by Elvis » Feb 23, 2013 2:20 am
I like this type of thread/scenario /problem. Small party self rescue, whether or not one chooses to utilize the resources of the NCRC. First (one of) my incident experience. 3 cavers on the way out after several days in cave, multiple up-pitches. Got to a spot, looked at the Petzl handled ascender, hmmm, looks like the teeth are a bit clogged with mud, better clean it out when I get to the top (first mistake, since caver #2 had same problem -- safety tip-- see problem, fix). #1 up and on his way, #2 up and slipped ascender due to mud, slips, knocks knee on wall, settles somewhere lower than sitting but not quite a heel hang (using sort of Texas, one upper an one foot attachment)...... solution, #3 (me) climbs up, lowers #2 pack, then extra ascender I always carry to #2 and an on rope boost to level #2 up and continues to climb. Eventually #1 (waiting at top) becomes worried and assists from top. Hobble #2 out of cave. Nobody was behind us, and we were only half way out. All survive to cave again. Hope that is clear enough. You could look it up.
So, what do I take from this? I like the NCRC requirement (for rescue training) of 2 attachments above harness; I changed from Texas to frog for just this reason (and above scenario confirmed). My best excuse to do anything with NCRC training, you will look at caving in a different, probably safer, way. I will reference here many of the previous comments without notation since there are so many good points (one can read the whole thread). I agree with-- cave with 4, 3 at least (yeah, I'm guilty too) (but then as cavers, don't we by nature push the edge a bit?? Just know yourself and your limits, try to determine when help or retreat might be the better choice, ego down deep in the dark can get you killed, and the rest of the world don't give a rat's a**); longer rope to rig a pit should an assist of some kind be neccessary; training changes your direction of thinking re: rigging for rescue; pulleys always increase your recovery options. I like the rack is-a-lever comment, its true, and easier to do than might appear. I like the counterbalance component, very useful, there are several methods, but training and practice is crucial (hear me now and believe me later, had one of those scenarios in-cave too). Rappel on webbing not too difficult, but I have not had any success climbing webbing on a free-hang with rope climbing gear. And if you have to do either, then you need to know how to cross a knot/carabiner/gear kluge. I REALLY enjoyed the webbing/jumar comment and graphic; had to use a form of that once, gonna have to play with it more.
I agree lowering is preferable to pickoff or downclimb (the NCRC week long requires one to downclimb a short distance on first day vertical qualification) but you still then have to deal with the problem, injury or whatever. Agree with harness hang consideration; in all SPSR situations, its always a judgement call as to which maneuver is best, so I think one should endeavor to train for a variety of problems (or multiple, as is usually the reality).
In jeffkruse's scenario, if its a gear issue (slipping ascender, hair caught, etc.) maybe talking (50' in your example not too far away) or climb up from below or downclimb from top will work. If you have brought a longer rope and rigged it as others have described, you can rappel, fix, and cllimb next to her and assist her at the top. Any more serious, lower and proceed from there. Yes you can build a 3:1 system from carabiners, and yes with a weight advantage and a bit of adrenaline you could haul your wife out (note others comments about what to do at the edge). It would kick your a** but at least you would both be out of the cave. Pretty much same with a counterbalance (probably need a bit more gear).
So, after all that, WWED? So, I climb multi-drop caves with a frog (ropewalkers are GREAT in TAG and Mexico). I always carry an extra handled ascender with a sling attached and a few extra carabiners on my harness. I always carry 30' of webbing and a small (2") pulley in my pack. ALWAYS in a vertical cave. Have a simple first aid kit. Refresh myself on various highlights of rescue training and rigging before vertical trips, (just go thru old notes is better than not). In some caves, one in particular, I leave a PMP at the top of the most prominent pit just for the counterbalance scenario. And of course as pretty much everyone else has mentioned, PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE! Practice stupid goofy stuff that would NEVER happen (well, except that when it really does while you are on your favorite trip to your favorite cave with your favorite companions). Practice can be fun because you can put each other (safely) into the most bizzare situations, and you would be surprised at the things you can learn (yeah, plus the snark part).
In PR, there is a NCRC regional rep, Roberto "Bull" Miranada. Look him up. If you are in a grotto, get with them too. Make them folks earn their keep, thats what they signed up for. And if that fails, enter a state of Misery and look up yore ol buddy Elvis and we'll practice together...
Good luck!