Learning to prepare hauling systems for rope rescue

ABSTRACT Correct rope rescue techniques are critical for safey. These tasks can be anxiety provoking yet it is not clear how anxiety affects learning. An anxious environment was created by practising difficult skills at height. Participants practised preparing rope rescue hauling systems in a general classroom setting (Low practice group) or trained at a 14m height (High practice group). Retention tests to assess learning were completed one week later. All participants were tested at height and in the classroom. Movement time and a performance checklist were recorded. Perceived anxiety was measured with a Likert scale. Performance during practice was worse for the High practice group compared with the Low practice group. Perceived anxiety decreased with practice. During retention, anxiety was greater when performing at height. Movement time was longest for the complex system when performing at height. Training at height does not influence this effect.