© Rescue Response Gear, 2012

The AZTEK The AZTEK is a highly advanced rope rescue/rigging tool. As of today there are numerous variations and knock-offs of this tool used by several rescue agencies throughout the world. Some of these variations are sound, while others are questionable. Without a doubt, none have endured the field, and lab testing that this current concept has evolved to. A key professional theme of rope rescue rigging and equipment use should be “keep it simple and efficient”. With the personal equipment every rope rescue technician should carry on the side of their harness, plus the addition of a working line and a belay line, most rope rescues may be safely accomplished in an expedient, highly professional fashion. We see a disturbing trend, especially in the fire service, of the redundant over-building of rope systems. Bigger is not necessarily better. Some teams use such heavy and unessential amounts of equipment that we will often metaphorically observe that they should obtain a commercial size wheelbarrow to cart their colossal amount of gear around. Part of this “when in doubt, bring it all and use it all” over-building philosophy stems from a lack of confidence in their own rigging abilities. These “Wheelbarrow” rescues may be redundantly safe, but they are typically, so incompetently slow, that the safe and timely extrication of the victim becomes unjustifiably compromised. With the AZTEK and appropriate training, the rescue technician will be capable of performing multiple rigging and rope rescue skills, skills that are appropriate, efficient, safe, and meet the usage requirements of the equipment manufactures.

Personal Edge Restrict System The AZTEK is first and foremost, a personal travel restraint that utilizes various lengths typically between 30 and 50 feet of 9mm as the main support mechanism. The concept and need of fall protection is not new. Any of us that have been in the rescue business for any time at all know the importance in tying-in while working near the edge. We have used many techniques and devices to provide that second point of contact in backing up our sound footing. What was not often addressed is what would be the physical ramifications if we indeed fell on a single length of rope or webbing. In other words, what amount of kinetic energy would our body absorb in the event of an arrested fall. The AZTEK addresses energy absorption through the use of a shock absorber. This shock absorber is a purcell fashioned from 8 feet of 6mm accessory cord hitched to the 9mm rope. By employing a unique five wrap, 3 over 2, prusik at all

© Rescue Response Gear, 2012

the connecting and adjustments points, we have found what we believe to be effective energy absorption. This theory was validated in 2001 through extensive drop tests performed by Sterling Rope Inc. Mechanical Advantage System The second basic tool of the AZTEK is a pre-rigged 5:1 pulley system or “Set of 4’s” (SOFs), a fitting nickname given to us from the lineman industry. This 5:1 pulley system uses two mini double sheave pulleys rigged on 9mm rope at the opposite end from the travel restraint system. Why put pulleys on your edge kit? Remember our simplicity/efficiency theme on the use of equipment? We have always championed, when possible, “use gear that provides multiple uses”. The AZTEK exemplifies this theme. Out of one zipper of a side pouch the rescuer is provided immediate edge protection, and from a second zipper of the same pouch the rescuer/rigger can deploy this mini 5:1 (SOFs) in a multitude of rigging applications, including hauling systems, tensioned back-ties, tensioned guying for artificial high directionals, dynamic brake racks, and dynamic directionals (approximately an 8’ throw when using the full length of rope). Vertical Transportation System Especially in the urban/industrial setting, the AZTEK provides a limited means of safe rappelling, ascending, and belaying. This option is extremely valuable to the rescue endeavor in making rapid patient contact. 9mm rope is more than adequate for single person rappels. The belay can

easily be provided by a second AZTEK.

Ascending and self-rescues are possible with the AZTEK by manipulating the shock absorber, or by hitching the 9mm rope onto a larger diameter host rope.

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In addition to rappelling and ascending, the 5:1 (SOFs) end of the AZTEK is the perfect primary attachment device for a litter attendant, allowing very rapid and easy vertical adjustments. By repositioning the 6mm ratchet, the personal SOFs can be transformed into a 4:1cd scoop line for the foot end of the litter. Assembling the AZTEK Although the Expanded edge kit is made up of very simple components, the assembly method and knot craft is highly evolved. It is extremely important that the user fully understand this process. Components of the AZTEK

The central component of the edge kit is the 9mm rope. We would highly recommend a rope manufactured by Sterling Ropes Inc. that utilizes a factory sewn attachment point loop. This sewn version is somewhat stronger than tying a knot, and knots tied to the becket can sometimes get in the way of the ratchet prusik. Two Mini Double Sheave Pulleys with a minimum rating of 22kN should be used. The carabiner at the fall arrest end of the kit should be an auto-lock type that allows for quick attachment. Shown here is the Petzl Am'D Triact. Two 7mm Maillon Rapide Screw-links are used, one for the attachment point at the becket of the pulley, and one to the end of the shock absorber loop.

