The MPD is a major advance in hardware for technical rope rescue. This multi-purpose device performs all functions for main lines, belay lines, tag lines and haul lines and do so in under two (2) minutes.
When Matt Adams (our in-house techie) suggested we give this thing a whirl and actually time a set up (he thought we could set up a 5:1 system in less than 2 minutes), we all thought it was a great idea. We headed to Redmond Fire Department and drug out Randy (you many remember his cameo appearance and swan dive off a cliff at Smith Rock State Park) and have him lend us his “weight” for rigging and filming. We were very excited at showing off this new piece of gear.
The other side of the story and “someone else” we were really excited about showing off was Torrey (my son) and a good friend Adam Ermatinger. They both had worked on a number of projects with us (RRG video series) as well as with Zion Pictures, and are now working at putting projects together under the Raven Film Works label (be looking for more to come).
CMC Rescue has done an exceptional job at providing rescuers with the equipment they need to save lives. They pulled out all the stops on the MPD. Working with Rock Exotica, the plan was to come up with a worthy answer to weight, ease of use, cost savings and efficiency.
The MPD successfully and efficiently controls descents, is a high efficient pulley when used in a pulley system, as well as acts as a progress capture (in the same pulley or mechanical advantage system). It meets BCCTR Rescue Belay Competency Criteria and is NFPA G rated.
The Rock Exotica Arizona Vortex is named the “Multipod” because of its flexibility, it has a two-piece break-apart head that can be rigged as a standard tripod, or in advanced applications, as an A-Frame, a sideways A-Frame, or a Gin Pole. The “easel” leg allows the tripod to be leaned to form an easel A-Frame, placing anchor points closer to the cliff or structure edge. With adjustable leg lengths and a versatile third leg, the Mulitpod lets rescuers set up an artificial high directional in virtually any urban, industrial or wilderness location.
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.”
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.
Rescue Response Gear is vesting into track-lines, high-lines and artificial high directionals. What is he talking about? It has long been our desire to bless and educate our customers. The wonderful world of rescue and safety is full off oversights and left overs. We hope to entertain and educate more than just a few riggers with common and not-so-common rescue scenarios; many of which you’ll be familiar with.
The pic inserted here is my son Torrey. Assistant Director of Photography to the Rescue Response Team video
Rescue Response Gear specializes in rescue equipment, technical rope rescue, industrial rope access, training, services and education for the professional rescue specialist, search & rescue, emergency responder, firefighter, tower worker, industrial worker, tactical rescue, police and public safety, military and arborist rope access; offering state of the art rescue equipment, rescue educational resources, product demonstration videos and rescue technique videos, DVDs and digital video downloads.
