Whether it is to ensure you have the skills necessary to ensure the safety of you and your fellow climbers, or if you are looking to progress towards a career as a guide or leader, the Vertical Rescue Course is a must!

You’re three pitches up Mt Tibrogargan when you hear the unmistakable whirr of rockfall. Your partner cries out. The rope goes tight. They don’t respond to your voice. You’re 100m above the ground with an unconscious lead climber. What do you do?

It doesn’t matter whether you’re climbing or abseiling, on bolts or on gear, 20 or 200 metres off the deck - the vertical environment is inherently risky. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get the training you need. Rescue techniques are crucial for each and every vertical enthusiast and this course is tailored specifically to the individual needs of trainees, no matter what their chosen adventure might be. Accidents happen, but the knowledge and skills you learn throughout the Vertical Rescue course are the key to confidence in our amazing outdoor playgrounds.

Check out our vertical rescue course video here!

2026 DATES 

April 13, 14, 15, 16, 17

September 6, 12, 13, 19, 20

Note: You only need to book into the first date of the course, which will automatically enrol you for the entire 5 days.

None of the dates work for you? Private bookings can be arranged on request. Contact us for a quote and to organise a date to suit you. 

SESSION TIMES AND LOCATIONS

The Vertical Rescue course runs for 5 days, either over 3 consecutive weekends, or 5 consecutive days (see specific course dates above). Sessions take place at both Kangaroo Point and Mt Ngungun in Glasshouse Mountains National Park. Except where indicated, Day 1, 2, 4 and 5 will run at Kangaroo Point, and Day 3 at Mt Ngungun. Please clear your diary and ensure that you can commit to the full course! 

Training can be arranged for alternate dates if the minimum group number of 4 trainees is met, so if you have a group and would like to make alternative arrangements, give us a call to arrange dates.

OUR INSTRUCTORS

Our awesome instructors are highly trained and accredited by PACI (Professional Association of Climbing Instructors). Put simply, they are subject matter experts. They’ll provide all the theory material you’ll need to get a firm understanding of the concepts you’ll learn, as well as ample opportunities for practical application. Don’t leave it to guesswork, get trained by the best.

Find out more about our instructors.

PREREQUISITES

Trainees must have previously completed the Top Rope course to undertake the Vertical Rescue course. Participants are expected to be competent with knots, top rope and abseil anchors, comfortable climbing/abseiling and can fit their own PPE.

Contact us if you have believe you have the skill set and have not completed this course and we can advise if this is possible.

COURSE CONTENT

The Vertical Rescue Course covers a range of rope mobility and rescue techniques in a scenario-based context. The training will be aimed at functional application to the trainee’s needs and aspirations, whether that is indoor or outdoor, lead climbing or abseiling, recreational or instructional.

The following skills will be taught and assessed throughout the course:

• Anchor Systems (revision only presumed prior knowledge)
• Ascending/descending a rope using prussics
• Descending with multiple device types
• Knot bypass
• Changing from a prussic to descending device
• Changing devices whilst on rope
• Changing from descending to ascending
• Changing to another rope whilst descending
• Locking off devices
• Applying extra friction to a descending device
• Transitioning through a reanchor/rebelay position from a fully suspended position
• Rescue a conscious person from above and below
• Rescue an unconscious person from above and below
• Use of a progress capture device
• Mechanical advantage systems (3:1, 5:1, 7:1 etc)
• Extricating a suspended patient
• Hauling
• How to carry a patient
• Making improvised harnesses

A Statement of Attainment is issued on successful completion - SISORSC002 Perform vertical rescues

WHAT TO BRING

Whilst all necessary gear is provided, we encourage you to bring your own if you have it – your instructor will check it out and let you know if it’s suitable to use. This is a great opportunity to become familiar with the equipment you will be using in your future adventures!

We recommend every trainee owns the following gear as a minimum:

• Harness
• Helmet
• Locking carabiners (at least 2)
• Belay device
• Personal anchor (Sling, PAS or Purcell Prussic)

Don’t know which type to buy? Come on down and chat with our gear gurus in the Kelvin Grove store. Make sure you mention that you’re enrolled on the Vertical Rescue course to score yourself a deal.

As well as the technical equipment, you’ll need a few other things to make the course run smoothly, so make sure you also bring the following:

• Non-restrictive clothing. Check the weather forecast to get an idea of the conditions.
• Enclosed footwear such as hiking boots or runners, sturdy enough to handle a rough trail
• A backpack big enough to carry all the necessary gear
• 2-3 litres of water, hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Your own food and snacks, full of energy to keep you happy and psyched!
• A pen and paper
• Your completed exams

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You’ll need a moderate amount of fitness to hike to the summit of Mt Ngungun, an hour walk carrying all the gear you need including ropes, carabiners and personal safety equipment.

WHY CHOOSE TEAM PINNACLE?

With more than 20 years of experience, Pinnacle Sports is South East Queensland’s leading provider of rock climbing and abseiling training. We work closely with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and other management organisations to ensure that our outdoor activities are fully permitted and environmentally sound. We maintain low instructor to participant ratios, meaning a better educational outcome for you. Here at Team Pinnacle, we love all things vertical and we’re dedicated to high quality training so that you can share our passion confidently and safely.

PRE-COURSEWORK PREPARATION

• PACI Exams MUST be completed, prior to the course start date and submitted to the instructor on the first morning of the course.
• PACI Study guides are sent with the booking confirmation and are available as a downloadable link. Study guides assist with the completion of the exams. Allow a day to complete the exams.
• Statements of attainment will not be issued unless exams are received completed
• Take some time to practice your knots (refer to course outline and Knots Study Guide)
• Ensure you have all the meeting times from your instructor (If you need to organise gear from your instructor let them know well in advance)
• Unique Student Identifier - Each participant will require a Unique Student Identifier  (USI). A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a reference number made up of numbers and letters that gives students access to their USI account. A USI will allow an individual's USI account to be linked to the National Vocational Education and Training (VET) Data Collection allowing an individual to see all of their training results from all providers including all completed training units and qualifications. The USI will make it easier for students to find and collate their VET achievements into a single authenticated transcript. It will also ensure that students' VET records are not lost.The USI will be is available online and at no cost to the student. This USI will stay with the student for life and be recorded with any nationally recognised VET course that is completed from when the USI comes into effect on 1 January 2015.  For more details, please refer to this page. A statement of attainment will not be issued unless we have received a USI. If you have a valid USI please advise at time of booking. If you require a USI, click here to create one (this should take about 5 mins)
• Language, Literacy and Numeracy Prerequisites - To comply with government reporting, all students must complete the LLN (Language, literacy and numeracy) self-assessment questionnaire. The LLN form is sent at the time of booking. Return the completed form within 1 week of booking onto the course. This is to ascertain if further assistance is required or not.

THE FINE PRINT

• Participants must be at least 15 years of age
• Participants must be fit and healthy for climbing at the time of the course
• Participants must be able to speak, and understand the English language. This requirement is stipulated on the grounds of safety at height
• Participant must complete an LLN self-assessment questionnaire to be handed in prior to course commencement
• Participant must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) number
• Statement of Attainment certificate will be sent electronically
• This activity is subject to minimum and maximum numbers to run. In the event that the minimum number of participants are not available, the activity may be rescheduled. A decision is made the week prior to the activity.
  
• Bookings must be made 2 weeks in advance. Electronic Study materials and paper exams will be sent after payment is received.
• Spectators are required to attend the safety briefing
• All spectators under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied and supervised by an adult

Please ensure that you are aware of our full terms and conditions including our cancellation policy before booking.