Technical Rescue: Tips and Techniques

By: Mike Giroux

Safe. Simple. Proven.

In the high-risk world of technical rescue, responders must be prepared for complex scenarios where traditional methods may not be enough. Technical Rescue: Tips and Techniques by Mike Giroux provides firefighters, rescue teams, and emergency personnel with practical, field-tested solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in technical rescue operations.

This book introduces a systems-safety approach that prioritizes safe, simple, and proven techniques to help responders avoid critical mistakes, adapt to challenging conditions, and execute rescues with confidence. Covering real-world applications and tools for preplanning, this essential guide ensures that every operation is backed by experience, logic, and best practices.

Key Topics Covered:

• Ropes and Knots – Essential rigging techniques for various rescue scenarios.
• Patient Packaging – Best practices for safe and effective victim transport.
• High-Angle Rope Rescue – Practical approaches to vertical and aerial rescue challenges.
• Confined Space & Trench Rescue – Critical safety measures and response strategies.
• Size-Up for Technical Rescue – Evaluating hazards and structuring response efforts.
• Swing-Stage Scaffolding Rescues – Lessons from real-life incidents and best practices.

Through detailed case studies, hands-on examples, and operational insights, this title provides both new and experienced rescue professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle complex rescues safely and efficiently.

*****

Table of Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Rope, Knots, Rigging, and Safety

• Life Safety Rope for Technical Rescue 
• Figure Eight Family of Knots 
• Basic Rigging And Anchor Systems For Rescue 
• Materials for Anchor Rigging 
• Basic Rigging Principles: Types of Anchor Systems 
• Angles and Forces in Load-Sharing Systems 
• Anchor Attachments 
• High Points 
• Static System Safety Factors 
• Mechanical Advantage 
• Block and Tackle M/A systems 
• Calculating Tension in M/A Systems 
• Chapter 1 Questions 

2. Patient Packaging

• Medical Considerations for Technical Rescue 
• Full Backboard Immobilization of the Victim 
• Different Types of Litters for the Patient 
• Rigging Patient Litter Devices 
• Short Spinal Immobilization Devices 
• Conclusion 
• Chapter 2 Questions 

3. High-Angle Rope Rescue

• The Incident 
• Concepts in High-Angle Rescue 
• Pickoff 
• Low-Point Edge Transitions 
• The Equipment and Rope Bags 
• Inventory 
• Chapter 3 Questions 

4. Confined Space Rescue

• Definition of a Confined Space 
• OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.146 
• Permit-Required Confined Spaces 
• Atmospheric Monitoring 
• Testing Sequence 
• Roles and Responsibilities of Team Members 
• Fresh Air Breathing Apparatus 
• Rigging for Confined Spaces 
• Rigging Rope Systems 
• Conclusion 
• Chapter 4 Questions 

5. Trench Rescue

• Securing the Trench 
• Trench Panels 
• Strut Activation Forces and Pressures 
• Patient Packaging for Trenches 
• Chapter 5 Questions 

6. Swing-Stage Scaffold

• My Experience with Swing-Stage Scaffolding 
• After the Incident 
• The Foundation 
• Performing the Rescue 
• Chapter 6 Questions 

7. Size-Up for Technical Rescue Emergencies

• RECE-OVS 
• COAL WAS WEALTH 
• WHAT’S UP 
• Chapter 7 Questions 

Appendix A. Prerigged and Training Cache Bags

Appendix B. Equipment Inventory and Rope Logs

Appendix C. Practice on Mechanical Advantage and Static System Safety Factor

Appendix D. Sample Preplanning Sheets and Forms for Documentation of Various Technical Rescue Incidents

Answer Key

Index