Hibbing FD Develops Technical Rescue Program
January 22, 2007 — The Hibbing Fire Department took a major step forward in 2006 when it began training for technical rescue certification (NFPA 1006). NFPA 1006 covers rope rescue, as well as surface water rescue, vehicle and machinery rescue, confined space rescue, structural collapse rescue, and trench rescue. Under the direction of Captain Chris Petrack, crews were trained in rope rescue and confined space rescue. In addition, Hibbing Fire Chief Tony Pogorels has been working to make sure the department has the necessary rope rescue equipment which is carried on the department's rescue truck and aerial. Fire department officials told The Northland Fire Wire that putting together a technical rescue program is an expensive undertaking, but well worth it in the long run. To move the program even further, an Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grant is also in the works for the confined space gear. According to Chief Pogorels, the goal is to have the Hibbing Fire Department provide a regional rescue resource to the local mining industry as well as fire departments that may be in need of technical rescue during an incident. Training for the program is an ongoing process, and crews train as time permits. In addition to the technical rescue program, the Hibbing Fire Department is also capable or responding to Hazardous Materials incidents. Firefighters are trained to the technician level and maintain that standard through updated training every two years. They also train to the annual Haz Mat requirements set forth by OSHA.
In the pictures below, Hibbing firefighters are shown using the department's aerial apparatus and rope rescue techniques during the rescue of a construction worker from a trench near the Kahler Park Inn in Hibbing. The incident took place in 2005.
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