from falls from height.
The solutions chosen, whether collective or individual, must
protect the team members while they work.
2. In the case of an incident, the company must be prepared with
rescue systems for accessing, releasing and evacuating the
victim. These solutions are established with:
- ready-to-use rescue kits, adaptable to many situations and
simple to use
- personal equipment for the worker at height (solution requiring
experienced and precisely trained teams)
In both cases, the teams undergo regular training so they can
respond quickly in case of an accident.
Technical rescue
Technical rescue teams must be able to respond quickly in any
situation. They must choose the quickest, most effective way to
access the victim.
- When access is easy or possible by motorized means, they can
easily transport the rescue equipment
- In more difficult access situations, they may use rope access
techniques, from above or below. They thus have lightweight,
versatile equipment
- Finally, the helicopter can be a means that is used when victim
access is complicated and/or remote, for example in the
mountains
Ski lift evacuation
Ski lift evacuation operations follow an evacuation plan. Rescue
kits are put together to meet the specific needs of each ski center.
1. Accessing the victim
Accessing the victim can sometimes be complicated.
Difficult-access techniques are used in such a case. When access is
possible from above, rescuers use rope descent techniques. If an
access rope is in place, rescuers can ascend the rope using rope
clamp techniques. In other situations, rescuers are obliged to use
climbing techniques to reach the victim.