1--ROPE WORK
The elaborately engineered rope system shown here includes two double pulleys, 50 ft. of rope, and a block and tackle with a classic climbing knot called a prusik. "If it's not under tension it slides," explains Rollins. "If it is under tension, it grabs with a 5:1 mechanical advantage."

2--RESCUE LITTER
"Ending up in one of these means you have broken bones, spinal injuries or hypothermia," says Rollins. This Cascade Toboggan litter is light and tough, and equipped with a Plexiglas shield for the victim's head.

3--HARNESS, PLUS
Hanging from Rollins's harness are a belay device, carabiners, webbing, and steel ice screws used to anchor ropes to the mountain's flanks. Other gear includes an altimeter watch, a GPS unit, and a multi-channel radio that is normally set to a standard search-and-rescue frequency.

4--ON HIS BACK
Rollins's pack, which can weigh 70 pounds, typically carries an expanding avalanche probe, a shovel, water, food, extra clothing, a 150-ft. climbing rope and at least one ice ax. "They have to be easy-access," he says. "You want to take your ice ax out before you get into steep terrain."

WORDS FROM ON HIGH
"When the pager goes off, this feels like an extreme sport," says Rollins. "We're going to follow our plan, but stay ready to adjust to whatever Mother Nature throws at us."