Vertical Rescue

Vertical rescue, or technical rope rescue involves the use of ropes and special equipment to access people down mine shafts, up towers, over cliffs or stuck in difficult locations. The rescue ropes and other vertical rescue equipment is used to access the patient, stabilise them, and then transport them back to level ground.

Our response area includes many disused gold mines, tower structures, cliffs, drains and other areas where people can get into trouble. Vertical rescue equipment is carried as standard on our rescue vehicles with equipment for four to five rescuers to safely work at heights or depths. We also have a edge management device called a CRUX Frame which can be configured to be a tripod or assist with stretcher evacuations over cliffs.

The technical rope work used in vertical rescue is often used in storm damage operations, when working above ground, or in trees. Regular training in vertical rescue and roping skills helps to maintain our skill levels. Vertical rescue can be dangerous and only trained rescuers respond to these calls.

Typical SES Tasks

• In support to the Victoria Polce, provision of vertical rescue qualified vertical rescue operators
• Assist Police with transport, carrying of equipment, rigging, extra manpower, etc.