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The Simsbury
Volunteer Fire Company holds a mountain rescue drill annually.
Normally it is held on Talcott Mountain along the Hueblein Tower
Trail at the clearing used by hang gliders. Simsbury has had to
make many rescues of hang gliders and hikers along this trail
over the years. This drill was held on October 21, 2001.
After concluding
the evolutions for the day, members must then properly care for
all equipment. Lifelines are removed from their bags and
inspected for wear, then cleaned and stored so that they may
properly dry. Other equipment such as carabiners, pulleys and
anchor straps are inspected and inventoried to ensure readiness.
Looking south through the Farmington Valley. Visible are Tower Ridge Country Club, Rosedale's Farm and the Farmington River. Simulating a victim rescue. It takes considerable manpower and team work to simultaneously handle the four lines needed for this retrieval. Lt. Randy Chesanek, Capt. Len Mathiason and Chief Mike Jepeal observe the hoist operation. So that the vertical to horizontal transition can be negotiated with ease, the basket is turned and the belay line becomes the hoist. Firefighter Todd Myers successfully brings the simulated victim back to the top. A Tensionless Hitch secures this rappel line to the
anchor point. Friction is what secures this line to the tree, not the carabiner and knot. On the left, a Munter Hitch is used as a brake on a belay line. Firefighters stand ready for the signal to hoist the rescuer. A Figure 8 is used as the brake on this belay line. A tarp serves an equipment drop. There is always time at the end of the day for a group photograph. After the day's evolutions, there is still work to be done. All lifeline must be visually and
tactilely inspected. Lifeline which does not pass the inspection criteria is removed from service. This line is showing a considerable amount of wear. A final step in caring for all lifeline is to wash it and then store it in a manner which allows it to properly dry.
Looking south through the Farmington Valley. Visible are Tower Ridge Country Club, Rosedale's Farm and the Farmington River.
Photographs
courtesy of Ken Boudreau
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