CMC Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Influential Books May 14, 2024

In this CMC Podcast our school instructors Craig McClure, John McKently, LeRoy Harbach, and Jason Ilowite hold a roundtable a discussion about the books, aside from technical manuals, that have been influential to them in their lives and careers. Books mentioned: "The Mission, The Men, and Me" By Pete Blaber "Up the Organization" by Robert Townsend "Young Men and Fire" by Norman MacLean "Green Eggs and Ham, Oh the Places you'll Go" by Dr Suess "Deadliest Seas" by Caley Thompson "Damn Lucky" by Kevin Lawer "We Die Alone: A WWII Epic of Escape and Endurance" by David Howarth "Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman "Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun" by Wes Roberts "Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the Facts" by Annie Duke "The Ashley Book of Knots" by Clifford W. Ashley

G Vs. T Mar 05, 2024

In this CMC Podcast CMC Instructors Wayne Chapman, John McKently, Doug McElmury, and Kelly Byrne hold a roundtable discussion about NFPA General Use vs Technical Use ratings. They explore how the ratings are defined, if there is a requirement to use one over the other, and possible use cases. Overheard this episode: “As long as you are buying good stuff from reputable places you are not in danger of breaking things... don't put your Wish .com carabiners on your high change of direction” at 07:41 “Are there NFPA police?” at 17:28 "Hipsters of rope" - at 32:34

Fred Salazar | CMC Instructor Podcast Feb 01, 2023

This week we are joined by Fred Salazar. Fred started his journey into the fire services at a young age when he attended a fire academy through a junior college, followed by paramedic school. Fred's first position out of school was with a fire team working for a petrochemical plant in Southern California where he served as a full time industrial Fire Fighter for 7 years. After his service in the industrial world, Fred moved to Colorado where he has worked for a metropolitan fire department for 26 years. Currently, Fred is a fire lieutenant in his department's Heavy Rescue program and has been an instructor with CMC since 1994. Overheard from this episode: “For me, one of the most enjoyable moments is when you see the student actually get it.” “Everything will come full circle at some point.”

LeRoy Harbach | CMC Instructor Series Dec 13, 2022

Craig McClure | CMC Instructor Series Nov 30, 2022

This week we are joined by CMC School Instructor Craig McClure. Craig got his start in rope rescue volunteering for a Search and Rescue team in Bend, OR. Eventually after many years of volunteering and teaching in the rope rescue field Craig started his own training company called The Crackerjack Group, which he ran for nearly 10 years. After selling the Crackerjack Group he returned to his passion of rope training world joining CMC as an instructor in April 2022. Overheard this episode: 4:46 - “Dude, rope is where it’s at.” 16:55 - “I really enjoy what we do in this, which is help people overcome those fears and kind of open up new things in their lives.” 24:52 - “That caving influence in ITRS (International Technical Rescue Symposium) is vital to the growth and vital to the history.” 30:54 - “If you’re going to pick up a new technique, you need to consider what you’re going to stop learning if you’re going to learn a new one.” 35:57 - “Their risk profile is different than yours, so maybe don’t adopt their practices.”

Matthew Scharper | CMC Instructor Series Oct 27, 2022

Kelly Byrne | CMC Instructor Series Oct 12, 2022

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/ Join us weekly to get to know our CMC instructors. This week we are joined by Kelly Byrne. Kelly Started his fire service career as a Highschool cadet volunteer in 1992. After Highschool Kelly served in the United States Army as an Airborne Infantryman with the 82nd Airborne. Upon completion of his service in 1999 Kelly moved back into the Fire Services where he found himself working for the Washington DC Fire Department where he currently serves. Kelly has been an instructor with CMC since 2013. Overheard this episode: “I anchored to the foot of Freedom. There is no more bombproof anchor than that.” “I wanted to be a guitarist in a rock n roll band and have big, long hair, dreams of that!” "Gravity is the same for everybody and the techniques aren’t too terribly different.”

Justin Klopfenstein | CMC Instructor Series Oct 05, 2022

John McKently | CMC Instructor Series Sep 28, 2022

Join us weekly to get to know our CMC School instructors. This week we are joined by John McKently. John began working in the rescue industry in 1974, became an instructor with CMC in 1995, and retired as the CMC School Director in 2020. John worked for 47 years on the Montrose Search and Rescue team in Los Angeles County, CA. In this interview, we talk with John about how he transitioned from working in the private industry as a construction manager for a bank, to being asked by CMC founder Jim Frank to teach rescue for CMC. John continues to teach classes for CMC in his semi-retirement. Overheard this episode: “We’re not in the business of exchanging lives.” “The thing that I really like is when you got a bunch of students and the light finally comes on in their head and you can see it on their face.” “Our team goes from 1,000’ in elevation to 10,000’ at the county line.”

Derrick Walker | CMC Instructor Series Sep 21, 2022

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/ Join us weekly as we get to know our CMC School instructors. This week we are joined by Derrick Walker. Derrick has a background in the industrial world working in power plants as a certified structural welder and welding inspector. Derrick has been teaching Rope Rescue Tech I / II classes with CMC since 2021. In this interview, we talk with Derrick about his background working in the industrial world and how that allows him to bring a unique skill set to the classroom. Overheard this episode: “I want to be able to pass along the things that I have learned.” “I’m your industrial guy, so that’s my world.”

David Harper | CMC Instructor Series Sep 14, 2022

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/ Join us weekly as we get to know our CMC School instructors. This week we are joined by David Harper. David started his career by taking an EMT class in Highschool and worked his way up from working for a private ambulance company to Fire Bataillon Chief. David has worked with FEMA and managed both a rescue team and squad. David has been teaching for CMC since August 2021 and teaches Rope Rescue and Confined Spaces. In his personal time David works on his farm at home in Montana. Overheard this episode: “I’ve been a member of the FEMA Task Force for about 10 years now, been on there as a Rescue Squad Officer, Rescue Team Manager, and currently one of the Task Force Leaders for California Task Force 5.” “The middle of the call isn’t the time to start having what we call the good idea fairy come up in the middle.” “There is certainly an art to teaching.”

Dan Claridge | CMC Instructor Series Sep 07, 2022

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/ Join us weekly as we get to know our CMC instructors. This week we are joined by Dan Claridge. Dan has been working in Fire Services since 2001 and has been an instructor for the CMC School since 2014. Currently an Engineer Paramedic, City Of Glendale Fire Department (CA), Dan teaches subjects ranging from Low Angle Rope Rescue, Confined Space Rescue Technician, and Rescue Systems I/II. Overheard this episode: “I find a lot of value in that and getting better as an instructor, being able to have those different opportunities and scenarios where you are teaching.” “I like challenging people; I want them to challenge me.” “I’ll tell you right now, within the first 15 minutes from when I walked into that fire station, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.”

