The Tree Guild of WA
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A Guide to Tree Rescue
The Arborlee Method

General

A Ground Worker must be in attendance whilst a climber is in a tree using a chain saw. At least one ground worker must have knowledge of basic rescue skills using conventional climbing equipment. A complete rescue climbing kit must be available to the ground staff in the event that a climber becomes injured or entangled in a tree and requires assistance.

There are a multitude of methods and types of equipment used for rescue from heights. The Tree Guild of WA Inc. Code of Practice for Climbing, Pruning, Maintaining and Removal of Trees recommends the use of one simple method using standard climbing equipment. For the following reasons:

• In an emergency personnel will be more confident and quicker to respond if methods and equipment are familiar.
• Specialised equipment is unlikely to be made available to all personnel working in the industry.
• Training with specialised equipment and alternative methods is not viable.

The method practiced must be safe, simple and expedient.

This Guide is based on the Arborlee Rescue Method by Murray Turner. There are other methods and variations that are acceptable. As long as the above principles are considered.

Before Rescue  

• Should an accident involving power lines occur, rescue may not be possible until the owner of the power lines gives the all clear.
• Keep well clear of any vehicle that is in contact with a power line.
• An assessment of the climbing risk must first be made by the rescuer to determine whether he/she is capable of safely performing the rescue.
• If medical back up is required call 000 for an ambulance.
• Call Fire and Rescue on 000 or for an EWP if access is available to the tree by these means and if they would be able to assist in the rescue.

The following equipment will be required:

• Climbing harness and carabiners
• Pole belt - adjustable
• Climbing rope with prusik loop
• Climbing spikes
• Soft rope - 3m x 12mm with eye splice
• Pressure bandage for blood loss
• Pocket knife with lanyard

The above equipment forms a Rescue Kit that is retained for rescue purposes only.

Rescue Procedure

1. Rescuer should fit harness and climbing spikes. Make sure they are correctly adjusted. Take a climbing rope which is of a sufficient length to lower both rescuer and injured climber to the ground.
    
2. Using the spikes, climb to a point in the tree above the injured climber where a suitable anchor point is available (note: this anchor point must be strong enough for the rescuer plus climber).
    
3.  Rescuer should tie into this anchor point using the climbing rope and then descend to the injured climber.
    
4. Make sure the injured climber is still secure in their equipment and not likely to fall.
    
5. Check for consciousness, respiration and blood loss. If injured climber is conscious try to ascertain injury.
    
6. Control bleeding.
    
7. Remove unnecessary equipment from injured climber (i.e. chain saw, spikes, branch rope etc.).
    
8. Rescuer should then connect the front of their harness to the front of the climber’s. The climber being positioned between the rescuer’s legs.
    
9. Rescuer then removes as much slack as possible in their climbing line thereby supporting both rescuer and climber.
    
10. Discard or cut free climber’s ropes.
     
11. If the injured climber is unconscious you may need extra support to keep the climber in an upright position. The rescuer should pass the soft 3m rope (or pole strop can be used) over the climber’s shoulder and under their opposite arm. Then around the rescuer’s own body in similar fashion. Tie off on the eye splice (see diagram above).
     
12. Descend slowly monitoring vital signs. Avoiding jarring movements which could worsen climbers injuries.
     
13. Once on the ground continue first aid as required or report to attending medical staff.

Be Prepared
Rescue technique, must be demonstrated to and practiced by ground staff. Confidence in equipment and procedures can only be gained with regular practice (i.e. once every 6 months).

DISCLAIMER

Not withstanding the scope and purpose of this Guide, the Tree Guild of W.A. Inc, it’s office bearers, committee members, and agents do not under any circumstances accept any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, adequacy of effectiveness of any of the information contained herein and nothing contained herein shall be or be construed as a warranty of any kind to any person, corporation or body corporate to the extent that the Tree Guild of W.A., Inc, it’s office bearers, committee members, members and agents shall be absolutely immune from prosecution or proceedings of any kind arising out of or resulting from any use made of any of the information contained in this Statement.