Fire, Search & Rescue (SAR) Knots

How to tie search, rescue (SAR) and fire service knots.

Fire, Search & Rescue (SAR) Knots

Fire, Search & Rescue (SAR) Knots

Alpine Butterfly

Alpine Butterfly

Secure loop in the middle of a rope.

Alpine Butterfly (Hand Method)

Alpine Butterfly (Hand Method)

Secure loop in the middle of a rope.

Relatively secure fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Bowline on a Bight

Bowline on a Bight

Secure double loop in the middle of a rope.

Secure a rope to a post or spar.

Clove Hitch (Two Loops)

Clove Hitch (Two Loops)

Attach a rope to a carabiner without access to ends.

Double Bight Figure Eight

Double Bight Figure Eight

Two secure loops in the middle of a rope.

Double Fisherman's Knot

Double Fisherman's Knot

Securely join two ropes of similar size, often used in climbing.

Double Overhand Knot

Double Overhand Knot

Reliable, bulky stopper knot at the end of a rope.

Simple stopper knot preventing rope from slipping through belay device or hole.

Figure Eight Bend

Figure Eight Bend

Securely joins two ropes, often used in climbing and rescue operations.

Figure Eight Follow Through

Figure Eight Follow Through

Secure loop knot used to tie a rope to a harness or anchor.

Figure Eight Loop

Figure Eight Loop

Secure, fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Fireman's Chair

Fireman's Chair

Makeshift rescue harness with two adjustable, lockable loops.

Coil and store rope neatly, with a loop for easy hanging.

Neatly store rope or cords, preventing tangles for easy handling.

Two adjustable loops used for rescue in tight spaces.

In-Line Figure Eight Loop

In-Line Figure Eight Loop

Secure, directional, load-bearing loop in the middle of a rope.

Directional friction hitch for ascending or descending on a rope.

Friction hitch for controlled descent or belaying in climbing and rescue.

Lockable hitch for securing and releasing a loaded rope during rappelling.

Simple, single strand stopper knot.

Pedigree Cow Hitch

Pedigree Cow Hitch

More secure variant of the Cow Hitch.

Mechanical advantage tensioning system designed for rapid tightening or loosening.

Bi-directional friction hitch used for ascending or descending on a rope.

Rethreaded Bowline

Rethreaded Bowline

Double loop tie-in knot.

Scott's Locked Bowline

Scott's Locked Bowline

Secure tie-in knot for lead climbing and anchor systems.

Quick to tie, Relatively secure fixed loop.

High-friction hitch tied on a carabiner, ideal for lowering heavy loads.

Basic rappel harness fashioned using rope or webbing.

Tensionless Hitch

Tensionless Hitch

Strong, knot-free hitch for maximum rope strength and secure anchoring.

Simple knot for hauling timber, initiating lashings, and attaching bowstrings or guitar strings.

Adjustable tensioning hitch.

Join two ends of webbing.