Which term describes the equipment used to rescue individuals from permit-required confined spaces?

The term that best describes the equipment used to rescue individuals from permit-required confined spaces is "retrieval system." A retrieval system typically consists of specialized equipment designed to safely remove individuals from confined spaces in emergencies. This system may include components such as harnesses, ropes, pulleys, and tripods to facilitate safe extraction. The retrieval system is an essential part of a safe rescue operation, ensuring responders can get to a victim and bring them back to safety without putting themselves at risk.

The reason this term is specific to rescue operations in confined spaces is that it emphasizes the importance of both securing the individual in distress and providing a safe means of lifting them to the surface. Other terms like "rescue gear" and "safety apparatus" are broader and can encompass a variety of equipment not solely designed for retrieval, while "entry support" does not specifically address the rescue aspect. Thus, the focus on rescue operations makes "retrieval system" the most appropriate term in this context.