This presentation covers the knots used in firefighting & rescue. Includes basic description of the knot and it’s use, advantages, disadvantages, video of the knots being tied. Shows how to tie 19 knots. Most with video on how to tie the knots. Presentation is over 80 slides in length.

1. BRAVE TRAINING SOLUTIONS
WWW.BRAVETRAINING.COM
Copyright 2020
R39 V1
PREVIEW
FIRE & RESCUE
ROPES & KNOTS

2. GOALS
To know and tie knots use in firefighting and
rescue

3. LIFE SAFETY ROPE
Covered by NFPA 1983
Only type to be used for rescue
Should not be used for utility rope
Two classes
One person Two person
300 Lbs 600 Lbs
4500 Lbs 9000 Lbs
1 1/8” to 1 ½” 1 ¼” to 2 ¼”

4. KERNMANTLE ROPE
Is optimized for strength, durability,& flexibility
Most commonly used climbing rope
Can be use as both static & dynamic ropes
Has little stretch
Can stretch under load to reduce shock

5. ROPE CARE
Must be inspected before & after
each use
Inspection to include abrasion, cuts,
internal damage “Boogers” (tufts of
white thread poking out of Kernmantle)
Should be washed by putting it in a chain sinnet
then washing in a front load clothes washer with
soap flakes
Bleach & detergent should not be used
Photo by David J Fred

6. STRENGTH OF SINGLE KERNMANTLE
ROPE WITH KNOTS
No Knot 100%
Figure 8 75-80%
Bowline 70-75%
Double overhand bend 65-70%
Ring bend 60-70%
Clove hitch 60-65%
Overhand 60-65%
Two half hitches over ring 60-70%
Square knot 43-70%
From Helmut Microys, “Climbing Ropes” American
Alpine Journal 51 (1977)

7. COMPONENTS OF KNOTS & HITCHES
Consist of any four components
Bight Loop
Round turn Half hitch

8. SQUARE KNOT
Less commonly used to tie ends of rope
together
Best used for tying bandages
Aka Reef Knot

9. ADVANTAGES
Easy to tie
DISADVANTAGES
Ropes must be the same diameter & material
If improperly tied easily comes undone
Difficult to untie if stressed
Retains rope strength by 43-70%

11. SHEEP SHANK
Used to shorten a line without untying both
ends

12. SHEEP SHANK
Advantages
Can be used to shorten line without untying
both ends
Disadvantages
Tension must be maintained
By adding a half hitch at both ends it
will become more secure

14. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
GO TO LINK BELOW
ROPES & KNOTS