we'd begun training using a piece of Webbing and A single "Biner" to flip a seat harness together in a pinch so with Good practice and a locking biner would generally keep you safe I think I am the only one of my crew who didnt end up burning down a rope.. we used a few ledges and rick outcropping as well as the Hose tower on occasion, no one Died either eventually we collectively took a course out of state in the mountains doing rescue from heights and became certified Our Local Rescue company began as a Civil defense style and the group that was certified added another + to the overall rescue's resume' while Installing a new Railroad River crossing bridge one of the workers fell about 80 feet into the cofferdam and we got the call to set up a system to remove him for Medical assistance... so thats how I began wearing a carabiner off my coat for wasy access.... dont try this at home learn the safe way !!