This is an evening for those interested in learning and/or practising some of the skills that come in useful if someone on your rope has an accident while rock climbing, particular on multi-pitch climbs where simply lowering the casualty to the ground is not an option.

Several of us have been on courses which teach these skills in the past, and there is a lot of information in Libby Peter’s book “Rock Climbing, Essential Skills & Techniques”. Armed with this knowledge we are planning an improvised rescue skills evening at Copleston Centre on Monday 22 May. I’ve booked exclusive use of the climbing wall for the evening, from 7.00pm to 10.00pm.

Skills we hope to cover during the evening include:

Escaping from the system when belaying an incapacitated climber.

Reaching an incapacitated climber and making them safe.

Lowering or abseiling with an incapacitated climber (including passing a knot).

Hoisting systems.

Obviously we can’t fully simulate these scenarios at Copleston, but with a little imagination it should be possible to get some realistic learning and practice, and some sharing of good ideas.

Initially this evening is open to those who have volunteered as leaders or assistants on our beginners courses this year.

Please let me know if you are interested in taking part. It should be a really worthwhile evening.

Martin