This weekend more than 15 Fame firefighters and rescue technicians participated in a two-day training class at the WCFDTC. The class, Modern Technologies in Rope Rescue, was taught by Rescue2Training and focused on real-world ropes and rigging in the urban environment. Instructors Kelly Byrne and Rob Callahan work full-time at DCFD in Our Nation's Capital. FF Byrne is a Private on DCFD Rescue 2 and Chief Callahan is a Deputy Fire Chief in charge of more tha 500 FFs during a shift and was previously a LT on DCFD Rescue 2. Their vast experience using the Arizona Vortex Multipod, AZTEK Systems and CMC MPDs was invaluable. Thanks to grant funding received from the West Chester Rotary Club and the PA State Fire Commissioner's Grant program, Fame recently added these tools to our rope rescue equipment cache. Members attending included those with many years of experience and several new members. All learned a great deal and became much more proficient and comfortable with these new tools. Members became proficient rigging anchors using a new knot...THE BOWLINE!, learning several different ways of tying and different types of bowlines. We also trained on two-tensioned rope system belays using the MPDs, artificial high directional uses of the Arizona Vortex Multipod, rigging sideways A-Frames and monopod rigging. We finished with victim pick-offs and a two-rope offset evolution between two buildings at the training center. This class helped to strengthen our rope and rigging skills. We look forward to bringing Rescue2 Training back to the area again next year. Check out the pictures!
Knot tying review and practice.
Instructors Callahan (left) and Byrne (right) discuss force vectors on rope systems when using the Arizona Vortex Multipod.
Rigging the Sideways A-Frame.
Two-tensioned rope system using the CMC MPD
Rigging the Sideways A-Frame using the Arizona Vortex and AZTEK Systems.
FF Solecki and FF Talley operating the CMC MPDs.
Lt Beans loading the system before descending to pick-off the "victim".
Lt Beans "rescuing" FF Matthews, our "victim".
Lt Beans being moved from the Tower Building to the "victim" using a two-rope offset rope system.
Group shot after a great weekend of rope training with Rescue2Training.