Alan Baker | CMC Instructor Series Sep 01, 2022

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/ With this CMC Podcast we are kicking off our Instructor Series. Join us weekly as we get to know our CMC instructors. This week we are joined by Alan Baker. Alan started his career as a firefighter in Newport Beach, CA, in 1992 and has been an instructor for the CMC School since 1995. He is a senior instructor teaching subjects ranging from Trench Rescue, Rope Rescue, Rescue Systems, and more. Overheard this episode: "I never wanted to teach something that I didn't actually do rescues in" "As an instructor you have to open your mind up and just not say, 'I'm the one in charge and you're going to listen to me' , that's the wrong attitude to have." "The number one word is consistency"

49th Parallel | CMC GRIMP North America Recap Mini-Series Aug 24, 2022

In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by 49th Parallel (@49thparallelrescueteam) a Canadian team composed of Firefighters from all across Canada who are involved with Ronin Rescue (@roninrescue). In this episode Doug talks with the 49th Parallel team about why they decided to compete in GRIMP NA 2022, what they learned from other competitions that helped them prepare, how they trained during the pandemic, and how they excelled as a team despite meeting each other for the first time at the event. We hope you have enjoyed our podcast series on the 2022 GRIMP NA teams. Stay tuned for information on our next GRIMP NA event, or sign up to receive updates: cmcpro.com/grimp-na. Overheard this episode: “It’s every discipline, all kind of formed into one, it’s like the Bruce Lee version of martial arts.” “For 3 years, I have had sleepless nights and anxious moments forever wanting to do that one again.” . . . #cmcschool #cmcpro #cmcpro_official #grimp #grimpday #grimpna2022 #grimpna #rescuecompetition #roperescue #firerescue #cmcrescue #rescue #csr #confinedspacerescue #towerrescue #roperescuetechnician #roperescuetech #roperescueprofessional #roperescuetraining #firstresponders #rescueinstructor #ropeaccesstechnician #roperescuegear

Peak Rescue | CMC GRIMP North America Recap Mini-Series Aug 15, 2022

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/ In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by Peak Rescue (@peak_rescue) members Micah Rush, Toph Steinhoff, Eric Christensen, and Tye Herron who all placed first in Grimp NA 2022. Peak Rescue is a team from parts of Wyoming and Utah composed of members who work in Fire Service, Rope Access and Mountain Rescue. In this CMC Podcast Doug speaks with Peak Rescue about how their combined skillsets across a multitude of industries benefited them in competition, why it was they decided to get involved in GRIMP in the first place, how GRIMP helped them reexamine their team dynamic and the individual contributions they all make to said dynamic, and how GRIMP NA 2022 challenged them in unexpected ways. Overheard this episode: “You learn a lot when you are uncomfortable.” “It was cool to watch poetry in motion.” “It’s all about your team.”

Intervention Rescue | CMC GRIMP North America Recap Mini-Series Aug 10, 2022

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/ In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by Intervention Rescue (@interventionrescue). Intervention Rescue is a UK based technical access and rescue training provider that offerers consulting services for rescue plans and risk assessments. Intervention rescue is comprised of professionals from the rope access industry and firefighters. In this CMC Podcast, Doug interviews Intervention Rescue member Nick Croudace about: what drew a UK based team to compete in a competition in California, the benefits and challenges of being a UK team competing in an American styled competition, and what their main takeaways were from competing. Overhead during the episode: “It was the most gritty, the most real world; it felt like a real incident.” "Play with ropes, in the sun, in California, on a battleship; not many people going to say no to that I think.” “The scenarios where very different than what we have been through before.”

Rose City Ropers | CMC GRIMP North America Recap Mini-Series Aug 08, 2022

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/ In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by members of the Rose City Ropers: Adam Salvetti, Sam Dougan, Josef Kuehnast, Tyler Hohl, David Mackovjak . The Rose City Ropers are a team comprised of members from Portland Fire & Rescue in Portland, Oregon. In this CMC podcast Doug speaks with the Rose City Ropers on how they prepared for the GRIMP NA scenarios, how they approached friction between team members, how that friction benefited their team overall, and how a flexible mindset benefited their team long term. Overheard during the episode: “Spend the time to align your goals, both personally and how you fit into the group, so that when the moment of truth arrives, you’re not focused on the friction that comes up between members and you can focus on the patients.” “Simple is faster a lot of times.” "He squeezed out of the hole like a muffin.”

T'NT Work and Rescue | CMC GRIMP North America Recap Mini-Series Aug 01, 2022

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/ In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by T'NT Work and Rescue (@tntworknrescue). Coming from Canada with a combined 70 years of experience, T'NT has a diverse background in law enforcement, rope access, and fire rescue. Team captain Wade Going and team members Danny DeHaas, Scott Gibney, and Steve Minarchi speak to how they mentally prepared to compete head to head in each scenario and how they remained calm and collected throughout the two-day competition. They express how much they learned through the competition format and how they applied this to future training. Overhead during the episode: "The thing with competition that you can't reciprocate in training is it really points out your weaknesses and it really points out your strengths. It will really influence our future training as to what areas we need to push more and which ones we feel we do well. I don't think you can reciprocate that in training, it only comes out in healthy competition." "With our training down the road, we're starting to look at a couple smaller groups that we can get together with so we can replicate the competition style. We get four or five guys on each team and have two simultaneous scenarios going where we're training while competing against another team at the same time - increasing the stress level, and coming up with on the fly scenarios."

