Big 8 Aluminum Rescue Descender

This big 8 aluminum rescue descender is a large figure 8 style device for controlled descents and lowering. The ears help keep the rope from forming a girth hitch, and the size suits larger rope diameters common in rescue.

How a rescue 8 works

Rope wraps through the large hole and around the neck, and friction controls the speed of the descent. The ears keep the rope from riding up and forming a girth hitch, and they give you a place to tie off.

In tree work, a rescue 8 shows up in aerial rescue kits and some lowering setups. It is simple and light, but it does not self-brake, so the operator must keep a brake hand on the rope at all times. See other options in ascent and descent.

Rescue 8s are also used for rappelling from a tie-in point when a climber needs to get down fast, or for lowering an injured climber with a team on the ground. They work best on ropes that fall within their sized range.

Safety and inspection

Life-support gear must meet the applicable standard (ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions), be inspected before every use, and be used only by trained climbers. Practice aerial rescue with a qualified trainer before you rely on it.

Check for grooves worn by the rope, sharp edges, cracks and any damage from drops. Aluminum wears faster than steel, so retire a device with deep grooves.

Store the descender in the rescue bag with clear labels and a set of instructions so anyone on the crew can find it fast. Train with it regularly so the setup is familiar if you ever need it on a real rescue.