Gradient Resistance

WHAT IS GRADIENT RESISTANCE?

The resistance associated with gravity acting on a casualty’s entire static weight. As a casualty is on a grade and is being pulled, the gradient resistance will increase depending upon the degree of the grade.

ASCENDING A GRADE

When a casualty is pulled up a grade, a percentage of the casualty’s total static weight is then ADDED to the surface resistance.

DESCENDING A GRADE

When a casualty is pulled down a grade, a percentage of the casualty’s total static weight is then SUBTRACTED to the surface resistance.

RESISTANCE PROBLEM

What is the surface resistance to be overcome if a winching method is employed?