Fireman's chair knot
A fireman's chair knot (or simply chair knot) is a knot tied in a bight forming two adjustable, lockable loops. The knot consists of a handcuff knot finished with a locking half hitch around each loop. The loops remain adjustable until the half hitches are tightened.
Tying the Fireman's Chair knot
- Tie a handcuff knot
- Take each end of the rope and add a half hitch at the base of each loop
Use
The knot was first introduced by the Victorian chief fire officer Eyre Massey-Shaw in 1876.
Made with suitable rope this knot can be used as a rescue harness capable of supporting a person while being hoisted or lowered to safety. One loop supports the body, around the chest and under the arms, and the other loop supports the legs, under the knees.
Tied towards the middle of a line, one end is used for lowering and the other end can serve as a tagline, to control the victim's position with respect to hazards during the descent. A snug fitting of this knot should restrain the victim, even if unconscious.
The fireman's chair can also be used to move a victim laterally when used as a part of a tensioned horizontal highline system.
The fireman's chair knot is a makeshift harness used when conventional rope rescue techniques are not available. It is rarely used by modern rescue teams.