Safety Aspect of Rescue
(Considerations excerpted from Freedom of the Hills, 5th Edition)

Knowledge is built from books, courses, other rescuers and of course experience. We add to our knowledge by asking questions and keeping alert.

Skill is both a gift and acquired. Practice is needed to raise our skill level and is best done under forgiving conditions. Rescue skills are increased by embracing a commitment to better methods, an eagerness to study and to learn and a determination to practice and perfect the skills of rescue.

Judgment is a rescuer’s most valuable ally. Good judgment is the quality of using knowledge gained from study and experience to make sound decisions. Each person and team will have a definition of acceptable risk and will need to discuss this question often (prior to an actual rescue).

It is poor judgment to attempt techniques or rescues beyond present abilities. Objectives can overwhelm or cloud accurate assessments to the risk. Be rigorous in making a rational evaluation of the factors involved in the rescue: weather, team strength and patient conditions.