High angle rescue is considered to be terrain that has a slope angle of 60 degrees and higher. Rescuers are also fully dependent on the rope system for upward travel because of how much higher the angle is compared to a low-angle rescue. These rescues can actually be a higher risker than a low angle rescue because more weight may be placed on objects around the setup, such as on rocks. In this situation, the weight of the rescuer and victim are distributed relatively evenly between the ground and ropes. Rescues at 35-60 degrees are considered steep angle rescues. Many emergency personnel, such as firefighters, have some kind of low-angle rescue training because it’s more commonly encountered and is less specialized than steep angle and high angle rope rescues.

In these scenarios, most of the rescuer’s weight is supported by the ground and rope is only used for balance or assistance with the rescue.Ĭommon examples of low angle situations are car accidents when the vehicle has gone down the side of the road, or someone falling over a slight ridge or incline such as down a ravine.

Here are the three categories of rope rescues based on their angle, and the differences between each approach.Ī rescue situation that involves angles of up to about 15-35 degrees is considered low angle. At lower angles, at most or all of the rescuer and victim’s weight are supported by the ground which, in most situations, are stable. This is because at higher angles, more weight is dependent on the rope setup.

When it comes to rescue scenarios, the higher the angle, the more challenging and technical the rescue becomes. Rope access is used in a variety of industrial, commercial and rescue situations.

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