In the world of elite rescue gear, the marriage of carabiners and the aerospace industry is well documented. In 1967, when Jim Clark, Seattle Manufacturing Corporation (SMC) founder, brought his technical skills from the aircraft industry to the rescue world; it was, let’s say, unique.

Over the ensuing 50-plus years, SMC Gear has become a staple of rescue and sport caches around the world. The steel SMC large and X-large biners of the 80’s and 90’s will be found in Industrial Rescue team kits for generations to come based on robust construction alone.

In more recent years, TerrAdaptor tripod system is where cutting-edge rescuers turn when the other options on the market just don’t give you enough versatility to color outside the lines. The newest gear coming out of the Ferndale, WA operation is incredibly well thought out, with creative thinking highlighted in the excellent Apex pulley line.

Now under the umbrella of the Harken family of equipment, SMC Gear and Roco Rescue have a long history. The Roco Tactical Division has leaned heavily on the SMC Gear line and expertise over the years while serving our tactical clients. The TerrAdapter has travelled the world with our Tactical Cadre, providing new and innovative problem-solving options to some of the top operators in the world.

In addition, our Roco Training Division is deeply invested in the SMC Gear offerings. Our original TerrAdapter was one of the first to come off the line and has provided top notch service for nearly two decades. When we converted the Roco Training Center equipment kits to 11mm, Roco instructors chose gear they felt best represented Roco Rescue’s commitment to providing elite equipment for our students. SMC was well represented. The Apex pulley has become a fast favorite and the Origin 5 and Origin 8 rigging plates have become our go-to in classes. We are also excited to evaluate the Origin TT.

As SMC makes some of the best rescue and mountaineering gear on the market, Roco Rescue is proud of the decade’s long relationship between two iconic players in the rescue world. Rescuers can count on SMC gear to be solid and reliable, no matter how tough the job.

Additional Resources:

• Service Life Guidelines for Rescue Gear

• Roco Rescue Open Enrollment Training

A 29-year-old New York state man survived to see another Christmas when a strong rescue plan by Woodbury Fire Department, local EMS responders and park rangers resulted in the man wakening in a warm hospital room on Christmas morning.

In the early evening hours of Christmas Eve, local EMS responders from Woodbury Community Ambulance and park rangers from New York State Park Police responded to a remote area in Harriman State Park for the report of a male who had fallen 25 feet from a cliff. Responders arrived and determined that the man had serious injuries and needed immediate evacuation. While EMS personnel began to treat the man for a probable broken jaw and leg fracture, Park Rangers contacted Woodbury Fire Department just north of the park for assistance.

Located 50 miles north of New York City, Woodbury Fire Department hosts a dedicated group of firefighters, trained, and equipped to respond to these types of incidents. When the call came out, Captain Bob Kauer was at home. Quickly determining the need for technical rescue, Kauer spoke with Fire Chief Chris Burke who assigned him to run the operation. Eleven Woodbury firefighters left their homes in freezing temperatures on Christmas Eve to race the ever-closing window to get the victim to definitive care (Woodbury Personnel – Cpt B Kauer, Lt T Finnegan, Driver S Stansfield, FF M Franko, FF J Stevens, FF D McCarthy, FF T Aliji, FF C Sheehan, FF M Flakowicz, FF H Danielson).

The Woodbury Fire crew met with Park Rangers and were informed the patient was approximately 1.5 miles from the roadway. Captain Kauer immediately coordinated equipment and packaging material to be moved to the scene and made the decision to call for an Air Ambulance to meet them at the roadway on the way out.

The Woodbury Fire crew faced two large washouts on the walk in and began to plan how to move the patients through them on the carry out. The smallest was walkable with the victim, but the large washout was 25’ deep and rocky and would require a rope system for passage.

Rescuers transitioned the patient to a Stokes Basket after treating injuries and covering him with a heat blanket. He was lashed in using the CMC Patient Tie In System. Litter bearers then began the long mile and a half carry out.

Leapfrogging ahead, Capt Kauer and a small group of rescuers prepared a low angle rope system to make passage of the large wash doable. A Harken/CMC Clutch was anchored and ready when the team arrived with the patient. Rescuer tie ins were made using firefighters existing Gemtor Rescue Harnesses and the patient was rapidly moved through the wash. Shortly thereafter, the patient was delivered to the flight team of Atlantic Air One who medevac’d the patient to the nearest trauma center.

The entire rescue lasted three hours and highlights the strong coordination and cooperation of local response agencies. Roco Rescue would like to recognize The Woodbury Fire Department with the Roco Rescue “Real Rescue” Award.

Roco Would Like to Recognize Your Outstanding Rope Rescue!

Nominate your rescue team so we can recognize your professional efforts with a Roco Outstanding Rope Rescue Plaque. All reports that we receive highlighting an actual rescue event will be considered.

Click here to download the Real Rescue Form. You can then email form to info@RocoRescue.com.

GRILLON SAFETY ALERT: REQUEST FOR INSPECTION

Petzl requests the inspection of certain GRILLON products following the detection of ropes mounted incorrectly in the rope adjuster of recently produced GRILLON products. In such a case, the product does not perform its blocking function, which can result in a risk of injury. Please immediately stop sales and use of GRILLON products manufactured between October and December 2023, and follow the inspection procedure described in this link.

If you need assistance with inspecting your gear, Roco Rescue will be happy to help, please call 800-647-7626.

Always remember to inspect your gear before each use. Stay safe!

“ANSI Z359 as well as OSHA 1926.502(d)(20) require employers to provide the prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall, or assure that employees are able to perform self-rescue.”

What is suspension trauma?

Suspension Trauma (also known as orthostatic intolerance) has been identified by OSHA as a workplace hazard for those using Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) who may be suspended from their harness for a period of time following a fall. More and more employers are becoming aware of this workplace hazard and are taking appropriate steps to protect their employees. 