Orange County Fire Rescue Florida | CMC GRIMP North America Recap Mini-Series Jul 27, 2022

In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by the Orange County Fire Rescue Florida team (@ocfirerescue): Ryan Allen (@rope_rescue_guy), Evan Pech, Jeffrey Hansen, and Christopher Ramey. Orange County Fire Rescue Florida was founded in 2015 in response to the ever growing theme park industry. OC Fire Rescue Florida performs rescues on theme park rides and other unique structures in Central Florida, including Sea World, Orlando Eye observation wheel (7th tallest in the world), the world’s tallest Swing Ride, Drop Tower, and Sling Shot. They also work closely with other Fire Departments within Orange County that cover Universal Studios and Disney World. In this episode OC Fire Rescue explains the process of getting ready for GRIMP NA 2022 and the strategies they used to excel in the competition. Overheard in this episode: “In this event, we ascended every single scenario except the Catacombs, in which we didn’t even use ropes.” “If you want to do GRIMP and want to be good at this, I think you have to take a bunch of different disciplines and cross-pollinate.” - Ryan Allen

Val De Sambre | CMC GRIMP North America Recap Mini-Series Jul 27, 2022

In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by Xavier Tournay of the Val De Sambre Team from Sambreville, Belgium. They discuss their experience as a small fire department participating in GRIMP and the unique terrain the Battleship IOWA provided throughout the competition. Overheard from this episode: “To compete on the battleship USS Iowa is an amazing experience.” “For us, a very small fire department, it’s a one in a life experience.” “It's very positive, very positive for the listeners, the rescuers that want to be part of such an event in the future - they have to do it.”

Yes Ma'am | CMC GRIMP North America Recap Mini-Series Jul 13, 2022

In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by the entire Yes Ma'am team (@yesmaamrescue): Team Captain Lydia Tan (@lydiaai007), Evaluator Kitana Chu, Team Members Saskia Roosen (@saskiaroosen), Alia Koster, Cecilia Gonzales (@womeninrope), and Stephanie Hyatt (@verticalintegrityrescue), and Victim Brid Casey. Yes Ma'am was the first ever all-female team to compete in a GRIMP event. In this episode, they share their experience of doing something that has never done before and the importance of diverse representation in the industry. The team members also came from six different countries from all over the world. They explain the process of training remotely and having their first in-person meeting just 2 days before the competition, and the different techniques they used when brute strength wasn't an option. Overheard during the episode: “It was empowering, I was doing something that has never been done before, and being part of a team that has never been done before; it gave me confidence.” -- Stephanie Hyatt "It will be more normal to see women on everything, you will see women doing all kinds of things because they know it's possible -- It doesn’t matter who you are, it doesn’t matter how big you are, if you do the job, if you do it well, you can do it, of course you can.” -- Alia Koster "I was always told that if I want to do something, look for someone that looks like you doing that. And in this case, there wasn't anyone doing this that looked like me. So, we are now that female team doing the rope rescue competitions." -- Stephanie Hyatt "It's a great opportunity. These competitions are the best training you can get for real existing situations. You have to deal with the stress, you have to deal with the unknown, and sometimes you're with crew members you don't know very well. Because that is, in the end, the reality." -- Saskia Roosen

OFCA 91 | CMC GRIMP North America Recap Mini-Series Jul 06, 2022

In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by members of OCFA 91 from Orange County, CA: Team captain, Aaron Creager and team members Dan Blaul, Chris Johns, Chris Linton, Tommy Olvera, and Sebastion Rodreguez. The team reflects on their lessons learned and the variety of confined space scenarios at GRIMP NA, saying: “It shows the range that this competition can have; as complex as the Wing Void problem to as simple as the patient packaging in the SKED and Confined Space Drill. This competition is all about learning and getting better, and making your program better, and your team better.” Hear more details in the full podcast, available now.

Magic Valley Paramedics | CMC GRIMP North America Recap Mini-Series Jun 29, 2022

In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by the entire Magic Valley Paramedics Special Operation Rescue Team from Twin Falls, ID: Team captain, Chad Smith, team evaluator Theron Thomas, and team members Isaac Baker, Gerald Dillman, Adam Enock, Stan Flint, and Brian Stone. They discuss the technical challenges they faced, and were overheard saying, “We are going to be able to serve our patients every day so much better because of our experiences at GRIMP NA”. Listen-in to find out why, and hear about what they learned.

Introduction | CMC GRIMP North America Recap Mini-Series Jun 29, 2022

We are excited to announce our podcast mini-series recapping CMC GRIMP North America 2022! We are kicking it off with a short episode introducing the 2022 teams and the 6 challenging scenarios they faced aboard the Battleship IOWA. Each week, we will release new episodes with team interviews, round table discussions, and key takeaways from event evaluators.

E28 - The Podcast Podcast with Ronin Rescue Cast and Med-Tex Services Apr 06, 2022

A Podcast of Podcasts! Podcast hosts Doug McElmury, of the CMC podcast, Mark Pfeifer, of the Ronin RescueCast, and Christopher Feder, of Rescue Connection LIVE!, sit down for a round table discussion.

Notes:

15:03 Ronin interview with Kathy Gill

16:58 MTS interview with Kathy Gill

21:47 CMC Large Animal Rescue Podcast

28:04 Ronin RescueCast - Gen Z in Rescue Podcast

44:17 CMC Podcast Arizona Vortex Pt. I of II

44:30 CMC Podcast Arizona Vortex Pt II of II

50:19 MTS Aerial Ladder Episode with Kelly Byrne

53:05 Ronin Cantilevered Tripods

MTS Rescue Connection LIVE!

Ronin RescueCast

E27 - Swiftwater Rescue Mar 02, 2022

In this episode, Jim Pellitteri Battalion Chief from the Gurnee (IL) Fire Department and and Chris Rohde Director of Training at the McHenry Township Fire Protection District discuss what swiftwater is, some of the most common misconceptions about it and fundamentals to consider. They give some examples of swiftwater specific dangers and give tips for how to safely and effectively navigate swiftwater rescue.

Time Stamps:
0:40 Jim Pellitteri introduction - Battalion Chief from the Gurnee (IL) Fire Department

2:45 Chris Rohde introduction - Director of Training at the McHenry Township Fire Protection District

4:08 What is swift water?

10:25 What type of specialty PPE do you use in swift water rescue?

12:50 What kind of risk assessments have you done in your area to determine where your possible areas are for swift water?

16:57 How do you handle different sorts of flooding conditions? Moving water vs static high water?

22:15 How do you mitigate the risk of wading in contaminated water?

23:25 What's the difference between a swift water high line and a rope rescue high line.

33:06 Can you speak to the size and scope of the MABIS Division 4 & 5 SRT teams?

37:57 What are the four tactics of swift water rescue and what do they entail?

43:07 Closing statements

Links:

Dive Rescue International

E26 - Clara Acuna, Safety Specialist at Ice Harbor Lock & Dam Feb 16, 2022

In this episode, Clara Acuna talks about the many operations that take place at the Ice Harbor Lock and Dam and reveals some of the unique challenges that the on site rescue team has to be prepared for.

