EVAC Systems Charlotte Throw Bag | Field Manual & SOP

How to Guides - Product Field Manual SOPs - Luminary Global

EVAC Systems Charlotte Throw Bag | Field Manual & SOP

Category: Climbing Rope Bags

Difficulty Level: Tier 4: Professional or Advanced Training Required

Complete Field Manual - FREE

Download the official step-by-step PDF guide.

📥 Download PDF Guide

Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The EVAC Systems Charlotte Throw Bag (EP400C) is a buoyant, high-visibility lifeline deployment system used in swiftwater and flood rescue operations by trained Fire, SAR, and Law Enforcement marine personnel to establish a rope connection with a victim in dynamic water.

The EP400C is built around a 1,000 Denier Cordura bag body housing a 75-foot buoyant water rescue rope stuffed for tangle-free payout. Its integrated foam flotation disc, sewn into the bag bottom, ensures the bag remains on the surface as a grabbable target even when the line goes slack or sweeps into an eddy. This design gives the system a critical tactical advantage in turbulent water where a standard rope would submerge and become unreachable. External elastic loops accept a standard chemlight, converting the bag into an illuminated projectile for low-light and night operations.

Deployment follows a three-phase protocol: preparation and staging, execution of throw, and post-throw management. During staging, the rescuer verifies rope load, activates a chemlight if conditions require, anchors the rescuer's end to a fixed point or quick-release harness, and fully opens the drawstring. During the throw, the operator aims past and slightly upstream of the victim, allowing the current to carry the rope into the victim's grasp. Post-throw, the victim is instructed to place the rope over the shoulder and across the chest, and the rescuer executes a pendulum or vector pull to bring the victim to calmer water.

Readiness requires monthly inspection of the bag body stitching, foam flotation disc integrity, hardware function, and full-length rope condition. After each deployment in contaminated floodwater, the bag and rope must be rinsed with fresh water, air dried out of direct sunlight, and repacked by stuffing continuously from one end with the rescuer's end positioned at the top for immediate access.

Field Application Steps

1. CONFIRM ROPE LOAD: Verify the bag is loaded with 75 feet of buoyant water rescue rope, stuffed continuously from one end with no coils, twists, or knots. Confirm the rescuer's end is accessible at the top of the bag and is not knotted inside.

2. PREPARE FOR LOW-LIGHT CONDITIONS: If operating at dusk, night, or in reduced visibility, activate a high-intensity chemlight and firmly insert it into the external elastic loops on the bag body to create an illuminated projectile visible to both rescuer and victim.

3. ESTABLISH RESCUER ANCHOR: Move to a stable position with clear, secure footing at the deployment point. Anchor the rescuer's end of the rope to a fixed object, belay line, or load-rated quick-release harness. Never tie the rope directly to a rescuer without a quick-release mechanism in the system.

4. OPEN DRAWSTRING CLOSURE: Fully loosen the drawstring on the bag opening to create an unobstructed exit path for the rope during deployment. A partially closed drawstring will impede payout and compromise throw accuracy.

5. ESTABLISH VICTIM CONTACT: Make verbal and visual contact with the victim before throwing. Use clear, loud commands: "ROPE! I AM THROWING YOU A ROPE! GRAB THE BAG!" Confirm the victim is aware and oriented toward you.

6. GRIP AND AIM: Grip the bag firmly in your throwing hand and take a handful of rope from the bag opening in your non-throwing hand. Aim your throw past the victim and slightly upstream so the current carries the rope across the victim's position into their grasp.

7. EXECUTE THE THROW: Deploy using a smooth, controlled underhand or overhand throw. Follow through fully on release and allow the rope to pay out freely from the bag without restriction.

8. INSTRUCT THE VICTIM: Once the victim has the bag or rope, direct them to place the rope over their shoulder and across their chest. This position prevents the current from pulling them underwater while under tension.

9. EXECUTE PENDULUM OR VECTOR PULL: Do not pull the victim directly against the current. Use a pendulum or vector pull at a ferry angle to swing the victim laterally toward calmer water or the shoreline.

10. RECOVER AND REPACK ON A MISSED THROW: If the throw does not reach the victim, immediately retrieve the rope hand over hand. Re-stuff rapidly with no twists or knots, reopen the drawstring fully, and execute a second throw without delay.

Equip Yourself: EVAC Systems Charlotte Throw Bag – Buoyant Rope Bag (Holds 75’)

Ensure you have the right gear before an emergency strikes.

View Product

LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.