CMC MPD....Versatility For Fire Department Rope Rescue Operations

Several months ago I decided to purchase several new pieces of rope rescue hardware for my volunteer firehouse.  By far, the CMC MPD(Multi-Purpose Device) has proved to be the most versatile hardware we have added to our equipment cache.  I’m not a salesman, nor am I getting any kind of kickback from CMC.  However, the CMC MPD has simplified our rigging and has removed many of the human error components from our rope rescue operations.  With that said, I still believe folks providing Rescue services should be proficient in more than one way to complete tasks and be able to work with more hardware than just a CMC MPD.

In Northern Virginia, much of our rope rescue work is based around lowering systems and haul systems.  We do not often(doesn’t mean we never do or will) utilize rappels to gain access during rescue operations. Utilizing lowering systems allows the member “on-rope” to focus solely on affecting the rescue and communicating with the patient and person working the edge versus managing the descent.  There are other devices on the market that are great for use in rope access work or rappelling, but not as efficient for fire department rope rescue work.  Also, consistent with most fire department rope rescue practices, we utilize two lines (main and belay) for rescue operations.

The CMC MPD model for ½” rope carries a NFPA 1983 General Use stamp for use as a descent control device, auxiliary/pulley, and becket.  Additionally, the CMC MPD has met the criteria set forth by the BCCTR for belay competency.  The cost of the CMC MPD is generally between $500-$600, making it one of the more expensive pieces of hardware on the market.  However, after using it several times and in several different applications, I believe the cost is well worth it.  The CMC is easily used as a descent control device, belay device, progress capture ratchet, high efficiency pulley, and a becket for additional pulleys.  I have posted two pictures below that show the equipment needed to change over from a lower to a haul or vice versa.  The picture on the left shows the equipment needed if using two CMC MPD’s.  The picture on the right shows the more traditional rope rescue equipment used to complete these tasks.  I think it’s pretty easy to see the versatility of the CMC MPD.

To truly grasp the operation of the CMC MPD, it’s best to get your hands on one and see for yourself.  With that said, this post is not intended to be a directive on the use of the CMC MPD but instead provide information on the CMC MPD.  There are several good videos on the internet from the folks at Rescue Response Gear that show the CMC MPD in action and the CMC website has the technical instructions.  Like most pieces of hardware, the rope must be loaded into the device correctly for the hardware to function properly.  The CMC MPD has a diagram on the back plate that very clearly shows how to do this.  I have included a picture below with the rope loaded and the diagram on the back plate.  As long as the rope is loaded properly, the parking brake is released, and the release handle is not inadvertently being activated, the CMC MPD should do whatever you want it to.  I have literally taught people how to competently use the CMC MPD in 5 minutes.  However, obviously the more times you put your hands on a piece of hardware, the better you will become at using it.

 

Some examples of how I have used the CMC MPD include: descent control device, ratchet pulley in a mechanical advantage haul system, attachment point for additional pulleys, belay device in haul and lowering systems, low angle scree, tensioning track lines, operating horizontal and vertical control lines, and a progress capture for a piggybacked system.  I’m sure there are several other uses out there that far more innovative folks than myself have utilized.

Hopefully those of you who provide rope rescue services get the opportunity to use the CMC MPD.  I do not think you will be disappointed with it’s performance and simplicity.  Periodically, I plan on posting informational pieces about various pieces of equipment that I feel are innovative and effective for use in the fire service.