I recently attended a CMC Rescue School Ropes I/II class in Kansas City, Mo. It was definitely one of the better technical rescue classes I’ve attended. What was most exciting, however, was a product I discovered there: CMC Rescue Equipment’s Multi-Purpose Device, or MPD. After playing with it in class, I truly believe that this device will change how industrial and fire/rescue services operate their rope rescue systems.
Being on an all-encompassing technical rescue team, I’ve done my fair share of training over the years. One of the constants during these training sessions: Everyone has to re-familiarize themselves with whatever discipline we’re training on, as well as the associated equipment–and I’m no exception!
For years, my team has utilized the RPM/RPMS rope-rescue system developed by CMC Rescue Equipment. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this system, it’s a set of hardware organized on a four-hole anchor plate. The name comes from the equipment used–Bar Rack, Mariners/Load-Release Strap and Pulley. (The RPMS is an identical set-up with the addition of the S for safeties, for which we utilize a tandem set of Prusiks.)
Each year, when we participate in rope training refreshers, it seems to take some time to work through the RPM/RPMS system. Eventually, the team gets it down to an art and remembers how to transition from a raising system to a lowering system. However, in real-life situations, we don’t have time to mess with our rope systems until we get it right. It has to be set up, ready to go and deployed–15 minutes ago. This is why I feel strongly that the MPD will be tremendously useful for technical rescue teams.
So what is the MPD? CMC’s website describes it as a variable-friction descent-control device for rope-rescue systems that performs all functions for mainlines, belay lines, tag lines and hoisting lines. This finely engineered piece of equipment has a built-in pulley with a progress capture device, so it can be utilized not just for lowering systems but for raising systems as well. Basically, the MPD can be used as a lowering device on both the mainline and belay line systems, but it can be changed over in a system to be utilized for raising.
During testing, we found several advantages to the MPD over the RPM/RPMS system, the first of which was how simple it was to use. Even though the RPM system is still a good rope-rescue set-up, it does require numerous steps to perform its operations effectively. One of the first operations that was simplified by the MPD was the set-up. Instead of lacing the rope through a bar rack, like you would with an RPM system, you simply open the face of the MPD and run the rope through the device. CMC uses a reference etching on the device in case you don’t remember how the rope should run through the MPD. Once you’ve correctly installed the rope, your system is ready for operations.
The next noticeable advantage we found was that the MPD could be left in the rope system when performing a changeover–changing from a lowering system to a raising system and using a simple z-rig 3:1 MA system. With the RPM system on the mainline, you must lock off the rope and install the load-release strap in order to remove the bar rack and begin to construct a MA system. Once the bar rack is removed, you then utilize two pulleys to construct your simple 3:1 MA system. With the MPD, you simply lock off by releasing the operation handle and setting the parking brake. Then, utilizing the MPD’s built-in pulley, you can add one more pulley to create a simple 3:1 MA system.
The next advantage we found with the MPD over the RPM system is the cost. I didn’t think the MPD could be cheaper than the RPM system; however, once you start to add up all the equipment, there’s actually a cost savings. A basic MPD set-up would save us approximately $150 over our current RPM system. Remember: This is a comparison of our department’s equipment; this may not be the case for your team.
The final advantage we found with the MPD over the RPM involved its weight and size. With the MPD, less hardware has to be used and, therefore, the system is lighter and takes up less storage space. With all its equipment, the MPD system weighs about 10 lbs., while the RPM/RPMS system weighs about 13.5 lbs. Also, with less equipment to deal with, set-up time and orientation of the MPD seemed faster and more efficient than with RPM system.
The benefits of the MPD are truly amazing. If your department is anything like mine, change can be slow and difficult, but it can also be good, especially if it means delivering a faster and more effective service to your citizens with the same outstanding professionalism.
Bottom line: I believe the MPD will benefit the fire service and technical rescue teams across the nation by simplifying operations, reducing costs and reducing equipment weight and set-up time during rescue operations.
MPD
Pros
+ Simple to use;
+ Easy set-up;
+ Relatively inexpensive;
+ Lightweight;
+ Compact; and
+ Can be left in the rope system when performing a changeover.
Cons
– None.
CMC Rescue Equipment
P.O. Box 6870
Santa Barbara, CA 93160
Tel: 800/235-5741
Fax: 800/235-8951
Web: www.cmcrescue.com
