The Fireman’s Chair Knot forms two adjustable loops at the opposing ends in the middle of the rope.
This might remind you of the Handcuff knot. Well, they are related!
The Fireman’s chair is just an extension of it with a locking Half hitch added around each loop for security.
It is one of the popular knots that is built for rescue situations when you need to hoist or lower someone.
Let’s learn it in detail.
Fireman’s Chair Knot Details
Type: Loop Knot
Other Names: Chair Knot, Man O’ War Sheepshank
ABoK Reference: #1140
How to Tie a Fireman’s Chair Knot Step by Step
- Make two loops in the middle of the rope.
- Place two loops over each other.
- Pull the ropes in the opposite direction.
- Add a half-hitch knot around the loops.
- Tighten the knot.
Common Mistakes
The common mistake when tying this knot is accidentally creating the Tom Fool’s knot instead of the Fireman’s Chair Knot.
This happens if you mess up at step no 2 and don’t overlap the loops in the right order.
While the Tom Fool’s knot also makes two loops, they are not interlocked like the Fireman’s chair.
This makes it weaker and harder to tighten.
Application and Uses
It is popularly used as a rescue harness that provides support to the person while hoisting and lowering to safety.
Its two loops have different functions:
- One loop supports the person’s upper body, under the arms
- The other loop supports the legs, under the knees.
One end of the rope is used for lowering and the other lets you control the position of the descent.
It can also be used for a lateral pull. This can come in handy to pull something like a dead body or a carcass.
Note: The Fireman’s chair is just a makeshift harness to be used when the standard rescue gear is not available.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to tie
- Both loops can be adjusted as per the requirements before you lock in with the Half hitch
- Can be tied in the bight
Cons
- Not the most secure knot
Other Similar Knots
French Bowline
The French Bowline can be used as an alternative to the Fireman’s chair knot.
It’s great for rescue situations where you need to make a temporary Bosun’s chair to hoist or lower the unconscious person.
One loop supports the person’s chest under his arms and the other works as a seat.
The person’s weight keeps the knot tight and prevents it from slipping.
Spanish Bowline
The Spanish Bowline is a double loop knot used as an emergency sling to lift a person.
For a conscious person, each loop goes around a leg and the person holds onto the standing part of the rope.
If you are lifting an unconscious person, one loop is placed around the armpits, against their chest and the other goes around the knees.
It’s less secure than the Fireman’s chair Knot.
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