Rescue knots are the essential ropework of firefighters and search-and-rescue (SAR) teams, used to move people safely on rope, often over a cliff, down a shaft, or out a high window. Everything starts from a solid anchor. A Tensionless Hitch wraps the rope multiple times around a tree or beam so friction, not the knot, holds the load, keeping the rope near full strength. Where a fixed attachment is needed, a Figure Eight Loop makes a strong loop that still unties after a heavy pull. To bring a victim up or down, the Fireman's Chair forms two locking loops that cradle the chest and knees, turning a plain rope into an improvised rescue seat. A Munter Hitch lowers a load, and a Munter Mule locks it so a rescuer can work hands-free, while a Prusik grips the rope in a hauling system and catches the load if it slips. Because a life is on the line, every knot is tied, checked, and backed up before any weight goes on the rope. The top fire and rescue knots are listed below.
Alpine Butterfly
Secure loop in the middle of a rope.
Alpine Butterfly (Hand Method)
Secure loop in the middle of a rope.
Bowline
Relatively secure fixed loop at the end of a rope.
Bowline on a Bight
Secure double loop in the middle of a rope.
Clove Hitch
Secure a rope to a post or spar.
Clove Hitch (Two Loop)
Attach a rope to a carabiner without access to ends.
Double Bight Figure Eight
Two secure loops in the middle of a rope.
Double Fisherman's Knot
Securely join two ropes of similar size, often used in climbing.
Double Overhand Knot
Reliable, bulky stopper knot at the end of a rope.
Figure Eight
Simple stopper knot preventing rope from slipping through belay device or hole.
Figure Eight Bend
Securely joins two ropes, often used in climbing and rescue operations.
Figure Eight Follow Through
Secure loop knot used to tie a rope to a harness or anchor.
Figure Eight Loop
Secure, fixed loop at the end of a rope.
Fireman's Chair
Makeshift rescue harness with two adjustable, lockable loops.
Fireman's Coil
Coil and store rope neatly, with a loop for easy hanging.
Gasket Coil
Neatly store rope or cords, preventing tangles for easy handling.
Handcuff Knot
Two adjustable loops used for rescue in tight spaces.
In-Line Figure Eight Loop
Secure, directional, load-bearing loop in the middle of a rope.
Klemheist
Directional friction hitch for ascending or descending on a rope.
Munter Hitch
Friction hitch for controlled descent or belaying in climbing and rescue.
Munter Mule
Lockable hitch for securing and releasing a loaded rope during rappelling.
Overhand Knot
Simple, single strand stopper knot.
Pedigree Cow Hitch
More secure variant of the Cow Hitch.
Poldo Tackle
Mechanical advantage tensioning system designed for rapid tightening or loosening.
Prusik
Bi-directional friction hitch used for ascending or descending on a rope.
Rethreaded Bowline
Double loop tie-in knot.
Scott's Locked Bowline
Secure tie-in knot for lead climbing and anchor systems.
Snap Bowline
Quick to tie, Relatively secure fixed loop.
Super Munter
High-friction hitch tied on a carabiner, ideal for lowering heavy loads.
Swiss Seat
Basic rappel harness fashioned using rope or webbing.
Tensionless Hitch
Strong, knot-free hitch for maximum rope strength and secure anchoring.
Timber Hitch
Simple knot for hauling timber, initiating lashings, and attaching bowstrings or guitar strings.
Voodoo Hitch
Adjustable tensioning hitch.
Water Knot
Join two ends of webbing.
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