What is the purpose of the side plates on many rescue-type pulleys?

The purpose of the side plates on many rescue-type pulleys is to facilitate attachment without the need for threading the rope through the pulley. This design feature makes it significantly easier and quicker for rescuers to connect the pulley to a system, allowing for efficient setup during emergencies or rescues in confined spaces.

By allowing the rope to be directly attached to the side plates, rescuers can save valuable time when responding to critical situations, where every second counts. The ability to quickly attach the rope directly enhances usability and operational efficiency, contributing to successful rescue operations in challenging environments.

Other options, while possibly relevant to pulley design, do not specifically address the primary functional advantage provided by side plates in this context.