Which type of rope is most commonly used in fire department life safety situations for lowering a person?

The most commonly used type of rope for life safety situations in fire departments is Static Kernmantle rope. This type of rope is designed specifically for operations that involve lowering or raising personnel and equipment, making it suitable for rescue operations.

Static Kernmantle rope has a low elongation rate, which means it does not stretch significantly when under load. This property is crucial in rescue scenarios, where a sudden drop could be dangerous. The static nature of this rope allows firefighters to predict the distance involved when lowering a person, ensuring a controlled descent and improved safety.

Additionally, the Kernmantle construction—where a sturdy outer sheath encases the inner core—provides excellent durability and protection against abrasion. This feature is particularly important in emergency situations where the rope may encounter rough surfaces or be exposed to harsh conditions.

Other types of rope, such as dynamic kernmantle ropes, are designed to absorb shock from dynamic loads—such as a climber falling—making them more suited for climbing but less ideal for rescue scenarios. Twisted ropes and climbing ropes might not offer the same level of control and safety required when lowering a person, which is why static kernmantle rope is the preferred choice for fire department operations.