Here is a recent comment/question about our latest Rescue Response Team Video:

“We just finished watching  your video (RESCUE RESPONSE TEAM:
Cliff Rescue and High Directional, Part 2 CASE FILE N.014 | Video) and we
had a quick question just to clear up some terminology and confusion on
our part. In the video a dual “Tracking” line was set up. It was taught
to us in the past that a tracking line is medium tension and generally not
built with dual lines and that this in fact is a dual “TRACK” line used
for a highline. Now we know that by definition they in fact both are
“highlines” but with “tracking” lines is the tension still considered
medium and not high tension like a true sloping “highline” ? Thanks for
the help and thanks for putting out such good resources and training
material.”

Answered by Matt of Rescue Response Gear:

Great question!  We went back and forth on what terminology to use for
this setup.  Usually the Track lines in highline systems are fixed. As we
preformed the rescue we used different tensions with our MA to bring the
litter down to the patient and then again near the bottom to clear the
creek.  Most of these adjustments were taken out of the final video but it
is because we used them as a way to control lateral movement that we
called the lines, Tracking lines.

You are absolutely right that tracking lines are usually single and only
have medium tension.  We used one person pulling an 8:1 (2 side by side
equalizing 4:1′s) to adjust and tension our lines which I would consider a
medium tension (CMC recommends an 18:1 after loading).  With a single
tracking line I would usually use a Z drag or 4:1.  We used two lines
because at one point in the lower just past the cliff’s edge we would not
have passed the knife test which is like the whistle test where everyone
drops everything and the system must “catch” but then goes a step further.
To pass, any one piece of gear can be cut or destroyed and the attendant/
package would still be safe.

If I did it again, I would have made it a dual Track highline with higher
tension and not try to demonstrate the litter manipulation biased on its
tension.
Let me know if that answers the question and thanks for asking!  We will
post this question on our Facebook account for others with the same
question.

Matt

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Tags: education, high line, rescue and rigging, rescue response gear, Rescue Response Team, rope, track line, training, Video