How do I prepare for a rope rescue course?
Learn how to prepare for a rope rescue course by reading this FAQ.
Q. How is a technical rope rescue course organized?
- Fall Protection – 1 day, mixed classroom and field
- Fall Protection & Rescue – 2 days, mixed classroom and field
- Road Side Rescue – 1 evening in the classroom, 2 days in the field
- Tower Rescue Operations – 1 day in the classroom, 1 day in the field
- Tower Rescue Technician – 1 day in the classroom, 2 days in the field
- Tower Authorized Climber – 1 day, mixed classroom and field
- Tower Competent Climber – 1/2 day in the classroom, 1 1/2 days in the field
- Tower Competent Climber & Rescue – 1/2 day in the classroom, 2 1/2 days in the field
- Technical Rope Rescue Operator – 1 day in the classroom, 4 days in the field
- Technical Rope Rescue Technician – 4 days in the field
- Technical Rope Rescue Specialist – 4 days in the field
- Tactical Rappel Operator Non EFE – 1/2 day in the classroom, 3 1/2 days in the field
- Tactical Rappel Operator EFE – 1/2 day in the classroom, 4 1/2 days in the field
- Tactical Rappel Master – 1/2 day in the classroom, 4 1/2 days in the field
- BC SAR Rope Rescue Technician 1 – 3 days, mixed classroom and field
- BC SAR Rope Rescue Technician 1 Evaluation – 3 days in the field
- BC SAR Rope Rescue Technician 2 Fundamentals – 3 days, mixed classroom and field
- BC SAR Rope Rescue Technician 2 Fundamentals Evaluation – 3 days in the field
Q. How long does the course run each day?
Courses run approximately 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with a break for lunch. Exceptions are Road Side Rescue, which begins with an evening session.
Q. Do I have to attend the whole course?
100% attendance is required to receive certification.
Q. Will I get a confirmation that the rope rescue course is going ahead?
Approximately 7-10 days before the course, you will receive an email to confirm details such as classroom location, start time, the instructor’s name and contact information for any last minute issues.
Q. What do I need for the course?
- Be prepared for note-taking
- Class III full-body harness (exceptions are Tactical Rappel courses, where seat harnesses are appropriate)
- Rope rescue helmet
- Pants made of durable material
- Boots (hiking boots are fine)
- Leather-palmed gloves (work gloves are fine)
- Appropriate outdoor gear including sunscreen
Q. I don’t own a Class III harness or climbing helmet. Can I rent them?
We provide Class III harnesses and helmets for every student upon request – no charge. Charges will apply if equipment is lost or damaged. Please follow instructions for putting on and taking off gear.
Q. Is pre-reading required?
No. However, if you’d like to prepare in advance, there are many online resources, such as Animated Knots by Grog, that will cover some helpful things to know:
- The “Family of 8’s”
- Water knot (for tubular webbing)
- Double fisherman’s
- Munter
- Clove hitch
- Bowline
- Alpine butterfly
Q. Are meals included?
You are responsible for your own food. Please bring:
- Lots of drinking water
- A good lunch and snacks as needed
- A hot drink in a thermos if the weather is wet/cold
Q. What if I’m scared of performing the skills on the course?
While getting banged and bruised or is not outside the realm of possibility during a technical rescue training course, in order to receive a certification you are not required to do anything you are uncomfortable with.
Raven recognizes that caution and knowing personal limits is a sign of a good rescuer. Therefore, our approach is “Challenge by Choice.” If you wish to observe a specific activity only, please advise the instructor immediately. This will be noted on your skill sheet and should be shared with your supervisor.
However, this also means that if you cannot demonstrate knowledge of key skills, your certification may be downgraded to the appropriate level by the Instructor.
Q. What kind of paperwork do I receive?
- A personalized Skill Sheet (training record) documenting the skills & knowledge performed or observed. This is a valuable training record. Please share it with your supervisor and keep it in a safe place.
- A certificate of completion (digital)
- Registration in the student database so that your credentials can be verified with a phone call or email
- Course text
Q. How long is my technical rope certification valid?
Certification is valid for 3 years from date of issue. We offer discounted rates for re-certification as long as your certification is still valid when you register.
Q. I’ve heard I can audit for free?
Anytime during the three-year period that your certification is valid, you are welcome are to audit the same course – for free – to practice and refresh your skills.
We’ll even sign your skill sheet to prove you’ve been practicing your skills.
This does not take the place of a re-certification as it does not extend the length of your certification.