Notes:

0:55 Introduction

5:42 Overview of Ice harbor public services

6:57 Overview of fish passage

12:51 Overview of the lock system

17:40 How do the functions of a hydro electric damn affect the role of safety specialist?

26:02 Benefits of doing joint training with local fire department.

32:06 Closing thoughts

Links:

Ice Harbor Lock and Dam Website

E25 - Cave Rescue Feb 02, 2022

Many innovations in technical rescue have stemmed from the cold, wet, dark and challenging conditions of caves. These environments make for unique rescue scenarios that require creative solutions with minimal amounts of gear.

In this episode Doug McElmury hosts a roundtable discussion with Carrey Bull, Justin Wheaton, Tim White and Andy Armstrong about some of the unique challenges that cave rescue teams encounter like: communication, patient packaging, equipment, navigation and training.

Notes:

0:08 Introductions with Tim White, Andy Armstrong, Carrey Bull and Justin Wheaton.

5:10 What are the different types of caves and specific challenges that come with those in guests region?

18:45 What are the different methods you have to communicate underground.

23:10 What are some of the different methods of patient packaging you use?

33:56 What are your go-to pieces of equipment in cave rescue?

48:08 How do you navigate underground in a cave?

50:55 What is the NCRC? (National Cave Rescue Commission of the National Speleological Society)

Links:

www.NCRC.info

E24 - MABAS Division 4 & 5 SRT with Christina Loomis Jan 19, 2022

The MABAS Divisions 4 & 5 Specialized Response Teams (SRT) works with its over 40 member fire departments across northeastern Illinois to coordinate specialized response services to protect the health and safety of the public. Teams are trained to respond to a wide range of emergencies such as hazardous materials releases, structural collapses, rope, confined space or trench rescues, water rescues and/or recoveries as well as wildland fires. In this episode CMC School instructor Doug McElmury discusses the details of this coordinated effort with Christina Loomis, the Administrative Coordinator.

Notes:

0:24 Introduction

1:36 What is MABAS Division 4 & 5 SRT?

3:34 Brief history of the SRT team.

4:50 What are the disciplines covered?

5:50 How does the governance board work?

8:50 What is your position responsible for as the Administrative Coordinator?

11:40 How do you maintain uniformity of training?

14:15 What are your other responsibilities?

15:15 What were your initial goals when you were hired?

18:33 What is covered in your strategic 5 year plan?

21:00 Process of switching from 1/2in to 11mm rope?

25:10 How is your position funded?

28:39 What's in the future for MABAS Division 4 & 5 SRT?

30:27 Closing thoughts

Links:

https://srtillinois.org/

E23 - MRA Part II Dec 29, 2021

We apologize for some background chatter in the first several minutes of this episode. It is cleared up after 5:30

1:35 Standards as they relate to the MRA.

15:30 To prepare for accreditation and make sure teams mission ready, what types of training does the MRA offer?

23:38 What was/is MRA's role in NATRS (North American Technical Rescue Symposium) which is now ITRS?

31:38 How is MRA involved with ICAR (International Commission of Alpine Rescue)?

37:55 Closing statements.

Links:

MRA website: https://mra.org/

MRA Mission Database: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6b84b11fc6eb495ea518ee964b79f712/

MRA Education Basecamp: http://training.mra.org/

YouTube Channel // MRA Third Thursdays: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr2Fnsp_xZ6OrcKQgQRX2Pg

MRA Annual Spring Conference: https://mraconference.org/

Important Warning

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E22 - NASAR Part II Dec 15, 2021

0:23 Chris Boyer introduction

1:12 John McKently introduction

2:35 Standards, training, certification.

16:00 Examples of how NASAR builds educational content

20:53 How do you select who your trainers and evaluators are going to be?

38:52 Has new technology driven change in the lifecycle of certification?

40:20 Hug-a-tree NASAR general public education.

Links:

www.NASAR.org

Important Warning

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E21 - Thanksgiving Special Nov 24, 2021

Thank you to all of our podcast listeners! As we gather with loved ones and slow down for the holiday it's a good time to share about the things and people we are grateful for. In this Thanksgiving Special episode CMC instructors discuss what they're grateful for around technical rescue including testing methodologies, new ways of sharing knowledge and the people who have impacted their careers and driven the technical rescue world forward. Enjoy!

E20 - What is MRA? Nov 03, 2021

0:24 Doug McCall Introduction

2:09 Monty Bell Introduction

3:51 John McKently Introduction

5:20 History of the MRA

10:45 What is the accreditation process for the MRA?

18:27 Reaccreditation

19:40 What training opportunities are offered through the MRA?

23:40 California reaccreditation

31:17 MRA statistics program

38:35 MRA Basecamp online outdoor education

42:37 Medical protocols

45:37 Medical communication resources

46:55 What's next for the future of the MRA?

54:35 Closing thoughts

Links:

MRA website: https://mra.org/

MRA Mission Database: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6b84b11fc6eb495ea518ee964b79f712/

MRA Education Basecamp: http://training.mra.org/

YouTube Channel // MRA Third Thursdays: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr2Fnsp_xZ6OrcKQgQRX2Pg

MRA Annual Spring Conference: https://mraconference.org/

Important Warning

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E19 - What is NASAR? Oct 20, 2021

0:20 NASAR Executive Director Chris Boyer introduction.

1:37 John McKently introduction and involvement with NASAR.

3:54 What does search look like in the US today?

7:57 How did NASAR get started?

10:54 When did the organization start expanding eastward?

13:42 Are there any states that put SAR in the hands of fire from a legislation standpoint?

18:28 What's the difference between SAR and USAR?

25:19 Mass rescue operations and wide area search.

26:45 What is NASAR doing to promote good legislation to get good uniformity across states?

29:57 How do you come up with a uniform standard of care and response?

33:03 Special challenges in National Park areas.

35:22 The need for a national database around SAR.

37:25 Volunteer SAR protections.

42:34 How important is it for each state to have a point person for SAR organization.

44:50 What's the future of NASAR?

47:56 Closing thoughts.

Links:

www.NASAR.org

Important Warning

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E18 - GRIMP™ North America 2022 Aug 18, 2021

0:08 What is GRIMP?

1:43 How GRIMP North America came to be.

13:33 Training for provided CMC gear.

16:45 What was it like to be a participant at the first GRIMP North America?

19:30 How did GRIMP change the way you operate afterwards?

24:45 If given the opportunity, would you participate in the event again?

25:40 What's in the works for GRIMP North America 2022?

26:30 What is a GRIMP team composed of?

