As part of being certified by the State of North Carolina as a Heavy Rescue Department we must train for any incident that we may be called too. On November 20, 2013 the on-duty crew conducted low angle rescue training. The scenario was a victim had fallen over the edge of a cliff or down a steep embankment.
The crew had to assemble the necessary equipment and repel down the embankment to the victim. Once at the victim the rescuers asses the victim's injuries and treat the victim on-site before removing the victim.
After moderate treatment the patient is removed using the stokes basket and a haul system to pull the victim and patient back to top of the embankment where EMS would take over patient care. Then both rescuers must be brought back to the surface using the same haul system.
These type incidents are considered "Low Frequency, High Hazard" incidents because they do not happen regularly. It is important that these type incidents as well as other low frequency incidents are practice several times a year so that rescuers skills are sharp and they are ready to react to any emergency that they face.
