Heavy REMS caches slow you down. Lightweight systems save lives.
We sat down with Brian from Prevail Rescue Solutions to break down what actually makes REMS teams effective on wildland fires: minimalist rope systems, anchorcraft under pressure, and prolonged field care that holds up through a cold, sleepless night.
Why train in anchor-poor Utah canyons? No trees. No bolts. You learn to ghost canyons, trust retrievable anchors, and move with intention. When fire wipes a ridge clean and you still need to get down, package, and move—that training pays off.
What we cover:
Level One Fundamentals
Totem rack versatility and VT prusik magic
Compact pulleys where each piece does multiple jobs
Anchorcraft in terrain with nothing to work with
Retrievable anchors and creative rigging
Level Two Reality Check
9-hour night scenario with live patients that reset our understanding of pace
Pain meds, hypothermia prevention, pressure relief, fluids, documentation
Curveballs: canceled air, shifting RV points, systems that held (or didn't)
Patient perspective—every bump in a sked has consequences
Gear That Works
Class two harnesses win in the mountains
Skeds beat Stokes for speed and manpower
Chest rigs and integrated helmets keep radios, maps, and lights accessible
Capability over checklists: meet technician JPRs with tested, interoperable gear
Standards & The Future
NFPA's caveat on mountain and cave rescue matters
Educating divisions early about what REMS can (and can't) do
Hotshot self-rescue potential and early engagement
Where FireScope and NWCG guidance may shift next
The Bottom Line:
Think speed, not bulk. Build REMS teams that move fast, think clearly, and treat the patient like the mission. We're challenging old assumptions with data, principles, and training that rewards results over part counts.
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Find Prevail Rescue Solutions here:
www.prevailrescue.com
[00:00:00] Comfort Vs Capability In Real Rescue
[00:05:10] Minimal Kits And Anchorcraft Mindset
[00:12:00] Nine-Hour Night Scenario Lessons
[00:19:05] Totem Rack Philosophy And VT Prusik
[00:26:20] Depriving Gear To Force Problem-Solving
[00:33:20] Helmets, Chest Rigs, And Interop Lessons
[00:40:45] Hotshot Self-Rescue And First-On-Scene
[00:49:20] Skeds Over Stokes And Lightweight Mobility
[00:55:20] Where REMS Is Heading And Policy Shifts
[01:00:20] From Specs To Capability-Based Standards