Rescue
Many of our guides volunteer on multiple local rescue squads. Working on rescue squads is one of our favorite ways to give back to the community by using our local knowledge and intricate understanding of vertical rope systems to assist in rescue operations. We find ourselves in complex situations where time is of the essence. This helps hone many different skill sets for the mountains.
Teams we volunteer for:
Transylvania County Rescue Squad
Henderson County Rescue Squad
Appalachian Mountain Rescue Team
One of the bigger rescues our teams performed recently was on Looking Glass Rock, where we spend a lot of time climbing and guiding! While our head guide was out of town, he still arranged getting several plans in motion from far away. One of our other guides responded very quickly to the scene and played an integral role in the success of this rescue. You can listen to a break down of this rescue on episode 84 of the Sharp End podcast here: https://www.thesharpendpodcast.com/episode-84
Here is a photo, courtesy of Taylor (the injured one) of our guide, Zack Mintz holding his IV bag
Training rescuers on Looking Glass Rock
Training with the AMRT and the Smokey Mountain National Park Service
Rope Access (SPRAT)
Some of our guides also participate in “industrial climbing” or “rope access” and are certified through SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians). These certifications help us think outside the box with our rope skills and we use SPRAT training to enhance our teaching in both rescue and military settings.
Lead Guide, Anna Marie, training in Charlotte for her SPRAT Level 1 certification
Rescue in confined space has many different challenges
Military and Law Enforcement Training
Many Special Operations teams across the military actually have a specific focus on being able to accomplish missions in a mountainous setting that could be tactical or rescue oriented. A lot of those teams choose us for their mountain training. Depending on the learning objectives of the team, we will cover every topic from how to tie in to how to lead and descend multi-pitch trad routes and how to manage a casualty throughout it all in an austere environment.
Using NODs (night vision) to navigate terrain at night
Using a high-line to pass a "casualty" across a river
Hauling a patient and attendant up a rock face
The insight our guides gain from working in various types of terrain with diverse mission focus, allows us to provide forward thinking and tip of the spear tools and techniques to our varied guests and clients. We truly are “Defined by Mountains, Fueled by Knowledge”. We hope you will join us in this pursuit!