St. Marys Fire Department performs low angle rescue training exercise

Last week, the St. Marys Fire Department conducted low angle rope rescue training off a steep embankment in an old quarry.

Low angle rescues are performed when a slope is too steep for rescuers to safely carry someone without the use of ropes and other equipment. The training scenario imagined that a man had sustained a head injury when he tumbled down the embankment along the quarry.

The exercise involved sending a firefighter down the embankment with harnesses and a rope line to retrieve a 175-pound mannequin. The firefighter then provided reconnaissance and reports by radio regarding the nature of the man’s injury.

Based on the estimated weight of the victim, a 3:1 mechanical advantage pulley system was created and secured to the fire truck. The system allowed rescuers to pull the victim up the hill, distributing the weight so each firefighter would be carrying no more than 50 pounds.

Following the rescue, the firefighters reviewed each element of the exercise, critiquing their performance and noting the positives as well as items that may have been overlooked.

“Our goal is to practice every type of rescue at least twice a year,” said Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson. “In addition to low angle rescue, we conduct training exercises on ice/swift water rescues, vehicle extrication, structural search and rescue, and confined space rescues.”

Questions about the St. Marys Fire Department can be directed to randerson@town.stmarys.on.ca or 519-284-1752.

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Contact

Richard “Andy” Anderson | Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief
519-274-3939 | randerson@town.stmarys.on.ca