What defines a horizontal rescue?

A horizontal rescue is characterized by the retrieval of an individual where the individual is positioned so that their weight is supported by a horizontal surface. This typically implies that the person being rescued is either lying down or in a reclining position, making it necessary for rescuers to approach the victim from a horizontal plane rather than from above or below.

The concept of a horizontal rescue is crucial for several reasons. First, most confined spaces may not provide the ability to leverage vertical movements or drop lines effectively, thereby requiring an approach that allows rescuers to move victims in a safer and more stable manner. Along with this, rescuers must be attentive to the mechanics of moving a person who might be incapacitated or in distress, necessitating strategies that are appropriate for horizontal environments.

Defining a rescue as one at surface level, performed from above, or done in narrow spaces does not capture the essential characteristic of a horizontal rescue. While these aspects can be relevant in various rescue scenarios, they do not specifically delineate the position and support related to the horizontal rescue process. In summary, a horizontal rescue distinctly refers to the context in which the weight of the individual being rescued is borne by a horizontal surface, which greatly influences the techniques and tools required for a successful extraction.