© Rescue Response Gear, 2012

The ratchet for the SOFs is made from approximately 32” of 6mm accessory cord. Again, a factory sewn version by Sterling Ropes Inc. is highly recommended. The purcell used as a shock absorber is fashioned from approximately 8’ of 6mm accessory cord. The example shown is also a factory sewn product of Sterling Ropes Inc. To complete this AZTEK ensemble, a duffel bag must be used to stow the gear. Although this aspect of the kit is not a critical as what’s in it, whatever type of bag is chosen it should be comfortable while on the side of the technician, and afford quick and easy access to the components. We have played around with several different styles and have found that a fanny pack with parallel doubled zippers works very well. The ability to remove the AZTEK without evolving your harness can expedite other rigging applications.

Travel Restraint – Rappelling – Ascending – Belaying

Multi-purpose Mechanical Advantage – Litter Attendant’s Primary Attachment – Back-ties

ALL IN ONE

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As stated earlier, the 3/2 prusik has proven to be the best adjustable hitch and at the same time provide realistic shock absorption. This hitch is used at 3 different positions, the SOFs ratchet, the shock absorber 9mm attachment point, and the shock absorber adjustable loop. In short, by sliding the host rope through the original loop of the hitch an uneven potential is created for a typically wrapped prusik hitch. It is essential that the 3 wraps of this prusik always be towards the load bearing end of the host rope. This positioning is easily made possible by orientating the prusik loop with the host rope as shown in step 2. Simply follow the remaining steps to complete the ratchet. Again, by arranging the 3 wraps towards the connecting becket of the pulley, the ratchet will always point in the right direction without detaching it from the host rope, regardless if it is repositioned to meet any number of different applications.

Set of Fours and the 3 Over 2 Ratchet Prusik

© Rescue Response Gear, 2012

© Rescue Response Gear, 2012

Assembling the “Set of Fours”

Typical ratchet personal attachment point.

We have found that the best way to build any ganged 5:1 MA, in this application, the ”Set of Fours”, is best accomplished in the following manner shown on this page and the next. Note that one double sheave pulley is lying vertical and the other is horizontal, it makes no difference which is which. Start by connecting the 9mm to the becket of one pulley via a 7mm screw link.

The rope can now be worked in an organized manner, alternating from pulley to pulley with no crossing of any legs. The 3/2 ratchet prusik of the AZTEK is used in one of two easily changed positions. For most applications, including personal attachments, i.e. litter attendant’s primary attachment point, the ratchet is positioned on the 3rd leg in, on the pulley opposite of the initial connecting pulley (CD pulley).

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By using this prescribed method of rigging the double pulleys, the rope follows the natural path that is directed by each sheave.

Each leg of rope alternating from sheave to sheave should end up extremely clean with no crossing of any legs.

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Assembling the Shock Absorber

Shown in this example is the factory sewn shock absorber loop. Although the sewn version is stronger, the shock absorber loop may also be formed by using a double overhand bend with an 8’ length of 8mm accessory cord. Start with an open palm (either hand) and spread the middle fingers. Place the large loop over the four fingers. While using the fingers as a guide, bring a bight from each side of the loop up and through the spread of the middle fingers (fig. 2). Continue this process until there is three additional wraps on one set of fingers, and two additional wraps on the other set of fingers (fig. 3).

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Take the two additional wraps, plus the original wrap from the “two” side and rotate these three sections of cord onto the other two fingers that contain the additional three wraps (fig. 4, 5, and 6).

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There should now be five complete wraps around two fingers (fig. 6). Pass the opposite end (small sewn loop) through the 5 loops, in the 2 side and out the 3 side (fig. 7, and 8).

Dress the 3/2 prusik hitch as shown in fig. 9. When the shock absorber is complete, there should be large loops culminating at the 3/2 prusik. The 3 wraps of the 3/2 prusik must be oriented towards the bend or sewn connection. Dress the large loops so there are no unwanted twist.

© Rescue Response Gear, 2012

With the same knot craft technique used to attach the ratchet, simply follow the steps on this page to complete the 3/2 prusik that attaches the shock absorber to the 9mm host rope. The knot used to secure the carabiner to the 9mm rope is a triple overhand noose.

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