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RIT LOOPS and Power Handles
Patent Pending
RIT LOOPS + Power Handles
GAIN LEVERAGE!!
What is it? Originally FF Ron Kent was training with the DRD on their
new bunker gear. The webbing dug into his hand through the glove. The
DRD is functional but uncomfortable and made the victim feel heavier.
In addition, departments surrounding him do not have DRD’s. Ron wanted
a more efficient way to utilize this new feature.
What we’ve done is taken the power handle we use on the R.E.D. and use
glo cord for high visibility. We sew an eye loop in the end to keep the
carabiner centered. Now, Ron has increased leverage due to dispersed
pressure along width of the handle.
Ron had several choices for handle material – PVC, Copper, Steel and
Aluminum. After several tests, aluminum was found to be the lightest
and most durable. PVC tended to get very brittle when exposed to cold
temperature or hit on the ground. The other materials were just too
heavy. Our total weight with rope is only 4oz! No knots. It can be used
in two different configurations, with or without a carabineer. If you
use it with a carabineer it can be clipped to the pick point on the new
SCBA’s RIT areas.
This allows a very quick and strong point of attachment for dragging.
Another way to use it is without a carabineer. Most of the SCBA’s out
there do not have a pick point. It functions just the same by using a
girth hitch around the shoulder straps and pulling; and, as you can see
in this clip, it works just the same. It can also be girth hitched
around the knees of the down firefighter and used as a point to pull,
assisting the firefighter at the head. This allows two firefighters to
drag a down firefighter out together. Note that the power handle is
what really makes this loop stand out from just a standard hose strap.
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