What Is The LEZARD?
The LEZARD is a niche product, but not one that goes unnoticed. Designed as a helivac lanyard, the LEZARD is intended to make drop-off and pick-off phases more efficient and stable.
July 12 2022
Technical rescue
Along the Las Vegas strip, the High Roller is something to behold. The 550’ tall and 520’ wide ferris wheel isn’t your typical county fair ride. Now, imagine needing a rescue from one of the 28 cabins, which can hold up to 40 people. This May, the Las Vegas Metro Police Department and Search & Rescue team practiced this scenario. A crucial part of Petzl’s LEZARD heli-lanyard is an adjustable arm, which can be instantly ejected to free not only the victim and rescuer, but also the helicopter, to avoid it from being anchored to the cliff face. This ensures that, in case of an emergency, the helicopter can rapidly depart.
Las Vegas Metro Police Department training on the High Roller in Las Vegas, NV.
The LVMPD SAR team has seven full-time members alongside many dedicated volunteers. John Thayer, a full-time member and trained LEZARD specialist, said training was conducted at a nearby state park and in the concrete playground of Las Vegas. Scott Province, a retired Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Captain and big proponent of the helivac lanyard said, “it was a very successful training day with multiple operations going on at the same time.” Petzl was honored to be part of the event.
Dr. John Anson with the LVMPD SAR and Sgt. Chris LeBlanc of LVMPD SAR using the LEZARD
“The LEZARD worked perfectly for the scenario, and we were able to extract six people successfully. Three from the 12 o’clock pod and three from the 9 o’clock pod. Las Vegas Fire & Rescue then extracted fourteen people from the 3 o’clock position to safety on the ground,” said Province.
Due to the specificity of the LEZARD helivac lanyard, training on product-use is mandatory, through Petzl or a certified body. Learn more about the LEZARD at petzl.com and course sign up at petzlsolutions.com.
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