Life Support Rated Knots

For life support situations, particularly in rescue scenarios or climbing, the Bowline and the Prusik knots are highly regarded for their reliability and ease of use.

The Bowline:

Creates a secure, fixed loop at the end of a rope, making it ideal for attaching a lifeline, securing a person to an anchor, or creating a rescue loop. 

Easy to tie and untie, even under load, which is crucial in emergency situations. Known as the "King of Knots": due to its versatility and strength.

The Prusik:

A friction hitch that slides freely when not weighted but grips tightly when loaded.
Used in climbing for ascending ropes, creating a self-belay system, or as a backup safety knot.
Essential for rescue situations where a secure and adjustable grip on a rope is needed. 

Other knots that can be valuable in life-support situations include:

Sheet Bend:

Useful for tying together two ropes of different sizes or materials, which can be helpful in constructing improvised anchors or securing a rescue line. 

Double Fisherman's Knot:

Used as a backup knot or in rescue operations where a very strong connection is needed.

Figure-8:

A stopper knot that prevents rope from slipping off the end, useful for anchoring a safety line or securing a climbing rope.

In essence, the Bowline and Prusik are strong contenders for life support applications due to their strength, reliability, and ease of use in emergency scenarios.

---