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Personal Escape (Rope Rescue)
My department is re-evaluating our personal escape rope system. We presently have a personal escape package assigned to all of our SCBA’s. The package consists of the following items, 20 meters of 3/8” lifeline, 2 aluminum carabiners (standard large), and an outer-bag that is attached to the SCBA frame. The 3/8” rope is loaded into the bag and finished with a compact figure 8 knot with one of the carabiners attached to the 8 knot. The other carabiner is pre-loaded a few inches away from the end knot using a Munter friction hitch. When deployed the end-knot of the system is attached to an anchor (tool or other anchor point) and the Munter is attached to our integrated class II harness within our bunker gear. We are considering replacing the Munter hitch with another type of friction hitch or configuration. Any info regarding personal experience utilizing other friction configurations would be greatly appreciated.
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In the RIT training I have done, I have used a triple wrap on a caribiner as the friction device, as well as the window bail out technique. The bail out is hard to describe, but you end up using your body as the friction device with the rope around you under your arms. The munter hitch works pretty good, but if it comes loose for some reason, it is a pain to try to tie it in the dark with gloves on under pressure.
If there is a class in your area on Firefighter Survival, I encourage you to take it. You might just get some fresh ideas.
I like the rope bag attached to the SCBA idea. That makes the escape pack easily accessible and you don't have to worry about forgetting it.
Good luck!
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*****The opinions expressed are mine and do not necessarily reflect those of my department********
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