What should be inspected before and after use in a rescue operation?

In a rescue operation, it is crucial to inspect all components, including the descender, descent line, snap hooks, and carabiner, before and after use. This thorough inspection is essential to ensure the safety and reliability of the equipment, as any single component that is damaged or malfunctioning can lead to catastrophic failure during a rescue.

The descender is responsible for controlling the descent speed, while the descent line must be free of frays or weaknesses to support the weight of the individual being rescued. Snap hooks and carabiners are critical for securing connections and must be checked for proper functionality to prevent unintentional disengagement or failure during operation. Each of these elements plays a vital role in the overall integrity of the rescue operation, and failure to inspect any one of them could lead to serious consequences.

Inspecting all components aligns with best practices for safety and risk management in rescue situations, making it imperative to carry out these checks diligently.