This alone will multiply (with the rescue load in the middle of the trackline) the weight of the load anywhere from 2 times at 150 degrees to 11 times at 175 degrees at each anchor!īecause of this tremendous stress highlines put on the anchors, here are some key principles that must be included in the construction of highlines: With highlines, you are looking at a vector angle of 150 degrees and up. In most cases, we try to keep the angle between multi-point anchors 90% or less, at 120 degrees the force at each anchor equals the weight of the load. If over tensioning and rope abrasion are the archenemies of rope rescue operations, than consider these two evils the devil incarnate to a highline.īy its very nature, highlines go against most conventional rules of safe anchor building. The good side of highlines is that it is a viable option the bad side is that there are numerous reasons why not to do one. Highlines are almost always a last resort option. For a fuller understanding of highlines RescueRig offers rigging courses for advanced level technicians.

This section of this chapter gives only a general overview of this extremely complex subject of highlines. Anyone interested in performing a highline must have intermediate skills, and seek advanced training through an accredited school of rope rescue. Under no circumstances should a highline be attempted solely on the instruction of this book. Highline rescues invoke the use of advanced rigging skills, performed by advanced technicians. Highline operations are one of the most dangerous and most difficult vertical rescues.

Now how to construct and operating a Reeving System.

Know the steps in constructing a highline.

Understand the potential forces involved in a highline and the rigging safety measures taken to control them.

Know and understand the guidelines for tension and highline Track Line.

Know when highline systems are needed and should be used during a rope rescue.

Grab his book here…Ĭonsidered by many as advanced operations because highlines deviate in many ways from standard rope rescue rigging practices, building and using highlines requires a clear understanding of sound rigging principles and a working knowledge of the force vectors involved. I want to thank Steve Crandall for his work Rigging Rescue Concepts, from which some of this article is derived from.

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