Structural Tower Rescue – RTR

The Structural Tower Rescue Workshop is an in-depth, hands-on course, emphasizing structural rescue from the ground up. We closely align the techniques in this program with mountain rescue. Similarly, they use bottom-up procedures on stranded climbers located above the rescue team. Most rope rescues (over 95%) are top-down. Specifically, this is because the rescue team can easily access a position above the victim.

The STRW addresses these important distinctions early on, covering both structure-based and ground-based rescue techniques. Furthermore, it provides in-depth orientation on lattice steel and monopole radio and power transmission tower construction, including climbing techniques and hazards. All of this is specifically for the emergency responder. This is the first and only seminar carefully delineating the many hazards associated with energized power transmission lines for firefighters. 99% of all aboveground towers in the US are electrical power transmission lines. The STRW also features DVD support from the Highline Production training materials “TOWER RESCUE for EMERGENCY RESPONDERS.”

Before the rescue section begins, students learn several ways of safely climbing not only towers but also structures such as bridges using time-tested climbing methods, rest positions, and tips for route strategy. Seasoned workmen daily use many of these techniques on towers and structures. We teach all climbing with first-up fall protection. Additionally, we establish self-belay lines for all subsequent climbers on the structure.

This rigorous workshop teaches rescue of uninjured, ill, slightly injured, or injured workers or unauthorized climbers on lattice steel and monopole structures up to 40m (125′). The seven-day seminar is designed for emergency responders only and is not recommended for tower workers and linemen.

The STRW differs extensively from the Industrial Rescue Workshop (IRW) as both teach separate techniques. Different manuals and differing focuses. The IRW suits top-down rescue techniques better, though it includes some bottom-up methods. However, the STRW focuses entirely on personal rope movement. It involves solo and semi-solo rescues. Ultimately, it emphasizes predominantly bottom-up rescues. A careful comparison of the program descriptions will reveal the focus of each workshop.