Aerial Rescue Event

AERIAL RESCUE EVENT

The aerial rescue event is a timed event that tests the contestant’s ability to climb to and safely

lower a climber who is unable to descend without assistance.

The head judge will advise the contestant of the injured climber’s (represented by a dummy)

situation prior to the start of the event.

The standard rescue scenario is:

•  The incident has just occurred, and the contestant, as first responder, will assume

control of the site, take control of all relevant safety issues, and will contact local

emergency services.

• While the contestant is entering the tree, the emergency medical technician (EMT)

arrives.

•  The EMT on site has instructed the contestant that the injured climber must be lowered

safely to the ground so that the EMT can perform an assessment.

• The EMT does not have the equipment or training to lower the injured climber and is not

fully trained in the hazards associated with performing an aerial rescue from the tree and

therefore is unable to assist.

•  The injured climber is installed in the tree with a regulation climbing line and

saddle/harness approximately 20 to 25 feet (6 to 7.5 meters) above the ground.

•  The contestant must enter the tree using a previously installed line located

approximately 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters) from the injured worker.

• Men are provided 5 minutes to complete the event, and women are provided 7 minutes.

AERIAL RESCUE

SCORING THE AERIAL RESCUE EVENT

The Aerial Rescue is worth up to 50 points. Up to 40 points are awarded in increments of 0 up

to 10 points for each of the following six scoring sections:

Pre-assessment: 10 points

Access and tie-in point: 5 points

Movement to casualty: 5 points

Handling of casualty: 10 points

Decent: 5 points

Touchdown: 5 points

Up to 10 bonus points may be awarded at the discretion of the judges for style, innovation, or

safe work practices.

In case of a tie, the contestant with the fastest time wins.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The Aerial Rescue event simulates a job-site emergency. Injuries can occur and it may be up to

the trained tree worker to apply his/her knowledge and technical skills to rescue an injured

person in a safe and efficient manner.

For more information on the International Tree Climbing Championship and the International

Society of Arboriculture, please visit www.isa-arbor.com