Consult with your training provider regarding their equipment recommendations and preferences before taking the plunge to buy rope rescue equipment. Look for reputable technical rescue training providers who offer certification programs compliant with those two standards. NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications and NFPA 1670: Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents are the applicable standards for all technical rescue operations, including rope rescue. Rope rescue isn't something they can, just figure out when we get there. NFPA 1001: Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications does not adequately prepare firefighters for emergency incident requiring rope rescue work. 'And then the equipment just becomes interesting because they don't have anyone who has the skills set to use it.' 'One of the things I consistently see is that after three or four or five years - depending on the size of the department - that initial training starts to break down,' Stewart said. Just as any officer would never send a firefighter into a structure fire without SCBA training, they should never place one of their people into a rope rescue situation without the appropriate training. Here are five key things to consider when buying new rope rescue equipment.

'Working with a vendor early on, you might find that they can give you a better price because they've learned what you need and what you can afford.' 'Not only will that help you get good advice that can help in the buying process, you can also save money, too,' Burns said. You want to buy from someone who has that experience, not someone whose just a salesperson,' said Matt Burns, managing owner at High Angle Associates.

'Get in touch with a vendor who uses the equipment and start developing a relationship.

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