Gravity never sleeps, so neither do we! Working at height is no joke. Whether you’re on a construction site, a wind turbine, or a high-rise scaffold, the risk of falling is a constant concern. However, it’s important to remember that while fall protection systems might stop your fall, what happens next could be just as dangerous – if not more so. That’s where height rescue training comes in, and Leading Edge’s courses are leading the charge.
A fall incident doesn’t end with the fall. The seconds and minutes afterwards are critical, and knowing what to do could mean the difference between life and death. The Work at Height (WAH) Regulations 2005 and British Standard 8437 don’t just exist as a legal framework – they’re there to enforce practices that save lives.
For employers, this means making provisions to protect workers. For employees, it means knowing how to act swiftly and safely in emergencies. Height rescue training ensures everyone is equipped to respond effectively, blending the legal duty with the moral responsibility to keep everyone safe.
20% face death within 10 minutes…
What happens after a fall might surprise you. Remaining suspended in a harness can lead to Suspension Intolerance and Reflow Syndrome. These conditions cause severe physical distress and, in some cases, can be fatal within just 10 minutes. Even if you’re lucky enough to avoid those, irreversible brain damage can occur within 5 minutes.
Can’t we call 999? There’s no time…
This makes immediate action crucial. Waiting for emergency services – even with their commendable response times – isn’t fast enough. That’s why you need a team trained in height rescue to act on the spot.
The good news? Height rescue isn’t just about knowing what to do – it’s about practicing until it becomes second nature.
Live drills: you’ll be conducting repeated self and assisted recoveries in both vertical and horizontal rigged positions with a variety of fall protection equipment.
Under pressure: you’ll be able to test your speed and efficiency with a 5-minute rescue challenge.
Dedicated equipment: you’ll be learning with state-of-the-art height rescue equipment, including rigging props, recovery systems, and rescue dummies to deliver theory and practical lessons. We just need somewhere to teach. So, if you’re booking a course on your site, talk to us to discuss the best way to achieve your needs.
We believe that by mastering these rescue skills, you’ll gain confidence in using recovery systems to execute rescues in real-life scenarios.
Not all fall rescues are the same. That’s why Leading Edge offers training on three distinct rescue systems. Together they allow the safe recovery of a fall casualty in any situation using the raising, lowering or combined raising and lowering methods. But the course is far from generic. You choose which one you want – or all three – and your training focuses comprehensively on your chosen method/s, wasting no valuable time on things you’ll never need.
1.Raising method (Haul System)
Perfect for high-rise or obstructed areas, the haul system allows rescuers to pull a casualty back to the fall point. It’s effective but requires teamwork – at least five people are needed for a smooth recovery.
2.Lowering method (Descent System)
For situations where it’s safe to lower someone to the ground, this one-person system is fast and efficient. It’s ideal when there are no obstructions beneath the casualty’s fall point.
3.Raising & lowering (Winch System)
Need versatility? The winch system combines both raising and lowering capabilities. Operable by just one person, it’s the ultimate tool for safe and speedy rescues in any scenario.
What sets Leading Edge apart is the synergy between our training and height safety equipment. By manufacturing our own gear and designing courses around it, we are able to offer a seamless learning experience. Whether you need to master one rescue method or all three, our courses are tailored to your specific needs, so no time is wasted on irrelevant theory.
Height rescue training isn’t just about compliance – it’s about readiness. It’s about knowing that when the unthinkable happens, you won’t freeze or panic. Instead, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to act decisively and save a life.
So, whether you’re an employer looking to protect your team or a worker committed to safety, Leading Edge’s rescue courses are your gateway to mastering the art of height rescue. Don’t wait for an emergency to realise its importance – be proactive and prepared.
Speak to our height rescue experts today on 01920 824 100.
Leading Edge is a UK based height safety training provider and PPE manufacturer. From small teams to multinational blue-chips, we empower people to work safely at height across a wide range of industries. Copyright 2025 Leading Edge Safety. Devloped by Czargroup Technologies
