Rescue Symposium

Petzl America’s 2022 Rescue Symposium hosted more than 70 rescue professionals from around North America to connect with and learn from leaders in the backcountry, confined space and industrial rescue communities.

The three-and-half day event was kicked off with British cave diver Jason Mallinson, who played a critical role in the 2018 Thailand soccer team cave rescue. Additional lectures were led by Tom Pendley, Kevin Koprek, Russell McCullar, Chris Carlson and Brad Warr, Tom Wood, Micah Rush and Richard Delaney; covering topics ranging from advancements in small team rescue practices to overcoming the challenges of rescuing crew members from a capsized and burning cargo ship. Presentations introduced new equipment and methods for improving speed and efficiency in various rescue environments including confined space, industrial structures, roadside embankments and high-angle backcountry settings. Hands-on workshops were held at the Salt Lake City Fire Department training complex and in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Industrial scenarios at SLCFD included skate blocks, cross hauls and offset vertical/mixed confined space scenarios. The embankment and backcountry scenarios at BCC included highlines, low-angle haul systems, vertical raising and lowering, lightweight systems, rescue litter attendant skills, and tripod applications. 

Steve Petty, Business Development Manager for rescue and military, was the brains behind the symposium, which was delayed two years due to the pandemic, “With this event, Petzl solidified its position as a leader and innovator in the rescue market while helping to connect key players and training organizations,” says Petty. 

The Symposium couldn’t have happened without the strong partnerships of local rescue teams and organizations who worked to support the field workshops. Special thanks to Salt Lake City Fire Department Heavy Rescue, Unified Fire Authority Heavy Rescue, Unified Police Department Canyon Patrol, Salt Lake County Search and Rescue, Wasatch Cache National Forest / Salt Lake Ranger District, and Utah Recreation. 

Petzl prides itself in encouraging continual discussion on improving solutions and systems. The Symposium is the perfect example of how individuals can come together, amidst differences, to learn and grow.