CAPTO Safety & Inspection Notice
CMC has found certain instances where the thread locker that secures the CAPTO cam set screw may not have fully
The Valley Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Technicians (TRT) recently gathered for essential rope training. They went to Papago Mountain to refresh necessary rope access training skills for emergencies. This practical session was critical for maintaining life-saving competence across all crews. The expert technicians worked actively on complex low-angle extraction training techniques. They utilized their rugged stainless steel litter baskets to safely secure mock patients.
Crews used integral tools to further analyze their established rescue methods. Notably, they incorporated the use of highly accurate electronic load cells. These devices allowed the TRT crews to actively measure the actual weight of the loads being hauled during practice. The application of load cells is to carefully monitor the loads while using various hauling techniques. This provides an immediate, visual representation to all participating technicians. Observing the load cell clearly showed how rigging decisions can directly affect hidden forces. This critical data allows crews to make significantly smarter and safer choices under pressure.
Today’s intensive training ensures Valley-wide mutual aid technical rescue readiness. It’s vital that all technicians throughout the Valley are consistently on the same page. Standardized training protocols ensure seamless coordination when multiple departments respond. They must all use identical equipment and follow the same procedures. This rigorous preparedness is essential because numerous lives actively depend on their coordinated expertise. These cohesive efforts guarantee safe and effective rescue operations across the entire region.
CMC has found certain instances where the thread locker that secures the CAPTO cam set screw may not have fully
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What it takes to stay at the top of your game as a rescue technician is quality training and time spent with both your equipment and team to be both efficient and safe. Technicians statewide come together monthly to hone their skills for a variety of rope disciplines, from high-angle rescue, confined space, water rescue, and palm tree rescue—just a few of the disciplines they practice throughout the year. Learning how it all goes together while working with other technicians is the beginning of understanding how your equipment functions under load and how the hidden forces act upon the ropes, carabiners, and pulleys, as well as the emotion of the technician. I have been told there is no eraser on the pencil of a technician.