Controlled Descent – Rope Descent System Training
**REGISTRATION IS FULL – PLEASE SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO JOIN OUR WAITLIST**
PRESENTED BY:
January 7-8, 2025
Led by Doug Stephenson, Owner/CEO of Vertical Consult
McAlister Auditorium – Furman University | 3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29613
This workshop provides hands-on training in rope access, fall protection, and rescue techniques, focusing on mastering safety equipment and controlled descent systems. Participants will learn essential skills for working at height.
Included:
- Morning coffee and light snacks
- Catered lunch
- Event tee shirt and swag bag
what gear do i need?:
We strongly recommend that all participants bring their own harness and helmet; however, if you do not have your own, we will provide you with gear for the duration of the workshop. All other gear will be provided.
Curriculum:
View full syllabus here.
Instructor:
Doug Stephenson
Owner/CEO of Vertical Consult
Doug Stephenson joined the fire service in 1991. Throughout his career he served urban, suburban and rural communities with paid, combination and volunteer organizations. Doug retired in 2018, having spent his professional career in metro Atlanta and Northwest Georgia, obtaining rank as a Lieutenant, Captain and Assistant Chief of Operations. He has an extensive background in specialized rescue training and made significant contributions to the development and implementation of the Technical Rescuer series of classes for the State of Georgia Technical Rescue Program. Doug has numerous Pro Board certifications including Fire Instructor III, rope rescue, trench rescue, structural collapse rescue, confined space entry and rescue, cave rescue specialist and formerly as a NAEMT-Paramedic for 25 years. He was selected as a Task Force Leader in 1998 in response to the Florida wildfire disaster and again in 2005 as a search manager for the Katrina Hurricane response in New Orleans. Doug has many years of experience working at height. His credentials in the work at height industry include Telecommunications Competent Climber/Rescuer, SPRAT and IRATA Level III rope access certifications, and he is an OSHA Authorized Trainer in Construction Safety. He has performed construction, maintenance and inspection on bridges, dams, telecommunication towers, wind turbines, high-rise buildings and stadiums. As a work at height trainer, Doug was instrumental in implementing unique training concepts and practices that lead to his involvement in teaching industry professionals and emergency responders throughout North America as well as in Europe and the Middle East. From 2004-2018, Doug was selected as a principal member of a National Fire Protection Association committee where he worked to improve standards on rope rescue equipment, swiftwater and technical rescue protective ensembles. He continues to participate in several work-at-height standards committees and is often sought by rope and equipment manufacturers in research and development of new products. Since 1997, Doug has been asked to teach annually at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) hands-on training session where he is responsible for development and delivery of a variety of programs in technical rescue and fireground operations.
Schedule:
January 7th
Check-In: 8:30AM
Workshop: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM with an hour break for a catered lunch
January 8th
Workshop: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM with an hour break for a catered lunch
Registration fees:
Students: $600 | Adults: $650
Registration will close on Dec. 2 (midnight 11:59 p.m. ET)
location:
McAlister Auditorium
Furman University
3300 Poinsett Hwy.
Greenville, SC 29613
Attendees are responsible for their own housing accommodations.
READ TERMS AND CONDITIONS HERE
Upon completion of this form, we will email you a secure link within 1-2 business days to pay your registration fee.
Have questions before registering? Contact the event coordinator here.
FAQs
If you can’t find the answers to your questions here, please contact us.
I don’t have the gear required to participate in the workshop. Can I still sign up?
Yes! Personal harnesses and helmets are encouraged, but not required. All gear will be provided.
Will participants receive a certificate or any form of recognition upon completing the workshop?
Yes, upon the completion of the workshop attendees will receive a certificate of participation.
What is the cancellation policy for registered participants?
Please read our cancellation policy here.
Is there a limit to the number of participants, and if so, how will registration be handled once the limit is reached?
We can accommodate a maximum of 20 students for this workshop. Once that limit has been met, you will be able to add your name to a wait list in case a spot becomes available.
Two business day have passed and I never received the secure link to pay, what do I do?
First, confirm that you are checking the inbox of the email address you registered with. Next, check the spam or junk folder of your email. If the email isn’t there, please email megan@puisc.com to request that the pay link be resent.
