Well yes and no.

SAR Techs. who also have technical rescue responsibilities should have a working knowledge of lead climbing. General SAR, where they are primarily providing search functions, then no, as they would not likely carry the necessary equipment. If they require access to areas via steep sprees/slopes, then rappelling would likely be the technique employed.

As to Firefighters, it depends upon several factors, in departments where technical rescue is part of their responsibility, and then yes, just as with SAR personnel, a working knowledge of lead climbing is important. Again we prefer top-down rescues, however water towers, radio towers and other industrial sites are all potential sites, where lead climbing could become part of the rescue.

Some of our team members have taken part in what is likely one of the best tower rescue classes in the county, taught by Reed Thorne of Ropes That Rescue. Reed teaches tower rescue not only to the Fire Service, but also to tower workers, who often must perform self-rescue or are on the company’s rescue team.

For Firefighters in general, most now participate in some type of self-rescue/Save our Own class, in which rappelling out of the structure may be the only option for escape. Many of the bailout or micro-rappelling systems are designed for that very purpose. While it might be nice to also teach lead climbing for Firefighters in general, I really do not believe it is necessary. Most Truck/Rescue Squads have low-stretch life-safety rope; I doubt they would also carry dynamic rope and the necessary hardware for lead climbing. Many times a ladder truck or tower with 100+’ reach is employed for rescues requiring access from lower staging points.

Pete