Rigging for Austere Rescue
Land-based technical rope rescue for agencies operating on steep terrain and above moving water.
Technical rigging built for austere response areas.
Rigging for Austere Rescue develops high-angle rope-rescue capability for agencies responding to surface-water emergencies and complex terrain incidents.
This is a land-based course conducted on rock and terrain adjacent to water. It does not include in-water or live-current training. SSI’s water-rescue professionals integrate the safety, access and hazard considerations required when rope systems are operated above moving water.
Build dependable systems from anchor to patient.
01
Anchors & Force Management
Construct single- and multi-point anchors, evaluate loading and apply system safety checks.
02
Main & Belay Systems
Build, operate and troubleshoot main lines, belays, pulleys and mechanical-advantage systems.
03
Edges & Transitions
Manage edge protection, difficult transitions and rescuer movement on steep terrain.
04
Patient Packaging
Package, tend and move patients during low- and high-angle litter operations.
05
Technician Rescue Skills
Practice victim pickoffs, suspended-patient management, transfers and fixed-rope movement.
06
Highlines & Complex Systems
Develop horizontal systems, highline concepts and disciplined direction of complex rope operations.
Arrive with a strong operational foundation.
- Minimum age 18
- Previous SSI PRO-I course or approved equivalent
- Comfortable working at heights
- All required Rope Rescue PPE
- Meet SSI’s Rope Rescue Essential Eligibility Criteria
Train in your actual response environment.
SSI prefers to deliver this course in the requesting agency’s response area so systems, terrain and operational decisions remain directly relevant.
The standard course is typically four days. Targeted modules may be available for specific objectives such as Tyrolean systems or Kootenai highlines. PPE requirements vary by course site and are confirmed by the instructor before training.
Advance from fundamentals to complex operations.
Operations Level
NFPA Chapter 5.2 Foundation
Develop communication, knots, personal rigging, equipment inspection, anchors, force management and system safety.
Integrated Systems
Raise, Lower & Litter Operations
Combine main lines, belays, mechanical advantage, edge transitions, patient packaging and low- or high-angle movement.
Technician Level
NFPA Chapter 5.3 Application
Apply victim pickoffs, advanced transfers, litter tending, highlines, fixed-rope ascent and descent, changeovers and work positioning.
Agency-centered rope rescue training.
NFPA-aligned skills for terrain above water.
The curriculum addresses NFPA 1006 Chapter 5.2 Operations-level and Chapter 5.3 Technician-level rope-rescue competencies.
Each day combines focused instruction, practical system construction and hands-on field work. Training emphasizes safety, security, hazard mitigation and disciplined team coordination in complex austere environments.
This course is best suited to agencies seeking advanced rigging capability connected to river-rescue operations, or austere professionals seeking to advance their operational skill-set..
Build rope systems around your real response needs.
Talk with SSI about a full course or focused technical module delivered in your agency’s operational environment.