27:15 How were teams evaluated and scored?

30:35 Testing the do-ability of scenarios ahead of time.

32:27 How different standards around the world factor into the event.

34:45 Scope of new and/or different equipment and techniques within the event.

42:40 What's in the works for GRIMP North America 2022 scheduled for March 24-26

Links:

https://www.cmcpro.com/grimp-na/

https://www.pacificbattleship.com/

Important Warning

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E17 - CMC Product Design & Engineering Aug 11, 2021

0:07 Introductions

0:48 How does CMC decide what products to develop and focus on?

5:10 What does the development process look like once you decide what products to pursue?

10:18 Can you talk about the design and engineering process for the CLUTCH?

14:00 The challenges that come from the variability of rope.

15:00 Ware testing

18:14 How did you go about the design and engineering for the ATOM harness?

22:50 What was involved in brining the Outback to market?

28:05 Have you had any 'ah ha' moments during the design of these products?

34:18 What kind of challenges do you face when developing rescue and access equipment?

37:35 What role does the CMC School play in field testing gear?

46:15 What should customers expect in future product from CMC?

48:50 Closing thoughts

Links:

13:09 CLUTCH technical data https://www.cmcpro.com/technical/

CMC CLUTCH by Harken Ind https://www.cmcpro.com/c/clutch/

Outback Harness https://www.cmcpro.com/equipment/outback-convertible-harness/

G11 Rope https://www.cmcpro.com/equipment/cmc-g11-lifeline/

Triskelion Industrial Rescue Tripod https://www.cmcpro.com/equipment/triskelion-tripod/

LEVR Escape System https://www.cmcpro.com/equipment/levr-escape-system/

Important Warning

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E16 - Large Animal Technical Rescue Jul 21, 2021

Episode Notes:

0:20 Dr. John Madigan introduction and background.

2:20 What got you into the animal rescue portion of this field after you became a veterinarian?

7:30 Background and uses of the Anderson Sling

11:25 Large Animal Lift sling

12:15 The Loops System

14:48 Training and maintaining proficiency with the Loop System

18:18 Is it necessary or preferable to sedate the animal prior to moving or lifting the animal with any of the three systems?

18:56 Emergency sedation booklet reminder system.

21:58 Cow in a mine shaft rescue.

23:29 Should the emergency services, whether they be a mountain rescue team, fire department, police department etc. be involved in animal rescue?

28:27 How can emergency service rescue personnel correspond with a veterinarian to determine if a large animal incident is going to be a rescue or a recover?

30:57 What practical and humane options are out there if the animal is injured so severely that they need to be euthanatized?

34:27 What's the best way for a rescue team to get started with a large animal rescue program?

37:48 Is there a good method to get in contact with veterinarians in your local area to be apart of these teams?

40:44 How does the Train the Trainer program work?

42:26 What kind of equipment is needed to complete an animal rescue training?

45:04 The whole Loops System fits in a duffle bag and costs less than $500.00

46:35 What is the time frame of the Train the Trainer class?

50:18 What is the first step for a team to take to get started in this specialty?

53:45 Closing thoughts, animal rescue happens more often than you might think.

55:45 The more likely you are to have ready access to a piece of equipment that you can bring to an incident the higher likelihood of a successful rescue.

Links

4:05 / 7:30 Charlie Anderson – Anderson Sling: https://www.andersonsling.com/

4:20 Alice King Chatham Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_King_Chatham#Space_program

8:44 ERIN L. TAYLOR DVM, LARRY D. GALUPPO DVM, Diplomate ACVS, EUGENE P. STEFFEY VMD, PhD, Diplomate ACVA, CHRISTINE C. SCARLETT BS … See all authors

First published: 28 November 2005- Veterinary Surgery https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2005.00088.x

11:25 Large Animal Lift sling http://www.largeanimallift.com/

12:15 Learn more about the Loops System on Dr. Madigan’s website https://loopsrescue.com/ Email Dr. Madigan for questions about this system at jemadigan@gmail.com The full publication on the Loops System is here: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/8/511

13:49 6 horse experiment with Loop System: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/8/511

22:28 Cow in a mine shaft rescue using early version of lift system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87JN-LaSSfg

35:15 Training in the state of California recommended by Dr. Madigan: https://www.resqfast.com/

35:27 Example of a CART (Community Animal Rescue Team) that has expertise in large animal technical rescue: https://www.sonomacart.org/

43:10 Inflatable horse manikins are currently sold out and awaiting new inventory in the USA.

51:12 National Association of Equine Practitioners: https://aaep.org/

Training Resource Links:

52:25 Fire Department Technical Rescue Training with Rebecca Gimenez: http://tlaer.org/

52:40 http://tlaer.org/

52:47 Arizona training group with John and Deb Fox: http://www.animalrescuetraining.com/

53:20 Sonoma County Julie Atwood: https://www.halterproject.org/

Additional Resources Provided by Dr. John Madigan

All these lifting systems were created and evaluated at UC Davis. Charles Anderson, John Madigan and Richard Morgan are the creators and evaluators of the ‘Anderson sling” the name of which is based on patent submission by Charles Anderson.

Several studies are listed here demonstrating the safety, effectiveness and various uses of these equine lifting and support devices. The newest system is the Loops Rescue System designed by John Madigan and trademark protected.

Anderson Sling support system:

Use of propofol-xylazine and the AndersonSling Suspension System for recovery of horses from desflurane anesthesia.

Steffey EP, Brosnan RJ, Galuppo LD, Mama KR, Imai A, Maxwell LK, Cole CA, Stanley SD.Vet Surg. 2009 Dec;38(8):927-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2009.00599.x.

Use of the Anderson sling suspension system for recovery of horses from general anesthesia

EL Taylor, LD Galuppo, EP Steffey, CC Scarlett, JE Madigan

Veterinary Surgery 34 (6), 559-564

Arterial oxygen tension and pulmonary ventilation in horses placed in the AndersonSling suspension system after a period of lateral recumbency and anaesthetised with constant rate infusions of romifidine and ketamine.

François I, Lalèyê FX, Micat M, Benredouane K, Portier K.Equine Vet J. 2014 Sep;46(5):596-600. doi: 10.1111/evj.12185. Epub 2013 Dec 6.

