An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or manned/unmanned personal flying device (PFD) may be used to deliver a deployable descent system to an elevated location at which people await rescue, such as people trapped in an upper story of a burning building. The UAV or PFD may be used to deliver the descent system, attach the descent system to the building, and deploy the descent system. After deployment, the descent system may be tensioned to prevent sway and facilitate descent. Standoffs may be installed or integrated into the descent system to provide for adequate handholds for descending individuals. Various equipment and methods used in such systems are described herein.