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Chapter 9 Knots and Ropes 159

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

FIGURE 9.18 Tying a square knot first throw.

FIGURE 9.19 Properly tied square knot.
FIGURE 9.20 Reefer’s knot – bring the bight through as the second
throw.
TIP BOX 9.1
Remember: “right over left, left over right” or “left over have a length of rope that can be used to tie the body
right, right over left” when tying a square knot. The key is part to another to secure it out of the way. Never tie a
to remember which end was used to make the first throw body part to an inanimate object unless using a halter or
and to continue to use that end to make the second throw! collar.
2. Place the left end over the right end, forming
another X and make another throw. This restores it Reefer’s Knot
as the right end again (Figure 9.18c). Pull the ends The reefer’s knot is based on the square knot and is tied
and standing parts tight (Figure 9.18d). like a square knot but uses a bight made in one of the
strands to provide a quick release. It would be similar to
A non‐slipping noose forms that does not tighten or
loosen if tension is applied to the ends or standing parts. tying a shoelace with only one bow.
1. Make the first throw as described for the square
To check that you have tied it correctly, grasp both ends knot. Before making the second throw, make a
and part of the loop closest to the knot and push them bight in the left end and wrap that around the right
toward the knot. You should see two interconnected end (Figure 9.20).
loops (Figure 9.19). 2. Tighten the knot by pulling the bight one way and the
If you are tying this around a patient’s body, make one end the other. This makes a one‐loop bow. To untie
end shorter than the other so that when you finish, you the knot, pull on the end of the bow (Figure 9.21).