Full body support sling in horses. Part 2: indications

A Ishihara, JE Madigan, JD Hubert, RS McConnico

Equine Veterinary Education 18 (5), 273-280

Full body support sling in horses. Part 1: equipment, case selection and application procedure

A Ishihara, JE Madigan, JD Hubert, RS McConnico

Equine Veterinary Education 18 (4), 219-222

Loops System

Evaluation of a simplified loops system for emergency rescue lifting of the stranded or recumbent horse

J Madigan, L Costa, S Nieves, M Horgan, K Weberg, M Aleman

Animals 9 (8), 511

Large Animal Lift

Initial clinical impressions of the UC Davis large animal lift and its use in recumbent equine patients

N Pusterla, JE Madigan

Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 148 (3), 161-166

How to lift recumbent equine patients in the field and hospital with the UC Davis Large Animal Lift

N Pusterla, GL Ferraro, JE Madigan

Proceedings, 87-92

Other articles describing using equipment for equine rescue and helicopter airlift:

(A322) Animals in Disasters and Emergencies: A Version of Wild Kingdom

J Madigan

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine 26 (S1), s90-s90

How to Airlift a Horse

JE Madigan, AE Page, N Pusterla, B Kirstie Dacre, EM Cert

Proceedings of the… annual convention

Stress, shock, chemical restraint and problems of immobilization and restraint of the equine rescue patient

JE Madigan

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 13 (5), 262-263

Helicopter rescue of horses

JE Madigan, B Moore

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 15 (4), 155-157

Evaluation of a new sling support device for horses

JE Madigan

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 13 (5), 260-261

Factors associated with survival in 148 recumbent horses

LS Winfield, PH Kass, KG Magdesian, JE Madigan, M Aleman, N Pusterla

Equine veterinary journal 46 (5), 575-578

Important Warning

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E15 - Redundancy Jun 30, 2021

Topics:

0:35 How does NFPA compliant gear as well as modern gear in general change what we do, how we rig and the way we operate?

1:18 Redundancy - What needs to be backed up and what doesn't? Starting with harness.

3:40 Redundancy of anchors and specifically anchor points.

11:00 Redundancy in anchor plates.

13:30 Redundant carabiners in twin tension systems.

18:35 Redundancy in edge protection.

23:48 Change of direction in twin tension systems.

28:10 Wrapping webbing around the top rail of the litter to back it up.

30:08 Litters in helicopter rescue.

Important Warning

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E14 - Are you training as you would conduct a real rescue? Jun 16, 2021

1:17 Real people vs manikins?

9:16 Do you know of people who still use manikins?

10:24 Confined space training and realistic spaces - are you training as you would conduct a real rescue?

11:58 Who do you contact to get access to real spaces to training in?

17:40 What is the purpose of training and what are the different goals?

19:38 Are you learning a skill or doing a realistic training?

22:00 Training with realistic resources and man power.

24:55 Logistics of training people and the importance of repetition.

26:15 Hobbyist vs practitioner.

26:44 Training bias and practicing your bread and butter.

31:03 How do you innovate if you're always practicing as you would conduct a real rescue?

38:22 Are you prepared for possible mutual aid call scenarios in your neighboring area?

Links:

2:30 2004 ITRS, 'Using Live Rescuers as "Victims" in Vertical Rope Rescue Training - "Is it Safe?"' by Tom Finch https://itrsonline.org/tproduct/1-365251861291-using-live-rescuers-as-victims-in-vertic

3:05 2011 ITRS, 'Study of the Perceived Benefits & Liabilities of Use of Manikins vs. Live Patients in Rescue Training' by Russel McCullar https://itrsonline.org/tproduct/1-966765737441-study-of-the-perceived-benefits-amp-liab

Important Warning

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E13 - Backcountry Rescue Jun 02, 2021

Topics

1:46 What would you say makes a rescue 'backcountry' as opposed to something else?

6:02 Volunteer retention in SAR?

13:40 Easy in, easy out.

17:50 MRA competency.

22:32 Maintaining competency and standards.

27:00 How do you test competency? How do you design tests so that people aren't just training to pass the test.

30:55 Who supplies medical support for the wilderness teams?

36:29 Search

44:16 Do you have two sets of gear?

Links

Craig McClure: https://www.roninrescue.com/

Important Warning

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E12 - Fire Escape Bailout Systems May 19, 2021

3:39 Dale, what was your first exposure to bailout systems?

9:35 When you started off making procedures and figuring out how to do bailout in the 90's, was it mostly trial and error?

15:43 LeRoy, What was your first exposure to bailout?

19:42 Dale, do you remember your first solid bailout kit?

21:48 Dale, are you an escape belt guy or a harness in the pants guy?

24:14 LeRoy, were you a an escape belt guy or a harness in the pants guy when you were in the fire department?

27:28 Do you think there's a negative connotation with the term 'bailout kit'?

33:45 Forward deployed RIT teams.

38:01 The hook of the system rated as an emergency decent control device.

58:00 Fall protection harnesses for training.

110:03 Anchoring and running the rope or web around edges and corners to reduce force on the anchor.

116:58 What is the future of escape systems?

Links & Resources

0:58 Dale's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DALEGPEKEL/videos

2:16 / 12:55 Bailout wall prop. Reach out to Dale Pekel directly for his bailout wall prop at FFDPEK@aol.com YouTube video : https://youtu.be/xMfbeaGBO-A

10:35 https://www.firechief.com/ & https://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/

18:16 / 105:07 Kelly Byrne, 2010 ITRS Defenestration Sensation Presentation: https://itrsonline.org/tproduct/1-840977196521-the-defenestration-sensation

18:50 London Fire Brigade training article from 1876: https://archive.org/details/fireprotectiona00shawgoog/page/n292/mode/2up?ref=ol&view=theater

51:40 Window Clearing, Anchoring and Exit Techniques: https://youtu.be/0K38As-hS7I

58:30 Dale's Improvised webbing harness YouTube video https://youtu.be/r7OoDhfDo6U

105:20 Mike Forbes & Matt Hunt, 2016 ITRS The Impact of Extreme Fire Behavior on Firefighter Escape Systems https://itrsonline.org/tproduct/1-343920467761-the-impact-of-extreme-fire-behavior-on-f

106:10 2017 Ole Kills & John McKently, Is My Escape Line Still Safe After ... ? An Investigation into the Fatigue Strength of Aramid Fibers in Escape Applications: https://itrsonline.org/tproduct/1-904616887791-is-my-escape-line-still-safe-after-an-in

113:50 Dale's Tool in the Wall Technique YouTube video: https://youtu.be/0K38As-hS7I

Important Warning

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E11 - AZ Vortex (Part II of II) What does independent anchoring of the feet actually mean? May 05, 2021

