Cave Rescue Direct Haul Pickoff Tutorial

In less than 4 minutes, cave rescue specialist, Jessica Van Ord, demonstrates a direct haul method pickoff with “unconscious“ patient, Angela Hooker, at the National Cave Rescue Commission (NCRC) Small Party Assisted Rescue (SPAR) training in Deschutes, Oregon in September 2018. The direct haul (1:1 haul) is also called a brute force pickoff because mechanical advantage is not utilized to lift the patient. This is an excellent and simple pickoff method to remove an unconscious patient from rope where they are susceptible to suspension trauma which is known to be fatal in as little as 6 minutes. However, please note it is possible for the rescuer to become stuck under the weight of the patient if fatigued, which can be especially dangerous if hanging in a cold waterfall. Every rescue situation is extremely complex and factors like rescuer safety must be taken into consideration. If you want to learn more about cave rescue, please visit the NCRC website: Please note this is not meant to be an instructional video, just a quick demo. This type of pickoff can be dangerous if you are fatigued and get stuck under the weight of the patient.