The range of understanding on the cause of suspension trauma, as well as how to protect against it, is limited – and it has been revised over the years to include updated information as shown here. The development of suspension trauma varies from individual to individual and its onset can be difficult to predict. However, it is important to be aware of the Suspension Trauma  hazard and be prepared to take action as needed. Employers need to be aware that this syndrome is potentially life threatening.

Our revised Suspension Trauma Safety Poster is a tool to raise awareness of this potential hazard. It illustrates the pathological effects that a suspended worker may experience. We encourage you to share it with others who may work-at-height and/or use PFAS. Rescuers also need to be aware of this information and precautionary measures. Roco offers Rescue from Fall Protection training to educate rescuers who may respond to suspended workers.

Briefly, we will review the signs and symptoms of suspension trauma as well as factors that can influence the onset. We will also mention several options to prevent its occurrence as well as what precautions to take in treatment for suspension trauma. Suspended workers with head injuries or who are unconscious are particularly at risk (according to OSHA Bulletin 03-24-2004, updated 2011). As always, it is very important to follow your local treatment protocols.

What are signs and symptoms of suspension trauma?

Common signs and symptoms include light-headedness, heart palpitations, trembling, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headache, sweating, weakness or fainting. Factors that influence the potential for suspension trauma as well as the speed of onset include the following:

• Unconsciousness, fainting or immobility;
• Underlying physical conditions including any pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions;
• Worker’s ability to handle stress and anxiety;
• Harness selection, fit, and adjustment;
• Traumatic injuries that may have occurred during or before the fall; and,
• Knowledge and the use of equipment or techniques to delay the onset of suspension trauma such as temporary leg stirrups or simply “bicycling the legs.”

What can be done to prevent suspension trauma?

• Follow manufacturer guidelines on harness use and proper fit.
• Preparation of a Fall Hazard Assessment, including a plan for self-rescue or assisted rescue as needed.
• Leg movement or bicycling of the legs while suspended.
• Use of a “step-up” device to relieve pressure. Example: MSA makes a device that attaches to the harness to help take pressure off the legs. (MSA Suspension Trauma Safety Step) 
• Timely availability of a properly trained rescue service, such as an in-house team or a contracted rescue team prepared for suspended worker rescue.

What are the latest treatment opinions?

The following information is from “Evidence-Based Versus Myth-Based Treatment of Suspension Syndrome” by Roger B. Mortimer, MD and Ken Zafren, MD, published May 30, 2020.

For many years, the theory has been that a worker with the potential of suspension trauma should be placed in a certain position for a certain amount of time following rescue. The theory was that if a worker remained standing or sitting, the toxic blood would be introduced back into central blood flow, at a lower rate, minimizing risk of cardiac arrest – similar to a tourniquet being released too quickly on an extremity, so the right side of the heart would not be overloaded.

However, this theory hasn’t proven entirely true. According to the referenced article, the worker should not be treated any differently than any other patient that presents with signs and symptoms of shock. Simply put, if the patient is displaying “shock-like” symptoms, assess and manage the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation. Place the patient in the supine position (flat on back), and rapidly transport to the nearest hospital with adequate services.

Notice: It is always important to follow local treatment protocols.

In summary

Suspension trauma is a hazard to be considered (and prepared for) by employers with workers using PFAS. A worker suspended from their fall protection harness must be treated and rescued in a very timely manner – or be prepared for self-rescue when viable. The use of a Fall Hazard Survey is highly recommended – as well as the preparation of a Rescue from Fall Protection Rescue Preplan (samples referenced below). Rescue personnel must also be trained, prepared and equipped for Rescue from Fall Protection operations.

Additional Resources

• OSHA Fall Protection Plan Template
• Roco Fall Hazard Survey Template 
• Roco Rescue from Fall Protection (Suspended Worker) Preplan Template
• Roco Rescue from Fall Protection Training Course

Manufactured exclusively for Roco Rescue by CMC.

The new Roco Urban ATOM™ Rescue Harness is the perfect solution for the urban rescuer – designed for vertical and confined space rescue, or an occasional trip to the backcountry. Customized by Roco Rescue, this new full-body harness is based on the technologically advanced ATOM™ harness by CMC. It delivers on performance without compromising comfort and safety. 

• Roco Urban ATOM™ Rescue Harness
• Roco Urban ATOM™ ASCENT Rescue Harness (Complete with Chest Ascender)

Built for long days on rope, the Roco Urban ATOM™ Rescue Harness offers full adjustability along with a modern ergonomic design. Dual-density padding with stitched rolled edges provides unparalleled comfort. Aluminum D-rings reduce overall weight, while small Cobra buckles at the chest and legs make for easy donning and doffing. Rigid gear loops and tool tethers provide unrivaled versatility. The high center of gravity gives rescuers a balanced ride.

The Roco Urban ATOM™ ASCENT Rescue Harness increases the rescuer’s vertical capabilities with the addition of a Climbing Technology chest ascender and chest ascender kit.

Key Features:

• Manufactured in the USA to North American Standards.

• UL Certified to relevant ANSI, CSA and NFPA standards as a Class III Life Safety Harness.

• Improved architecture molds to the user for a lightweight, low-profile fit.

• Ergonomic design for maximum comfort and support.

• Y-back construction and bridged front lift.

• Constructed with polyester webbing.

• Multiple accessory attachment points provide ample space for stowing and organizing hardware and tools.

• Gear loop over-braid is based on a 32-carrier polyester, rope sheath design that delivers a familiar texture and functional robustness.

Place Your Order Today!

• Roco Urban ATOM™ Rescue Harness 
• Roco UrbanATOM™ ASCENT Rescue Harness (Complete with Chest Ascender)