Join the Conversation

Please email us with questions or comments about this topic at podcast@cmcpro.com

Important Warning:

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E10 - AZ Vortex (Part I of II) Belay High, Low or Through an AZTEK? Apr 28, 2021

Links

4:00 YouTube Video - Vortex drop 2012Paper - 2007 ITRS Presentation on Belay Line Tests with Vortex "Again.....Are you REALLY on Belay" (part 2) - Reed Thorne from Ropes that Rescue

6:20 YouTube Video: Rope Rescue Systems Testing - Main/Belay (Back-up) Failures

Kirk Mauthner Sharp Edge Testing in -EMBC Rope Rescue NIF Equipment Testing Summary Report 2016(cmd + f and search 'sharp edge')

13:43 YouTube Video - How Far Will You Fall? - Tom Pendley

45:40 CMC Rope Rescue Manual

Join the Conversation

Please email us with questions or comments about this topic at podcast@cmcpro.com

Important Warning:

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E9 - Myths in Rope Rescue (Part III of III) Apr 21, 2021

1:18 There's no difference between NFPA and non-NFPA rated gear.

10:05 What are some of the portions of NFPA testing and inspecting?

17:25 Clarifying semantics of NFPA 'certified' vs 'classified' or 'compliant'.

25:24 What is the evolution of the testing process?

28:47 What gear is exempt from being NFPA compliant?

30:17 Evolution of the standards over time.

30:53 What impact should using NFPA gear have on the way we use the gear?

Links:

NFPA 1983 Standards: https://nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=1983

15:20 False Economy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_economy

Join the Conversation

Please email us with questions or comments about this topic at podcast@cmcpro.com

Important Warning:

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E8 - Myths in Rope Rescue (Part II of III) Apr 14, 2021

0:50 Myth 1: NFPA requires steel carabiners for use.

4:15 Myth 2: If you drop aluminum hardware it will develop microscopic cracks.

10:13 What do we do about the fire departments that say we have to use steel carabiners? How do we educate them that there's other ways to go?

15:57 Myth 3: We have to use G rated gear.

18:22 Myth 4: Your belay line has to be hooked up to your dorsal connection on your class III harness.

24:50 What do you tell people that are under the impression you have to wear a class III harness for rope rescue?

29:22 Myth 5: You can't use T rated gear on a rescue.

30:18 Myth 6: It's got to be a 15:1 safety factor, NFPA says so.

31:50 In NFPA 1983 now, what is a G rating for a descent control device?

47:00 Is there a difference between NFPA and non-NFPA gear?

Links:

NFPA 1983 Standards: https://nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=1983

20:05 Chiclets: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiclets

Join the Conversation

Please email us with questions or comments about this topic at podcast@cmcpro.com

Important Warning:

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E7 - Myths in Rope Rescue (Part I of III) Apr 07, 2021

2:12 Myth 1: When you have a screw gate carabiner in the vertical axis you must always have it so the gate opening is at the bottom.

5:30 Myth 2: When you have two carabiners connected to the same thing the gates need to be opposite and opposed.

11:00 Myth 3: How you load webbing into an offset D carabiner.

15:18 Myth 4: No metal on metal.

21:58 Myth 5: Stay with dedicated main and dedicated belay and don't use TTRS because of edge transitions.

39:30 If something doesn't make sense, is 'why' a bad question to ask?

Links:

22:28 Mike Gibbs and Kevin Koprek - Two Tension or not to Tension: https://riggingforrescue.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Two-Tension-or-Not-to-Tension.pdf

22:28 2015 ITRS Mike Gibbs - Mirrored Systems: http://itrsonline.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ITRS-2015-Gibbs-Paper-Final.pdf

Join the Conversation

Please email us with questions or comments about this topic at podcast@cmcpro.com

Important Warning:

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E6 - Interview with John McKently - 47 Years of SAR Mar 31, 2021

Topics:

1:00 Who is John McKently?

2:05 What do you see as the biggest changes that have taken place over your career?

4:45 Carabiner types and material evolution.

7:40 What did you do before CMC?

8:45 How did you get into rescue originally?

10:00 How many rescues over the years?

11:50 Changes in systems and hardware.

18:40 Camp crews and labor management.

20:55 Other equipment changes over the years.

24:17 Standards

27:55 How do resources like helicopters interface with your typical responses?

33:05 Where do you think things in rope rescue are going?

39:08 Decent control numbers.

51:05 Closing thoughts.

Links:

2:30 Kernmantal Rope https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernmantle_rope

2:30 Laid Rope https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rope#Laid_or_twisted_rope

Additional Links

Plymouth Cordage Company https://www.plymouthcordageco.org/

Join the Conversation

Please email us with questions or comments about this topic at podcast@cmcpro.com

Important Warning:

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E5 - Are bowlines Safe Enough for Rope Rescue? Mar 24, 2021

Topics:

0:20 Are bowlines safe enough for rope rescue?

4:00 What makes a rescue knot a good knot?

7:30 What testing has been done and how strong are bowlines?

12:35 How do you define a bowline?

14:30 Is there a standard test for knots for cyclic loading?

16:40 Difference between a climbing knot and a rope rescue knot?

17:15 Anecdotal story of a bowline on a coil slipping without a safety knot.

19:17 Safety knots.

24:40 Organizational alignment.

26:50 Standardized and reproducible testing.

34:40 Mis-tied bowlines.

35:40 Why do we call it a bowline on a coil?

Links:

1:11 Kelly Byrne, ITRS 2019, Boutique Bowlines http://itrsonline.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Byrne_Boutique-Bowlines.2019.pdf

12:40 Mark Gommers, Analysis of Bowlines can be found at http://www.paci.com.au/knots.php

13:30 International Guild of Knot Tyers IGKThttps://www.igkt.net/

37:15 Ashley's Book of Knots https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Ashley_Book_of_Knots/QaSBVuPK9H0C?hl=en&gbpv=0

Join the Conversation

Please email us with questions or comments about this topic at podcast@cmcpro.com

Important Warning:

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E4 - Is the Belay Competency Drop Test Still Valid? Mar 17, 2021

Topics:

What is the Belay Competency Drop Test?
Brief history of past papers and arguments discussing the topic.
How do you have a good test to test something where you have to let go of it to make it work?
Is there a way to account for the human element?
Is there a better test?
If one line fails, is it still controllable?
Where do you want your best guy?
What is the safest belay system?
When was the last time there was a main line failure during a real operation as opposed to training?

