Rope-Based Casualty Retrieval via Rope Access.

Think Access carries out rope-based retrieval of incapacitated personnel from elevated positions, confined spaces and complex structures. Our trained rescue teams recover casualties safely and efficiently using certified equipment and rehearsed procedures.

Scope at a glance

Retrieval scenarios

Lower-down rescue · Raise-up rescue · Suspended at height · Confined space extraction

Rigging systems

Lowering device · Hauling & raising system · Existing or rescue anchor · Controlled movement throughout

Casualty care

Spinal injury precautions · Suspension trauma management · Place of safety · Emergency services handover

What we do

The core rescue skill

Rope-based casualty retrieval is the core technical skill of any rope access rescue. An incapacitated worker suspended in a harness at height, or unable to self-rescue from a confined space, must be moved to a safe position by the rescue team using rigging systems that control the movement of the casualty at all times.

Lower-down rescue

Lower-down rescue involves lowering a casualty from their working position to the ground or to a place of safety, using a lowering device attached to the existing anchor system or to a dedicated rescue anchor above.

Raise-up rescue

Raise-up rescue involves hauling a casualty from a lower position. Typically a confined space, or a position below the level of the rescue team, up to the surface or to a working platform.

Casualty handling & handover

Retrieval demands particular attention to potential spinal injury, the management of suspension trauma the medical emergency that can affect an unconscious person suspended in a harness and a clean handover to emergency services at the point of extrication. Our rescue teams are trained in all of these considerations.

Why Think Access

Rope-based casualty retrieval requires practised teams, certified equipment and clear decision-making under pressure. Think Access trains and equips our rescue teams to operate effectively in exactly these conditions.

F.A.Q’s

Suspension trauma occurs when an unconscious person hangs in a harness for a period, causing blood pooling in the legs and cardiovascular consequences. We manage it by repositioning the casualty as quickly as possible to a horizontal or semi-reclined position on retrieval, and by providing immediate first aid support.

Yes. Horizontal confined space retrieval from pipes, culverts, tunnels and similar requires a different rigging approach from vertical retrieval. We plan the specific retrieval method during the rescue planning phase before any entry begins.