{"id":502834,"date":"2019-12-29T18:27:03","date_gmt":"2019-12-29T18:27:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/?p=502834"},"modified":"2019-12-29T18:36:34","modified_gmt":"2019-12-29T18:36:34","slug":"z-drag","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/z-drag\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is A Z-Drag and How Does It Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve ever been part of a rescue you\u2019ve undoubtedly encountered a Z-drag.  But, this begs the obvious question of what is a Z-drag and how does it work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firefighters get a lot of calls for rescue situations, often for victims that are trapped in confined spaces<\/a>, fall from cliffs and drive vehicles into ditches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In these situations, firefighters need to efficiently follow\ntheir rescue plan to get the victim(s) to safety in an efficient manner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to some of the more basic victim retrievals, high-angle and low-angle rope rescue teams<\/a> can use a simple pulley system to haul the individual out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, this isn\u2019t always going to be safe or practical for\nsituations with heavier objects or multiple victims. This is where the Z-drag system\ncomes into play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Z-Drag and\nhow does it work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A Z-drag is a system of ropes and pulleys that create a 3 to 1 mechanical advantage.  This typically is used in rescue situations where a simple pulley system wouldn\u2019t be adequate to haul the weight.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, I will provide a brief run-through of what it\ntakes to set up one of these systems in a rescue attempt. I also want to talk\nabout some of the applications and safety considerations involved for a broader\nsense of the importance of this system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what situations are these Z-drag systems appropriate for?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While this may look like a very complicated system, it is\nworthwhile taking the time to plan it all out and get it up correctly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Z-Drag can have a massive impact on the amount of weight\nthat you can handle as a rescuer. If you have a heavy object that you need to\nmove, tying a rope to one end and pulling isn\u2019t going to work unless you happen\nto have the world\u2019s strongest man on your team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be ineffective and potentially dangerous for all\nthose straining to move the weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, this series of pulleys and the use of anchors and\ncarabiners will support the rope, take the strain and allow teams to pull as\nmuch as three times the weight they normally would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, creating a 3 to 1 mechanical advantage<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest consideration here is the weight of the object.\nThis system is generally used where there is a large vehicle or other heavy\nitems that you need to pull out of the way or retrieve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This could be a car or other vehicle that has crashed down a\nravine or another tight space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also set these systems up on riverbanks to pull out\nboats that have crashed or come free from their mooring and become stuck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the right application of the Z-drag in the right place,\nfirefighters can lift or drag pretty much anything from anywhere. It is all\nabout adapting the process to the situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There may also be cases where these systems prove helpful\nfor rescuing patients. If rescuers know that they might struggle with the\nretrieval and hoisting of larger victims that are packaged on boards, a Z-drag\npulley system could make things easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why firefighters that specialize in all different types of rescue attempts must be aware of how to set up this sort of Z-drag system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone that works in high angle rope access situation or similar rope rescues \u2013 such as confined space rescue<\/a> \u2013 may find that this approach is helpful in their attempts. Marine fire services that work around the coasts and docks will also find this system helpful in their work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So how do you set up a Z-drag system? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
  1. Make sure that you have the right gear together for the job<\/strong><\/li>
  2. Figure out where your anchor point is going to be<\/strong><\/li>
  3. Connect your prusik knots for a strong, reliable pulley system<\/strong><\/li>
  4. Make sure that you attach the rope to the right place on the object you’re moving<\/strong><\/li>
  5. Double-check everyone is in position and start pulling<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Selecting the right\nequipment<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Familiarity with your ropes and cords<\/a> are important here to create an effective system. You need a strong line of haul rope that is long enough for the job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You then need two pieces of quality rope that can be used to\nmake the Prusik knots that create the pulley system. You also need you webbing\nsling for your anchor point to hold everything in place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have created a guide on 7 knots all firefighters must master<\/a>.  Click the link to read that article as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Creating that anchor\npoint<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Your Z-drag system needs a strong anchor point that can take\nthe strain from the weight of the object and create that first angle in your\nz-shaped system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The anchor should be a stable point where you can attach\nyour sling and create the first pulley. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The best options are trees with a clear path in front of\nthem down to the object being retrieved. Large stones, pillars and if all else\nfails use your truck as an anchor point; just be sure that the attachment is secure,\nand the anchor won\u2019t shift its position in any way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Create your pulley\nsystem with prusik knots<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    A prusik knot isn\u2019t necessarily going to be in your initial training while in the fire academy<\/a>, but you do need to be confident in creating these knots when designing a Z-drag system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You need to place them along the length of your haul line to\ncreate those bend and pulley in your Z-shaped system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a brake prusik at the first bend at the anchor\npoint with the tree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This creates that first pulley system to drag the object\/victim\ntowards the anchor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then there is a secondary traveling prusik between the object and the brake. This then connects to the haul line on the other side to create a second pulley and that second angle in the Z-shape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Make sure the\nattachment point is secure<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Crews have to choose precisely the right point on the object\nthey are moving for the best result. The connection of the rope has to be\nsecure so that it won’t slip off or come untied. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At the same time, that attachment point has to be structurally\nsound on the object. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For example, you might decide to attach the system to the\nfender on the back of a car that has traveled down a ravine. It might seem like\na logical place but what if the fender is damaged. A sharp pull on the rope\ncould break it off and the car could fall further, placing people at risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Always double check your\nwork<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Double check all the connections, knots and that everyone is\non the same page. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Everyone must be in precisely the right position to begin\nthe hauling process safely. You need the right number of people working on the\nhaul line at a 45-degree angle on the pulley. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s important to have team members keeping an eye on the\nprogress of the rescue and any potential threats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I appreciate that this can all sound quite complicated on paper.\nThe structure and the different components can be difficult to visualize when\nyou haven\u2019t experienced this sort of rescue attempt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here is a great video demonstrating the process from\nbeginning to end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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