Volunteers practice their rope rescue skills
On Thursday, May 28, Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Department personnel used ropes and stretchers to practice and teach low angle rope rescue at Rock Creek Highway 95. Pictured, from left, are Clyde Steed and Ben Allinger on the far left down the hill. Carrying the stretcher is front left: Mitchell Moseley. Wyatt Hanner is on the front right with Brad Lowther behind wearing the yellow helmet.
From left: Clyde Steed, Ben Allinger, Brad Lowther and Wyatt Hanner wait on the Rock Creek embankment for orders to continue the rope rescue training session.
Training opportunities are vital to keeping skills sharp. Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Department Firefighters practiced a rescue using ropes and a stretcher this past Thursday near Rock Creek. Pictured, from left, are Ron Hanner, Matt Cossalman, Andy Durette, Sandy Steinhagen and Wallace Nyberg.
Photos by TONIA BROOKS
BONNERS FERRY — On Thursday, May 28, the Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Department volunteers met to freshen up their rope rescue skills off of a steep embankment, adjacent to Highway 95.
The Hall Mountain Fire District, founded in 1979, covers Rock Creek North to the Canadian border, including Highway 95 and Highway 1; Westside Road from Ball Creek to the Canadian border; and the areas of Moyie River Road from Meadow Creek railroad crossing north to the Canadian border.
According to firefighter and emergency medical technician Sandy Steinhagen, the department practices low angle rope rescue techniques two times per year as a regular part of the department’s training routine.
Thursday’s training was near Rock Creek adjacent to Highway 95. While the training was in session, it appeared that there was an emergency issue at the area as drivers traveling by slowed to take a peek.
“This year, Matt Cossalman suggested that we add in another element, sending the medic team down with harnesses and a rope line in case the slope is too steep to safely treat a patient,” said Steinhagen. “We all really enjoy this training because it’s so multifaceted.”
Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Department can be contacted at 208-267-7375.
