Radium Release Hitch
CategoryHitch
Efficiency30kn
ReleasingLoad releasing
Typical usetechnical rope rescue

A radium release hitch is a load-releasing hitch using 3:1 mechanical advantage which is used in a two-rope technical rescue system.[1] The Radium Release Hitch allows a load to be transferred from one rope to another and is commonly rigged into the belay line prior to the operation of a two-rope technical rescue system.[2]

A radium release hitch is typically tied with 10 meters of 8mm rope and two locking carabiners. A reasonable length for the hitch (distance between the 2 carabiners) is 10 to 15 cm.[3]

History

The Radium Release Hitch was developed by Kirk Mauthner (who lives near Radium Hot Springs, hence the name) as a result of the extensive comparative analysis of release devices undertaken during 1997 through 1999[4]

Usage

  • Passing knots
  • Untensioning a locked lowering device or locked up prussiks.[5]

Tying

  • Tie a figure 8 on a bight at one end of the cord and clip it into the load carabiner on its spine side.
  • Clip the standing part of the rope through the anchor carabiner and back down through the load carabiner; bring the rope back up to the anchor carabiner.
  • Tie a Münter hitch on its gate side of the anchor carabiner. Ensure that the Münter hitch is in the release position with the in-feed rope toward the gate side of the carabiner
  • Secure the Radium Release Hitch using a bight to tie a half hitch on a bight around the entire stem below the Münter hitch, and then back it up with an overhand on a bight knot again around the entire stem.
  • Tie a figure 8 on a bight at the other end, and clip it to a secure anchor.[3][6]

See also

List of knots

Mountain Rescue

References

  1. ↑ Matthews, M. (2009). Technical Rescue: Rope Rescue: Rope Rescue, Levels I and II. Delmar/Cengage Learning. p. 83. ISBN 1428320563.
  2. ↑ Grogono, Alan W. Grogono (Grog), David E. Grogono, Martin J. "Radium Release | How to tie the Radium Release Hitch | Rescue Knots". www.animatedknots.com. Retrieved 2016-09-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. 1 2 "Knots and Hitches" (PDF). whitewater-rescue.com. Air Medical Resource Group. 2004. Retrieved September 21, 2016.
  4. ↑ Release-Devices: A Comparative Analysis, by Katie and Kirk Mauthner, 1999
  5. ↑ Jido (2010-06-11). "San Juan County Search and Rescue: Radium Release Hitch". San Juan County Search and Rescue. Retrieved 2016-09-21.
  6. ↑ "Load Releasing Hitch" (PDF). stowemountainrescue. stowemountainrescue. Retrieved September 21, 2016.
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