Links:

1:05 ASTM F2436 - 14(2019) https://www.astm.org/Standards/F2436.htm
4:05 John Dill, 1991, Are You Really on Belay?, Part 1 (from Response Magazine, Summer 1991) https://caves.org/section/vertical/nhback/NH32.pdf
4:05 John Dill, 1991, Again.....Are you REALLY on Belay, Part 2 (from Response Magazine, Fall 1991) http://itrsonline.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/OnBelay.Thorne.20071.pdf
Russel McCullar, An Analysis of the Modern‐Day Belay: Competent Belay or Competent Belayer? http://itrsonline.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/McCullar-Belay-ITRS-2017-Revised_12.pdf
13:10 Kelly Byrne blog discussing not letting go: http://rescue2training.com/?p=1355
16:40 Link to future episode 'Belay High, Low or through and AZTEK on AZV'
22:45 Kirk Mauthner, ITRS 2014 Moving Beyond 10:1 SSSF http://itrsonline.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/008.Mauthner.2014.pdf
Kirk Mauthner, ITRS 2016 Dual Capability Two Tensioned Rope Systems (DC TTRS) http://itrsonline.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Mauthner-Presentation-ITRS-2016-v2.pdf
22:55 Mike Gibbs & Kevin Koprek, ITRS 2019 Two Tension or Not to Tension, http://itrsonline.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Two-Tension-or-Not-to-Tension_Koprek_2019.pdf
23:00/23:36 Russ McCullar ITRS 2017 An Analysis of the Modern‐Day Belay: Competent Belay or Competent Belayer? http://itrsonline.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/McCullar-Belay-ITRS-2017-Revised_12.pdf
23:00 Russ McCullar ITRS 2015 An Analysis of Traditional Un-tensioned Belays and Two-tensioned Rope Systems in Rope Rescue http://itrsonline.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/McCullar_Analysis-of-Traditional-and-Two-tensioned-Rope-Systems.pdf
23:10 Tom Pendley ITRS 2017 Slow Pull Testing of 8 mm Prusik Loops in Basket Hitch and Girth Hitch Configurations http://itrsonline.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2017_Analysis-of-8mm-prusik-loops_Pendley.pdf
23:15 Tom Pendley ITRS 2018 Belay performance testing with a Petzl ASAP Lock at the anchor http://itrsonline.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Pendley_Petzl-ASAP-Belay-Testing.pdf
23:15 Tom Pendley ITRS 2017 Slow Pull Testing of Track Line Tensioning Systems Used in High Line Systems. http://itrsonline.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2017_High-line-force_Pendley.pdf
33:10 Kirk Mauthner, 2016, EMBC Rope Rescue NIF Equipment Testing Summary Report https://members.bcsara.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/EMBC-Rope-NIF-Basecamp-Testing-Results.pdf

Additional Links:

DRR Rescue 2012 AZ Vortex Drop Testing Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEyUnEEwdLI&feature=youtu.be
SAR3 List of Belay Testing: http://sarrr.weebly.com/belays.html

Join the Conversation

Please email us with questions or comments about this topic at podcast@cmcpro.com

Important Warning:

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E3 - Should aerial ladders be used as artificial high directionals for rope rescue? Mar 10, 2021

Topics

Should aerial ladders be used as artificial high directionals for rope rescue?
Examples of when you might use an aerial ladder as an artificial high directional.
Minimize the load, maximize the degree of aerial elevation, minimize aerial extension, keep the ropes distinct resultant and distinct with crane theory
What other rope rescue scenario is a go, no go by a 300lb margin?
Attendant or no attendant?
Aerial ladder construction
How do we account for the belay impact on the ladder?
Are aerial ladders bombproof?
Block and Tackle theory
Do your research

Join the Conversation

Please email us with questions or comments about this topic at podcast@cmcpro.com

Links

Mike Forbes' website: www.RopeCraft.org

ITRA (International Technical Rescue Association) https://itra.international/

2:50 Pat Rhodes - Aerial Ladders Used as Artificial High Directionals (AHD) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOep0xKQY6Q

14:20 Kelly Byrne's 1016 paper at ITRS on 'Fire Department High Directionals' http://itrsonline.org/fire-department-high-directionals-in-urban-environments/

35:10 National Fire Academy paper https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/tr-081.pdf

Additional Resources: Aerial Physics http://www.lacountyfirefighters.org/images/shared/Apparatus_Operator/KME_Aerial_Manual/BSUB3_LACFFASSOC_2010_KME_AerialCat_Manual_Aerial_Physics.pdf

Important Warning:

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E2 - Does Rope Access Belong in the Fire Service Mar 03, 2021

Topics Discussed

What is rope access?
Who governs RA? SPRAT https://sprat.org/
Does rope access belong in the fire service?
Competence and particular skill sets vs full SPRAT certification.
RAD ascent vs traditional ascent.
Advantages of understanding what is happening in the world at large.
Is it ok to teach someone to repel without teaching them to ascend?
Do you cover work positioning and fall arrest in your departments?
In what scenarios do rope access skills and techniques prove to be more effective?

Join the Conversation

Please email us with questions or comments about this topic at podcast@cmcpro.com

Important Warning:

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

E1 - Training & Competency Feb 17, 2021

Topics Discussed:

1) Determining 'defined competencies'

2) Top Down Rescue

Rescue vs team based operations
Fire service vs industrial brigade

3) Maintaining proficiency for rescue vs team based competencies

4) Bottom Up Rescue (Tower type rescues)

Maintaining the concept of fall arrest and work positioning
Training for hazards in your area
Should rope access techniques be incorporated training?
Inside the fence rig for rescue
Ground based vs tower based

5) Rescues that require litter based or other types of patient packaging where you may or may not need an attendant.

Training for the environment that you have.

6) Traditional systems like dedicated main, slack belay vs a TTRS system

Hauling and maintaining rope speed

7) Use of rope winches

8) How do you maintain training on all of these techniques?

Big picture vs small tasks
Devices which can help simplify training

Important Warning:

Many of the activities discussed in this podcast pose a very substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Products and techniques discussed in this podcast are intended for use by specially trained professionals.
Technical rescue, rappelling, climbing and the training involved are very hazardous activities. Each situation has its own unique conditions and must be evaluated by those present. Effective risk management comes from experience, proper training and good personal judgment.
CMC is not liable for any damages arising from abuse or improper use of the techniques or equipment discussed in this podcast.
Topics discussed are the ideas and opinions of each individual.
Department protocol and regulations should always take precedence.

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