Entrapments/Cinches
Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 4:15PM Entrapment and Cinches require both strategy and teamwork. They require fact action that cannot be "made up" at the time of incident. Here we have outlined a few common strategies.
NOTE - The most effective way to rescue someone from an entrapment is with DIRECT CONTACT
3 Point Entrapment Assessment
1. Airway/No Airway (head up / head down)
2. Direct Contact (can I and Should I if so GO rescue)
3. Environment (banks within 20m, Subject within 10m of one bank)
Cinches Based on Subject Presentation
Heads Up 2 Bank
Stabilization Line with Open/Closed Cinch
Double Closed Cinch (Box Cinch)
'Y" Cinch (J Cinch/Mather Cinch)
"C2Y2U"
Heads Up 1 Bank
One Bank "U" Cinch Open/Closed (ET3/Lasso Loop)
Kiwi Cinch (with REACH or snag plate retrieval)
Heads Down 2 Bank
Step Strap Snag Line
Paddle Pull Snag Line
Sinking Snag Line
Teaching Tips
Entrapment Drills are a great way of building teamwork amongst rescuers. To get the best out of students first emphasize proper technique, then efficiency then expedience. Good to add an element of speed and urgency by timing repeated drills.
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