Book excerpt: The CMC Rope Rescue Technician Manual is the standard text for many fire departments, rescue teams and training programs across the country. The sixth edition reflects the latest advances in technology, equipment and procedures available to rescue professionals. Its concise style clearly sequences and describes the elements of rope rescue in a way that is both detailed and easy to understand. Well-drawn diagrams depict each recommended stage of rope rescue operations. The result is a very useful tool for rescue professionals at every skill level. CMC has been an innovator in the emergency services industry for over 40 years. In 1978 Jim Frank endeavored to make rescue safer and more efficient by founding California Mountain Company (later CMC Rescue, now CMC), a company that sourced and supplied specialized life safety equipment to the rescue community. Today, CMC is a globally recognized, employee-owned company that proudly manufactures many products in our ISO-certified Santa Barbara facility, and provides specialized education and training for rescue and rope access professionals. CMC recommends that all rope technicians seek qualified, hands-on instruction from a trusted source. The CMC School provides this type of training with a focus on learning-by-doing. Open enrollment and custom courses are available worldwide. For more information on CMC or the CMC School, visit cmcpro.com.