Experience:
- I have been climbing indoors for 9 years. In my time I've seen many potential accident hazards, and a couple of accidents that actually happened. This has made me extremely vigilant and aware of potential hazards.
- As a mechanical engineer I understand rope and protection systems very well.
- I have completed NICAS 1 - 4. This means I have developed good habits from very qualified instructors.
- I am a Scouts Leader, so have experience and training in:
- Emergency first aid
- Writing risk assessments for outdoor activities
- Helping first-time climbers/participants through adventure activities safely
- Managing emergencies, thinking on my feet, ensuring safety when a situation suddenly becomes hazardous
- Helping/extracting individuals during panic attacks
- I have taught many climbers how to top-rope and lead climb safely, always ensuring that the safety basics and reasoning behind them are taught first.
- I am always cautious and think everything through before starting a climb or any dangerous activity
Anecdote (example):
My secondary school had a small climbing wall in the sports hall, and I helped out with the climbing society teaching students and also some of the teachers who wanted to become supervisors. One day a first-time climber was learning how to belay, and their climbing partner (10-20kg heavier) fell and the belayer got the webbing of his hand trapped in the atc. Luckily I had my prusik cord, so I attached myself to the rope above the belay, transferred my weight to the line, and the belayer couls remove his hand.