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As part of our
yearly training curriculum, the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company
annually exercises our high-angle rescue capabilities beginning
with an evening classroom review of equipment and skills
followed by a half-day practical drill. Usually held at the hang
glider launch alongside the Heublein Tower Trail on top of
Talcott Mountain, this year's drill was held on July 15, 2006.
Skills such as
selecting and constructing proper anchor points and systems,
belaying techniques, rappelling, and hoisting rescuers and
victims are all practiced. A mock rescue using a loaded Stokes
basket is part of the day's evolutions.
Simsbury was
pleased to have members from Canton Fire & EMS participate this
year. Canton is working on establishing their own rope rescue
capabilities.
Captain Randy Chesanek briefs the group regarding setting the life lines and their associated systems and observing several safety considerations. Captain Marc Jacobs begins to establish one of several anchor systems for the day's evolutions. Lieutenant Todd Myers and Firefighter Chris Lilley work to manage the six lines utilized for the Stokes basket evolution. Lowered in a vertical position to avoid snagging, the lines must be changed-over so that the basket is hoisted in the horizontal position. Chris Lilley switches from a Figure-Eight descender to a pulley so he can be hoisted with the basket. Starting the ascent with the mock victim. View from the forest floor. Mike Brown escorts Fred Gordon down the rock face. Todd Myers is hauled back to the top. Juniors who advance to Regular membership begin to receive training in the needed skills. Todd Myers prepares Addison Brown for his first decent. Lieutenant Todd Myers instructs Firefighter Addison Brown on proper rappelling technique. Chief James Baldis and Lieutenant Todd Myers help Chief Mike Krupa from Canton Fire & EMS prepare for his decent. Junior Firefighter Colby Esthus ties-off a belay line. Firefighter Mike Brown inspects a life line for wear.
Captain Randy Chesanek briefs the group regarding setting the life lines and their associated systems and observing several safety considerations.
Photographs
by Cliff Williams
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