Why do rescue teams generally avoid using high lines?

Rescue teams often avoid using high lines primarily due to the potential to overload the equipment and anchors. High lines involve suspending a rope between two anchors at a height, which can create significant forces, especially during a rescue operation. If the anchors or equipment are not rated for the load they will experience, this could lead to catastrophic failures. Additionally, if the load is improperly distributed or the anchors are not adequately secured, the risk of collapse increases, which could jeopardize the safety of both the rescuers and the person being rescued.

To safely operate a high line, teams must consider weight limits, dynamic forces, and the stability of the anchors involved. The complexity of these factors contributes to a reluctance to utilize high lines unless absolutely necessary and only in situations where the risks can be effectively managed with appropriate training and equipment assessments. This caution is rooted in the principles of safety and risk mitigation that govern rescue practices.