How is a “low-angle rescue” defined?

A low-angle rescue is defined as a rescue performed on slopes that are less than 30 degrees. This type of rescue requires specific techniques and equipment tailored to low-angle situations, where the rescue team can utilize a combination of mechanical advantage systems and that gravity plays a limited but significant role.

In such scenarios, rescuers typically work to stabilize the patient while managing the risks associated with the slope, ensuring both their safety and the safety of the patient during the extraction process. Recognizing this classification is vital for responders to determine the appropriate strategies, equipment, and protocols to employ during a low-angle rescue situation, maximizing the chances of a successful outcome while minimizing hazards.

Understanding the distinctions of slope angles is critical, as rescuers need to approach higher angles differently due to the increased risks of falls or slips, which is why options that suggest a drop greater than 30 degrees or flat ground do not apply in this context. Meanwhile, scenarios where gravity is not a factor would fundamentally miss the essence of low-angle rescues, as gravity continually influences movement and safety considerations in every rescue operation.