Safe. Simple. Proven. In the high-risk world of technical rescue, responders must be prepared for complex scenarios where traditional methods may not be enough. Technical Rescue: Tips and Techniques by Mike Giroux provides firefighters, rescue teams, and emergency personnel with practical, field-tested solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in technical rescue operations. This book introduces a systems-safety approach that prioritizes safe, simple, and proven techniques to help responders avoid critical mistakes, adapt to challenging conditions, and execute rescues with confidence. Covering real-world applications and tools for preplanning, this essential guide ensures that every operation is backed by experience, logic, and best practices. Key Topics Covered: Ropes and Knots – Essential rigging techniques for various rescue scenarios. Patient Packaging – Best practices for safe and effective victim transport. High-Angle Rope Rescue – Practical approaches to vertical and aerial rescue challenges. Confined Space & Trench Rescue – Critical safety measures and response strategies. Size-Up for Technical Rescue – Evaluating hazards and structuring response efforts. Swing-Stage Scaffolding Rescues – Lessons from real-life incidents and best practices. Through detailed case studies, hands-on examples, and operational insights, this title provides both new and experienced rescue professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle complex rescues safely and efficiently.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Rope, Knots, Rigging, and Safety Life Safety Rope for Technical Rescue  Figure Eight Family of Knots  Basic Rigging And Anchor Systems For Rescue  Materials for Anchor Rigging  Basic Rigging Principles: Types of Anchor Systems  Angles and Forces in Load-Sharing Systems  Anchor Attachments  High Points  Static System Safety Factors  Mechanical Advantage  Block and Tackle M/A systems  Calculating Tension in M/A Systems  Chapter 1 Questions    2. Patient Packaging Medical Considerations for Technical Rescue  Full Backboard Immobilization of the Victim  Different Types of Litters for the Patient  Rigging Patient Litter Devices  Short Spinal Immobilization Devices  Conclusion  Chapter 2 Questions    3. High-Angle Rope Rescue The Incident  Concepts in High-Angle Rescue  Pickoff  Low-Point Edge Transitions  The Equipment and Rope Bags  Inventory  Chapter 3 Questions    4. Confined Space Rescue Definition of a Confined Space  OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.146  Permit-Required Confined Spaces  Atmospheric Monitoring  Testing Sequence  Roles and Responsibilities of Team Members  Fresh Air Breathing Apparatus  Rigging for Confined Spaces  Rigging Rope Systems  Conclusion  Chapter 4 Questions    5. Trench Rescue Securing the Trench  Trench Panels  Strut Activation Forces and Pressures  Patient Packaging for Trenches  Chapter 5 Questions    6. Swing-Stage Scaffold My Experience with Swing-Stage Scaffolding  After the Incident  The Foundation  Performing the Rescue  Chapter 6 Questions    7. Size-Up for Technical Rescue Emergencies RECE-OVS  COAL WAS WEALTH  WHAT’S UP  Chapter 7 Questions    Appendix A. Prerigged and Training Cache Bags Appendix B. Equipment Inventory and Rope Logs Appendix C. Practice on Mechanical Advantage and Static System Safety Factor Appendix D. Sample Preplanning Sheets and Forms for Documentation of Various Technical Rescue Incidents Answer Key Index