The butterfly knot is widely considered to be one of the sturdiest and most reliable loop knots. Because of its strength, its security, and the ease with which it may be tied, the butterfly knot is relied on heavily in all sorts of complicated and exciting rope rescue procedures. This knot is used to create a solid loop in the middle of any length of rope and can be tied even when either or both ends of the rope are not accessible. The butterfly knot has the ability to be adjusted in many different directions and will not distort. It can also be used to segregate a frayed or injured section...

A square knot is used to fasten two separate lengths of rope together in a semi-secure way that is useful for the short term. More suited for temporary applications, the square knot should not be used in any situation where it may be subjected to a high amount of strain. Also known in ocean cultures as a reef knot, the square knot is used on ships to fasten moorings and in confined space rescues. The square knot is known as a beautiful knot due to its symmetry. It is one of the most basic knots on the scale and is a building block from which many other more complicated knot variations used by...

Different situations call for different rope techniques when rescuing people. The techniques used for mountain rescues, cave rescues, and rope rescues at industrial sites are similar only superficially. It is thus important to be trained in the particular type of rope rescue one attempts. Rescues at steel mills, chemical factories, oil refineries, and power stations generally call for high angle rescues and confined space techniques. The space a rescuer uses in these situations is very limited. The typical approach is from above, a high angle. A very important consideration would be air....