Sunday 9:00pm-3:00pm

Instructor: Benjamin Ragsdale

This hands-on workshop focuses on advanced rope mobility and horizontal rigging techniques used in both technical rescue and rope access operations. Participants will develop efficient personal rope movement skills using rope technician kits while operating on a two-rope system.

Students will practice ascending, descending, changeovers, rope-to-rope transfers, and re-anchoring while maintaining redundancy and safe rope management. The program explores how rope access movement techniques can complement traditional rope rescue operations by improving technician efficiency, positioning, and operational safety.

The workshop also introduces horizontal movement systems including English Reeves highlines, cross-haul systems, and Artificial High Directionals (AHDs). Participants will gain practical experience building and operating systems used to move rescuers, equipment, and victims across complex terrain and elevated environments.

Participants should have a working knowledge of rope rescue or rope access fundamentals.

Skills Covered

• Two-rope system mobility • Ascending and descending techniques • Rope-to-rope transfers and changeovers • Re-anchoring and rope management • English Reeves highline systems • Cross-haul systems • Artificial High Directionals (AHDs) • Horizontal movement and positioning techniques.

First Choice Safety Solutions (FCSS) is a Connecticut-based provider of technical rescue training, industrial standby rescue services, and rope access programs supporting fire departments, utilities, industrial facilities, and government agencies.

FCSS operates a dedicated indoor technical rescue training center and delivers instruction in rope rescue, confined space rescue, rope access, and specialized rescue systems. As a Petzl Technical Partner, First Choice Safety Solutions is recognized for its expertise in vertical safety systems and its commitment to delivering field-proven, standards-driven training to rescue and industrial teams throughout the Northeast and Nationally.