Normally it’s Mocs basketball players who reach for great heights in McKenzie Arena, but this time it’s members of the Chattanooga Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue team as they practiced their high-angle rescue skills.
Chattanooga firefighters practice in McKenzie Arena
The team simulated what might happen to someone, such as a window washer, gets stranded outside a high-rise building and needs help getting down to safety.
Starting from a catwalk in the arena about 85 feet off the ground, one firefighter is lowered by rope to serve as the victim as his fellow team-members work out a plan to rescue him.
After getting all the ropes, pulleys and related gear in place, another firefighter is lowered from the catwalk to rescue the victim.
“We’re pleased to partner with the Chattanooga Fire Department to help them hone their skills and assist in making our city a safer place to live,” said Jim Pulliam, Manager of the UTC Office of Safety and Risk Management.
